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Find a Lawyer » Canada Legal Guides » Ontario Legal Guides » Toronto Legal Guides » Criminal Defence & Traffic Offences Toronto » Page 3
👮If you are arrested by the Toronto Police Service, you have a Charter right to remain silent and a right to speak to a lawyer immediately. Do not answer any…
⌛Due to a landmark Supreme Court decision known as R. v. Jordan, a criminal trial in the Ontario Court of Justice must be completed within 18 months of the charges…
💵Hiring a criminal defence lawyer for a summary conviction offence in Toronto typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000 CAD. Most law firms use a predictable “block fee” structure for these…
📚Under the Supreme Court rule established in R. v. Stinchcombe, the Crown Attorney in Ontario must provide your defence lawyer with all the evidence they have against you. You or…
📸If you are charged with a crime in Ontario, your release paperwork (such as a Form 10 or Undertaking) will give you a strict mandatory date to visit a Toronto…
💰If you are charged with a minor Theft Under $5,000 in Toronto, you may be highly eligible for the Direct Accountability Program (Diversion). By completing an educational course or making…
🔍If Toronto Police fail to read your right to counsel without delay upon arrest, it is a severe violation of Section 10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.…
💡If you are arrested for impaired driving in Toronto, your vehicle is automatically impounded for 7 days under Ontario law. You cannot get it out early. Once the 7 days…
👮Yes, under Canada’s Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) laws introduced in 2018, Toronto Police can legally demand a breath sample from any driver they pull over at a RIDE check. Officers…
🚗Yes, it is possible to plead down a criminal impaired driving charge to the provincial offence of Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act in Toronto. This highly desirable plea…
💡Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) issues certificates that pay for a private criminal defence lawyer if you face a high likelihood of going to jail and meet strict financial criteria. As…
💡To appeal a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) in Toronto, you must apply to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT). You must prove one of the very narrow statutory grounds,…
📝The Direct Accountability Program (DAP) allows adults facing minor summary conviction offences in Toronto to have their criminal charges completely withdrawn. By completing assigned community service, attending educational classes, or…
🚗Yes, a single standard impaired driving conviction in Canada is generally not considered a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This means you…
💡Yes, you can claim self-defence in an aggravated assault case in Toronto, but you must pass the strict legal test under Section 34 of the Criminal Code. You must prove…
🔍To secure a conviction for Fraud Over $5,000 in Toronto, the Crown Attorney must prove beyond a reasonable doubt two critical elements: the Actus Reus (actual financial loss or risk…
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Criminal Jury Trials, Murder Defence, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, DUI Defence
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 130 Spadina Ave. #606, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2007
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Gladue Reports, Indigenous Child Welfare, Human Rights, Restorative Justice
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: Suite 400, 211 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1990
🎯 Specialization: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Internet Crimes, Professional Regulation
🗣️ Languages: English, French
📍 Address: 120 Adelaide St W, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2013
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: DUI Defence, Domestic Assault, Bail Hearings, Youth Criminal Justice
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 130 Spadina Ave, Toronto, Ontario
🎯 Specialization: Medical Inadmissibility, Immigration Appeals, Criminal Rehabilitation, Deportation Defence, Federal Court Litigation
🗣️ Languages: English, French
📍 Address: 20 Eglinton Ave W #1402, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2000
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: DUI Defence, Domestic Assault, Drug Offences
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 130 Spadina Ave. #606, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2012
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: DUI Defence, Domestic Assault, Drug Trafficking, Youth Crime, Bail Hearings
🗣️ Languages: English, Farsi
📍 Address: 121 Richmond St W Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2018
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Homicide Defence, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, White Collar Crime
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 24 Duncan St 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2010
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: DUI Defence, Domestic Assault, Fraud, Bail Hearings
🗣️ Languages: English, Vietnamese
📍 Address: Suite 1100, 121 Richmond St W, Toronto, Ontario
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Drug Possession, Assault, Robbery, Sexual Assault, Youth Offences
🗣️ Languages: English, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Ukrainian, Russian
📍 Address: 1 Dundas St W, Toronto, Ontario
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome
⚙️ Services: Civil Court Records
📍 330 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome
⚙️ Services: Criminal Records, Court Transcripts
📍 60 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario
📅 Appt. Recommended
⚙️ Services: Criminal Investigations, Community Response Unit, Major Crime Unit, Public Order Unit, Bicycle…
📍 255 Dundas St W, Toronto, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Police Dog Services, K9 Unit, Search and Rescue, Explosives Detection
📍 44 Beechwood Dr, Toronto, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Parole Supervision, Community Reintegration, Offender Management
📍 330 Keele St, Toronto, Ontario
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome
⚙️ Services: Intake Court, Bail Centre, Provincial Offences Court
📍 60 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario
📅 Appt. Recommended
⚙️ Services: Criminal Investigations, Community Response Unit, Neighborhood Officers, Youth Services, Primary Response Unit
📍 51 Parliament St, Toronto, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Criminal Division, Youth Division, Specialized Courts
📍 10 Armoury St, Toronto, Ontario
📅 Appt. Recommended
⚙️ Services: Court Administration, Prosecution Services
📍 2700 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, Ontario
Welcome to the Toronto Criminal Defence & Traffic Offences guide centre. Here you will find comprehensive resources covering everything from summary convictions to serious indictable offences, based on current provincial regulations.
