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Criminal Lawyers in Toronto

A full-range service criminal defence law firm based in Toronto, with a strong knowledge of Canadian legal system and a long track record of successful outcomes.

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An Experienced Criminal Lawyer Committed to Delivering Winning Results

Costa Law is a full service criminal law firm in Toronto with experience in Criminal Defence and Family Law. Our criminal defence lawyers posses exceptional credentials that stand out for their commitment to client service. Our service minded approach has led Costa Law to be one of the most reliable law firms in Toronto. Creative thinking and a passion for practical solutions are reflected in all our work.
Costa Law provides a broad range of services including civil litigation, criminal litigation, real estate law, business law, labour and employment law, family law, immigration law, wills and estates law, and municipal matters. Our Toronto criminal defence lawyers are dedicated to navigating the complexities of criminal charges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality representation. With our team’s extensive experience and proven track record, you can trust Costa Law to be your advocate in achieving the best possible outcome.

Costa Law – Criminal Defence Team You Want In Your Corner

Costa Law’s Criminal Defence Team offers over 25 years of experience, delivering exceptional legal representation. Our collaborative approach sets us apart, as our lawyers combine expertise across practice areas such as real estate, business, immigration, and civil litigation. This multidisciplinary perspective allows us to craft tailored strategies that meet each client’s unique needs. Clients choose Costa Law for our proven track record, commitment to protecting your rights, and relentless pursuit of justice. We prioritize clear communication, ensuring you’re supported every step of the way. Trust Costa Law to be the strong advocate in your corner.

Have You Been Charged With A Criminal Offence?

If you or a loved one is arrested with a criminal offence, we understand that it’s likely to be an overwhelming experience. Hiring an experienced Toronto criminal lawyer will help make this challenging time as manageable as possible, while giving you the peace of mind of knowing that your rights are protected. It is important for you to know how to actively exercise your right to remain silent and to get in touch with your lawyer who will advise of the strategy recommended to move forward. We will thoroughly review your criminal case, explain your rights, and develop a robust defence strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

Hear It From Our Clients

Free at Last! (from ankle monitor)

Free at Last! (from jail for family reunion)

Short Bail Work on a Long List of Charges

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David Costa – Leading Toronto Criminal Lawyer

David Costa, the founder of Costa Law, has been a criminal defence lawyer for over three decades and has a broad range of experience in criminal defense litigation, including violent crimes, fraud, domestic assault, drug related offences, and driving under the influence. His commitment to his clients and passion for the law are reflected in his work and the culture of the firm. His unique ability to achieve effective results for all his clients makes Mr. Costa one of the top criminal lawyers in Toronto.

Why Us?

  • Over 25 years of specializing in various criminal offences
  • A proven track record of successfully achieving favorable outcomes
  • Expertise across multiple legal areas
  • Dedicated to prioritizing client needs
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Criminal Law Practice Areas

Bail Hearing & Bail Reviews

If you or a loved one has been denied bail, don’t be discouraged. The accused can seek a bail review to revoke the decision by showing that the circumstances have changed or that the judge made a legal error. Proving these requires experience in bail hearings. If a mistake in law occurred, bail may be granted, but the Crown can still request a review to keep the accused in custody. It’s essential to have a skilled lawyer who will protect your rights throughout the process.

Break & Enter

An individual may be accused of ‘break and enter’ if they enter a place with intent to commit an indictable offence, facing up to 10 years or life imprisonment. Charges can apply even if no force was used, such as walking through an open door. The accused may not have intended theft but could still face charges for illegal entry. Break and enter is a serious offence, and having an experienced lawyer is crucial to avoid severe penalties.

Extradition

Extradition occurs when one country hands over a person accused or convicted of a crime to another jurisdiction. For this to happen, both countries must have an agreement. In Canada, extradition is allowed only for offences that are criminal in Canada. Canada does not extradite individuals to countries where they face the death penalty. The accused can apply for bail while the extradition is pending, and a judge will decide if they pose a flight risk. It’s crucial to seek legal counsel if you face extradition.

Domestic Assault Lawyer

A domestic assault charge can have a devastating impact. Strict domestic violence laws make it hard to have charges dropped, and the accused may face bail with strict conditions, including no contact with the complainant. Many courthouses have specialized courtrooms for domestic assault cases involving intimate partners, though these charges can also apply to dating, cohabiting, or common-law partners. If you or a loved one is facing domestic assault allegations, contact our criminal lawyers for help.

Highway Traffic Act Offences

Before paying a speeding ticket, understand the consequences. By paying, you’re admitting guilt and may be penalized for an offence you didn’t commit. Speeding over 15 km/hr adds demerit points to your record, which stay for two years. Accumulating too many points could lead to losing your license. Traffic offences, such as driving with a suspended or expired license, can result in hefty fines or jail time. Contact our criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing charges that could affect your driving record.

