The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, whether it’s resolved through negotiation or goes to trial, and court scheduling. Simple matters may resolve in a few months, while complex cases that proceed to trial can take a year or more. I’ll work efficiently to resolve your matter as quickly as possible while ensuring we build the strongest defence.

Disclosure is the evidence the Crown prosecutor has against you. This typically includes police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and any other evidence they intend to use. The Crown is legally required to provide you with full disclosure. Once we receive disclosure, I’ll review it carefully to identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case and build your defence strategy.

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and it depends entirely on your specific circumstances. After reviewing the disclosure and discussing your situation, I’ll provide honest advice about your chances at trial and any benefits of resolving the case through negotiation. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but I’ll ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.

A Crown pre-trial is a meeting between your lawyer and the Crown prosecutor to discuss the case and explore possible resolutions. A judicial pre-trial involves a judge and allows us to discuss trial issues, potential guilty pleas, and sentencing positions. These meetings are confidential and help narrow issues before trial or potentially resolve the case without trial.

Missing a court date without a valid reason is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code (failure to appear). A warrant can be issued for your arrest, and you may face an additional charge. If you realize you’ve missed a court date, contact a lawyer immediately — in some cases it may be possible to have the warrant recalled without being arrested.

A peace bond is a court order — not a criminal conviction — where you agree to keep the peace and follow certain conditions for a set period (usually 12 months). In exchange, criminal charges may be withdrawn. A peace bond does not result in a criminal record, but it does require you to acknowledge that the other person had reasonable grounds to fear you. It is often used to resolve minor assault or harassment matters. A guilty plea, by contrast, results in a criminal conviction.

A discharge means you are found guilty but are not convicted — so no criminal record is entered against you. There are two types: an absolute discharge (immediate, no conditions) and a conditional discharge (you must complete conditions like probation first). Discharges are only available for certain offences and are not guaranteed. Your lawyer can advise whether you might qualify and whether pursuing one makes sense in your situation.

When you are arrested, you have the right to be told why you are being arrested, the right to speak with a lawyer without delay, and the right to remain silent. You should be informed of these rights by the police. It is important to ask to speak with a lawyer immediately and to say nothing else until you have done so. These rights are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects you from unlawful police conduct. If police violated your rights during an arrest, search, or investigation — for example, by detaining you without reason, searching you without legal authority, or failing to inform you of your right to a lawyer — a court may exclude evidence that was obtained as a result. This can seriously weaken or even end the Crown’s case against you. Reviewing disclosure for potential Charter violations is one of the first things a defence lawyer should do.

Yes. The Crown may withdraw charges if they determine there’s insufficient evidence to proceed, if key witnesses are unavailable or unwilling to testify, or if there are legal issues with the case. As your lawyer, I’ll work to identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case and advocate for withdrawal where appropriate. However, the decision to withdraw charges ultimately rests with the Crown prosecutor.