Facing criminal charges or serious traffic violations in Toronto can be a stressful and life-altering experience. The Canadian criminal justice system is complex, with charges ranging from minor highway traffic infractions to severe offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. A conviction can result in significant fines, licence suspensions, and even imprisonment, directly impacting your employment and future prospects.
In Ontario, offences are generally categorized as summary convictions (less serious) or indictable offences (more serious), with many falling into a hybrid category where the Crown chooses how to proceed. Traffic violations are largely governed by the provincial Highway Traffic Act. Understanding the specific nature of your charges and the rigorous procedures involved is the first step toward building a strong defence.
Criminal and traffic matters involve a broad spectrum of legal challenges. Our resources cover the following key areas:
If you are charged with an offence in Toronto, your case will initially be processed through the Ontario Court of Justice. This court handles the vast majority of criminal matters and bail hearings at locations like the courthouses on Armoury Street or Eglinton Avenue. More serious indictable offences, or cases where a jury trial is elected, may be escalated to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice located on University Avenue.
Investigations and arrests within the city are primarily conducted by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), while traffic enforcement on major highways like the 401 often involves the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The prosecution is led by Crown Lawyers representing the Ministry of the Attorney General, who are strictly tasked with proving the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt in an Ontario courtroom.
The stakes in a criminal case or a severe traffic dispute are incredibly high, and the legal procedures are highly technical. We strictly advise against attempting to represent yourself in court or negotiating directly with a Crown Prosecutor without proper counsel. A criminal record can permanently affect your ability to travel, secure housing, or find employment, making professional legal representation absolutely essential.
Retaining a skilled criminal defence lawyer ensures that your Charter rights are protected, police evidence is properly scrutinized, and all possible legal avenues are explored. You can find a list of relevant local lawyers and government agencies at the top of this page. They can help you navigate the justice system, build a strategic defence, and work diligently towards having charges reduced or withdrawn.
In Canada, a summary conviction is a less serious offence, typically resulting in smaller fines or shorter jail terms. An indictable offence is far more serious, carrying heavier penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Many charges are “hybrid,” meaning the Crown decides how to proceed based on the case severity.
No, standard traffic tickets under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, such as speeding or failing to stop, do not result in a criminal record. However, criminal driving offences like impaired driving or dangerous driving are prosecuted under the Criminal Code and will lead to a criminal record if convicted.
Stunt driving is a severe provincial offence. If charged, you face an immediate 30-day roadside licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment. If convicted in court, penalties include massive fines, a mandatory licence suspension of one to three years, and potential jail time.
Yes. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer upon arrest or detention. It is highly recommended to exercise these rights and avoid giving statements to the police until you have sought proper legal counsel.
The cost varies widely based on the complexity of your case, the lawyer’s experience, and whether the matter goes to trial. Most defence lawyers charge an hourly rate or a block fee for specific stages of the process. Legal Aid Ontario may provide funding for individuals who meet strict low-income criteria.
A peace bond is a court order requiring an individual to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a set period, often up to 12 months. Agreeing to a peace bond is not an admission of guilt and does not result in a criminal record, though it may include specific conditions like avoiding contact with certain people.