Fraud

Under Section 380 of the Criminal Code, those convicted of fraud over $5,000 face up to 14 years in prison. The Canadian justice system takes fraud seriously, especially with the rise of online commerce and banking. Fraud charges can lead to lengthy court proceedings and disrupt daily life. Even those who assist in a fraudulent scheme can be charged. A conviction may jeopardize employment, as many companies have strict policies against hiring individuals with fraud records. If you or a loved one is accused of fraud, contact our experienced criminal defence lawyers for help from a skilled criminal lawyer.

Pardons

Anyone who pleads or is found guilty of a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada will receive a criminal record, which can last until the age of 80 or 100. A criminal record can negatively affect job prospects, as many employers conduct background checks. However, individuals can apply for a pardon, or ‘record suspension,’ to have the record removed after a set period. This is done through the Parole Board of Canada, which can refuse or revoke a pardon. To qualify, one must complete all sentences, pay fines, and restitution orders. Contact a criminal lawyer to determine if you qualify and to guide you through the pardon application process.

Impaired Driving (DUI)

There are various DUI offences, including operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol or refusing to provide a breath sample. A DUI conviction can result in hefty fines, driving bans, jail time, and license suspension. Your vehicle may be impounded for 7 days upon being charged. If an accident occurred or children were in the vehicle, penalties will be more severe. Impaired driving charges are complex, requiring expert legal advice from a criminal defense lawyer experienced in these cases. Since DUI cases are time-sensitive, contact our criminal lawyer immediately for a thorough case assessment and help in fighting the charges.

Weapons Offences

In Canada, you can be charged with a criminal offence for carrying a concealed weapon in public or for a dangerous purpose. Unauthorized possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon carries serious charges. However, our experienced criminal lawyers have successfully defended many weapons offences. If the weapon was found due to an illegal search or detention, the charges may be dismissed. We’ve also had charges dropped when clients had a lawful reason for possession, such as self-defense or work. If you or a loved one is facing weapons charges, contact our criminal lawyers to protect your rights.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is one of the most serious charges in the Canadian criminal justice system, and a conviction can have lifelong consequences. The system has specific rules to protect complainants, such as prohibiting the introduction of their sexual history as evidence without a special hearing. Additionally, the defense requires the judge’s permission to access the complainant’s medical or police records.

To effectively defend against sexual offences, a thorough understanding of the criminal law is essential. A skilled defence lawyer will make strategic decisions and develop strong arguments for your case. Contact our experienced criminal lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of a sexual assault trial.

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Criminal Procedures

Charter Challenges

We analyze and efficiently review all the facts and potential legal arguments of the case, which helps us to anticipate issues and enhance the client’s chances of success.

Preliminary Inquiries

You should be prepared well for a preliminary inquiry since this is where the weight of the Crown’s case is determined and there is a likelihood of acquittal before trial.

Expert Testimony

Expert testimony can make or break your case. You should consider hiring a lawyer to examine and cross-examine your witnesses and prosecution witnesses to make your story more believable.

Judicial Pre-Trials

Hire a lawyer for your judicial pretrial, since this is where important matters on how the trial will proceed will be discussed. This is also an opportunity for plea negotiations.

Jury & Non-Jury Trials

You could have your case heard by a jury or a judge. The choice should be based on the particular circumstances of your case. Hire a lawyer to help you choose.

Challenges For Cause

Not all jurors are impartial. Make a challenge for cause if you feel the juror may be prejudiced against you. The judge will determine if the challenge has merit.
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Services Our Toronto Criminal Lawyers Provide

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Costa Law Firm

Our Team

Costa Law Firm is a well-established law firm in the Greater Toronto Area; we know your surroundings and extended neighbourhood ... Read more

About Us

Costa Law Firm is a well-established law firm in the Greater Toronto Area; we know your surroundings and extended neighbourhood ... Read more

24 Hour Emergency Pager

Costa Law Firm is a well-established law firm in the Greater Toronto Area; we know your surroundings and extended neighbourhood ... Read more
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Testimonials

What our clients are saying.

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    Costa Law Firm

    Costa Law Firm is a law firm located in Toronto with exceptional credentials that stands out for its commitment to client service. Our service minded approach has led Costa Law Firm to be one of the most reliable law firms in Toronto.

    CALL (416) 535-6329

    Address

    Main Office:
    1015 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6H 1M1
    Phone: (416) 535-6329
    Fax: 416-535-4735
    info@costalawfirm.ca

    We provide emergency services for urgent matters.
    Consultation Office:
    17075 Leslie St Unit 6, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8E1Barrie location 49 High St 3rd floor, Barrie, ON L4N 5J4, CanadaVaughan location 290 Caldari Rd Unit 8, Concord, ON L4K 4J4, Canada

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