Toronto Criminal Lawyer for Defence and Bail
Direct, steady criminal defence for individuals across Toronto and the GTA, from your first call through resolution.
30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book.
Criminal Defence
What a Toronto criminal defence lawyer handles
Criminal charges in Toronto are prosecuted under the federal Criminal Code of Canada, but the day-to-day process runs through Ontario's own court system, primarily the Ontario Court of Justice, with more serious indictable matters and jury trials proceeding in the Superior Court of Justice. Civitas Law represents clients at every stage of a criminal case, from the moment of arrest or a first call from police, through bail hearings, disclosure review, plea negotiations, trial, and appeal.
We work with individuals facing a wide range of charges and focus on giving clients a clear, honest picture of their options at every step.
Criminal charges we defend in Toronto
Direct access to your lawyer at every stage, with clear, honest advice about your options.
Bail hearings and bail reviews
We appear on short notice to argue for release and to help arrange suitable sureties and release plans. See our bail review guide.
Impaired driving / DUI defence
We review the roadside stop, breath testing procedure, and any Charter issues that may affect an impaired driving or 'over 80' charge.
Domestic assault charges
We defend clients facing domestic assault allegations, including matters involving no-contact conditions and family court overlap.
Drug offences
We represent clients charged with possession, trafficking, or production offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Assault and weapons charges
We defend simple and aggravated assault, uttering threats, and weapons or firearms charges.
Theft and fraud charges
We handle theft, fraud, and property offence charges from investigation through trial.
Youth criminal defence
We represent young people charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with attention to the distinct process and record protections that apply.
Bail variations and breach of conditions
We assist clients who need to vary release conditions or who are facing a fail-to-comply charge.
More criminal charges we defend in Toronto
Every charge below has its own page with the law, the process and the questions people ask.
Sexual assault charges
Defence of sexual assault, sexual interference and related charges, with publication bans and the consent rules explained.
Robbery, kidnapping and forcible confinement
Robbery under s. 343, robbery with a firearm, kidnapping and forcible confinement, including reverse-onus bail.
Mischief, break and enter and arson
Property offences under the Criminal Code: mischief, break and enter, arson and vehicle theft.
Conspiracy, organized crime and firearms
Conspiracy, criminal organization and firearms charges, including police project cases with wiretap disclosure.
Human trafficking and procuring
Trafficking in persons, material benefit, procuring and advertising charges, defended from the first police contact.
Money laundering, proceeds of crime and extortion
Laundering, possession of proceeds and extortion charges, including frozen accounts and forfeiture applications.
Breach of probation and fail to attend court
Breach of probation, missed court dates and bench warrants, and how to deal with them quickly.
Dangerous driving
Dangerous operation under s. 320.13, including causing bodily harm or death, flight from police and failure to stop.
Traffic tickets and Highway Traffic Act charges
Stunt driving, careless driving, speeding and driving while suspended, defended in Provincial Offences Court.
How a criminal case moves through Ontario courts
Criminal offences are defined federally under the Criminal Code of Canada, but the courts that hear these cases in Toronto are provincial: most matters begin, and many resolve, in the Ontario Court of Justice, while indictable matters electing trial by judge and jury proceed in the Superior Court of Justice. Toronto's bail courts operate on a tight schedule, and a person arrested and held by police must be brought before a justice without unreasonable delay, and within 24 hours where a justice is available, so that a bail hearing can begin or be scheduled.
Ontario's approach to bail has been shaped by Supreme Court of Canada guidance emphasizing the presumption of innocence and the least restrictive conditions necessary, which is a central argument in most bail hearings. Charter of Rights and Freedoms issues, particularly around search, detention, and the right to counsel, frequently arise in Toronto criminal matters and can affect whether evidence, such as a breath sample or a statement to police, is admissible at trial.
Questions Toronto clients ask about criminal defence
Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most. Every matter is different, so treat these as a starting point.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Toronto?
Do I have to go to court in person?
What happens at a bail hearing?
Will a criminal charge show up on a background check?
Can I get a criminal charge dropped or withdrawn?
What should I do if police want to question me?
What is a criminal defence lawyer?
Do I need a lawyer for a criminal charge in Toronto?
What is the difference between a criminal lawyer and a paralegal in Ontario?
What is the difference between summary and indictable offences in Canada?
Related criminal defence services and guides
Straightforward legal advice from a Toronto lawyer.
30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book. Personal injury matters start with a free 10-minute case review with the lawyer. Consultations are confidential.