Criminal Defence Lawyers in Ontario
Criminal lawyers in Ontario defend charges laid under the federal Criminal Code and prosecuted by Ontario's Crown Attorneys under the Ministry of the Attorney General, with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada handling federal drug and regulatory prosecutions. This page explains how the Ontario criminal courts work, what to expect after a charge, and how to find defence counsel in your area.
219 listings across Ontario — featured lawyers appear first.
Cities in Ontario
Find criminal lawyers in Ontario
Criminal Defence Lawyers in Ontario
Criminal Lawyers Canada lists 219 criminal defence practices across 48 Ontario cities, from Toronto and Ottawa to Thunder Bay, Windsor, Sudbury and communities throughout the province. Criminal matters in Ontario are prosecuted in the Ontario Court of Justice — which handles bail hearings, most summary and many indictable charges — while the Superior Court of Justice hears jury trials and the most serious offences.
Use this directory to browse by city, compare firms by practice focus and location, and connect directly with a lawyer. Whether you are dealing with an impaired driving charge, a domestic assault allegation, a drug or weapons charge, or a complex fraud investigation, acting quickly and getting advice before your first court date can make a meaningful difference to the outcome.
How the Ontario criminal courts are structured
The Ontario Court of Justice is the entry point for criminal matters in Ontario. Bail hearings, first appearances, summary conviction trials and many indictable trials are heard there.
The Superior Court of Justice is the superior court of criminal jurisdiction. It hears trials by judge and jury, the offences listed in section 469 of the Criminal Code such as murder, and applications including bail reviews under section 520 and certiorari.
The Court of Appeal for Ontario hears appeals from conviction, acquittal and sentence under Part XXI of the Criminal Code. A further appeal lies to the Supreme Court of Canada, with leave or as of right on a dissent on a question of law.
Legislation that applies in Ontario
- Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46
- The federal statute that defines almost every criminal offence in Canada and sets out bail, trial procedure, sentencing and appeal rules. Criminal law is a federal head of power under section 91(27) of the Constitution Act, 1867, so the same Criminal Code applies in every province and territory.
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- The federal statute governing possession, trafficking, importing and production of controlled substances. These prosecutions are conducted by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Sections 7 through 14 protect the rights engaged in every criminal case, including the right to counsel under section 10(b), the right to be secure against unreasonable search under section 8, and the right to trial within a reasonable time under section 11(b).
- Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Governs proceedings against anyone who was twelve to seventeen at the time of the alleged offence, with its own sentencing principles, privacy protections and diversion options.
What happens after a criminal charge in Ontario
- 1
Arrest, release or bail
Police either release the accused on an undertaking or hold them for a bail hearing under section 515 of the Criminal Code. Section 11(e) of the Charter guarantees the right not to be denied reasonable bail without just cause, and R. v. Antic requires the court to consider the least onerous form of release first.
- 2
First appearance and disclosure
The first court date is administrative. Counsel obtains Crown disclosure, which includes the police notes, witness statements, video and any expert reports. Disclosure is a constitutional obligation under R. v. Stinchcombe and drives every decision that follows.
- 3
Crown resolution discussions
Counsel meets with the prosecutor to test the strength of the case, raise weaknesses, and explore resolutions such as diversion, a peace bond under section 810, a plea to a lesser offence, or withdrawal of the charge.
- 4
Election, pre-trial and Charter applications
For indictable offences the accused elects the mode of trial. A judicial pre-trial is held, and written notice of any Charter application under sections 8, 9, 10(b) or 11(b) must be filed within the timelines set by the court's practice direction.
- 5
Trial and sentencing
At trial the Crown must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is a finding of guilt, sentencing follows the principles in sections 718 to 718.2 of the Criminal Code, including the requirement to consider the circumstances of Indigenous offenders under section 718.2(e).
Legal aid in Ontario
Legal Aid Ontario provides criminal defence representation to people who meet its financial eligibility and coverage criteria. Duty counsel are also available at the courthouse to assist with first appearances and bail hearings at no cost, whether or not you qualify for a certificate. Eligibility rules and coverage change, so confirm the current criteria directly with Legal Aid Ontario.
Legal Aid Ontario:
Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose a criminal defence lawyer in Ontario?
- Look for a lawyer who regularly practises criminal law and appears at the courthouse where your charge is being heard. Compare their focus areas, ask about experience with your type of charge, and confirm fees before retaining.
- Can I get legal aid for a criminal charge in Ontario?
- Legal Aid Ontario may cover representation if you meet financial eligibility and face a realistic prospect of jail. Many listed firms accept Legal Aid certificates; ask the firm and apply through Legal Aid Ontario.
- What should I do right after being charged?
- Exercise your right to remain silent, do not discuss the allegations with police beyond identifying yourself, and contact a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible — ideally before your bail hearing or first appearance.
- Which court will my criminal charge be heard in Ontario?
- Almost every criminal charge in Ontario starts in the Ontario Court of Justice. If you are charged with an indictable offence you may be able to elect trial in the Superior Court of Justice, by judge alone or by judge and jury, and offences listed in section 469 of the Criminal Code must be tried there.
- Who prosecutes criminal charges in Ontario?
- Criminal Code prosecutions in Ontario are conducted by Ontario's Crown Attorneys under the Ministry of the Attorney General, with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada handling federal drug and regulatory prosecutions. Prosecutors are not the police and they exercise independent discretion over whether a charge proceeds, what resolution is acceptable, and what position to take on sentence.
- How long does a criminal case take in Ontario?
- It depends on the complexity of the charge and the local court's capacity. R. v. Jordan sets presumptive ceilings of eighteen months from charge to the end of trial in the provincial or territorial court, and thirty months where there is a preliminary inquiry or the trial is in the superior court. Delay beyond those ceilings is presumptively unreasonable and can support a stay under section 11(b) of the Charter.
- Do I need a lawyer who practises in Ontario?
- Yes. While the Criminal Code is federal, counsel must be licensed to practise in Ontario, and local knowledge of the courthouse, the assigned prosecutors and the local practice directions has a real effect on how a case is managed and resolved.
Courts, prosecutors and legislation referenced on this page
Criminal law practice areas
Criminal law is federal, so the practice areas below apply the same way in Ontario as in the rest of Canada.
Criminal Defence Core
Procedural & Post-Conviction
Specialized Prosecutions