Criminal Defence Litigation

Criminal Lawyers with Experience

Our criminal law team has enjoyed success at many levels of the court system including the Ontario Court of Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and Ontario Court of Appeals. Our team has successfully argued Charter motions, Interlocutory motions, and complex issues such as search and seizures, and warrants at some of the highest courts in the country. Over the years our lawyers have helped shape Charter law and its interpretation. We understand the complexities of criminal litigation, and always stay up to date with the current laws and procedures in order to deliver excellent results.

Criminal Litigation

Criminal law is the body of law that helps regulate social conduct. It addresses the fit punishment for threatening and harmful behaviour, which endangers the health, safety and moral welfare of others. The two main elements of this body of law involve the actus reus – or the prohibited act, and the mens rea – or the guilty mind, also referred to as the intent to do a prohibited act. Some crimes, such as modern regulatory offences, require no more than a prohibited act.

These crimes are known as strict liability offences. Other crimes require the proof of mens rea – the intent to commit the act. Further, criminal cases may be prosecuted in different way. Some are prosecuted summarily, others by indictment. There are also offences known as dual or hybrid offences, which could be prosecuted either summarily or by indictment. With so many variables and things to consider in a trial, it is important to obtain the best legal counsel possible. At Costa Law we have experienced and distinguished criminal lawyers in Toronto who create thoughtful, and effective approaches to help our clients achieve desired results.