Criminal Lawyers in Toronto

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.