AREAS OF PRACTICE
If you need a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto, timing often matters more than most people realize. Serious criminal matters can begin impacting your life long before a trial date is set, sometimes even before formal charges are laid. Police contact, search warrants, release conditions, or early court appearances can all shape the outcome.
At Posner Craig Stein LLP, we represent individuals and organizations facing serious criminal allegations across Toronto and Ontario. Our practice covers everything from complex investigations and bail hearings to trials, sentencing, and criminal appeals. We bring careful evidence review, disciplined preparation, and clear strategic judgment to every case.
When to Call a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Toronto
Many people wait until they are arrested or formally charged before contacting a lawyer. In reality, early legal advice can be critical.
You may need a criminal defence lawyer when police first contact you for an interview, when a search warrant is executed at your home or workplace, when you receive a summons or appearance notice, when you are released on strict conditions, or when considering an appeal after a conviction.
In Toronto, where court backlogs remain significant, early intervention can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Canadian data shows that cases with early legal representation often resolve more favourably, with better chances of reduced charges or favourable plea outcomes.
If You Are Under Investigation
Police Contact Does Not Always Mean Charges Have Been Laid
A criminal investigation in Toronto can start quietly with a phone call, a request for an interview, contact through your employer, or a search of your home, vehicle, phone, or computer. At this stage, you may not yet be charged and may not fully understand the allegations.
Many people underestimate the seriousness of being “under investigation.” They assume they can simply explain their side and resolve the matter informally. Unfortunately, statements made during an investigation can later be used against you.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters During an Investigation
Early advice from an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Toronto helps you understand your rights, manage police communications, and avoid unintentional self-incrimination. We can review search issues, advise on interviews or statements, and help preserve evidence that may become important later.
Whether you are facing questions related to assault, fraud, drug offences, or any other matter, strategic guidance at the investigation stage can significantly reduce risk.
If You Have Been Charged
Understanding the Allegation and Building a Defence
Once charges are laid, the priority is gaining a clear picture of the case against you. The wording of the charge is only the starting point. A strong defence requires a thorough review of the facts, the evidence, and the Crown’s theory.
We carefully examine the disclosure of the evidence the Crown must provide, including police notes, witness statements, videos, forensic reports, and search materials, to identify weaknesses and build a strategic defence.
How a Criminal Case Moves Through Ontario Courts
Criminal cases in Toronto and across Ontario generally follow these key stages:
- Arrest, summons, or formal charge
- Bail hearing or review of release conditions
- Disclosure and case assessment
- Pre-trial applications and negotiations
- Trial, sentencing, or appeal
At each stage, experienced representation can make a meaningful difference in protecting your liberty, employment, and reputation.
Serious Criminal Charges We Defend in Toronto
We regularly defend clients facing a wide range of serious criminal matters in Toronto courts, including:
- Assault and Domestic Assault – Cases that can quickly affect family life, employment, and housing. Learn more about domestic assault defence
- Sexual Assault Allegations – Complex cases requiring careful handling of credibility, digital evidence, and serious long-term consequences. Learn more about sexual assault defence
- Impaired Driving and Criminal Driving Offences – Technical cases involving breath/blood samples, timelines, and Charter issues. Learn more about DUI defence
- Fraud and Financial Crime Allegations – Matters involving large volumes of documents, business records, and detailed timelines.
- Drug Offences, Firearms & Weapons Charges, Uttering Threats – Cases that often carry significant mandatory minimum sentences and collateral consequences. Drug offences defence | Firearms & weapons offences | Uttering threats
- Youth Criminal Matters – Specialized defence for young persons under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- Homicide (Murder and Manslaughter) – The most serious criminal allegations, requiring careful preparation, strategic judgment, and experienced trial advocacy. Learn more about homicide defence.
We also assist clients with professional discipline proceedings that arise from criminal charges, particularly for regulated professionals such as medical technologists, nurses, teachers, and others.
Why Trial and Appellate Experience Matter
Serious criminal cases are won or lost on preparation, courtroom skill, and strategic judgment. Lawyers with extensive trial experience understand how evidence is tested, how witnesses perform under cross-examination, and which issues deserve the most attention.
Appellate experience adds another critical layer, identifying legal errors, preserving issues for appeal, and crafting strong arguments for higher courts.
At Posner Craig Stein LLP, our lawyers bring both trial and appellate experience to every file. This broader perspective helps ensure your defence is built thoughtfully from the earliest stage, not just reactively.
Why Clients Choose Posner Craig Stein LLP
- Clear, practical strategic advice tailored to your specific situation
- Thorough preparation and meticulous attention to detail
- Focused, experienced courtroom advocacy in Toronto courts
- Discreet and professional service during stressful times
We understand that facing criminal allegations in Toronto often affects your job, family, reputation, and future. Our goal is to provide steady, effective representation that protects your rights and minimizes long-term consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto?
As early as possible, ideally when police first contact you or before you provide any statements. Early involvement can prevent mistakes that are difficult to fix later.
Should I speak to the police before consulting a lawyer?
In most cases, no. It is usually best to speak with a criminal defence lawyer first. Anything you say to the police can be used as evidence, even if you believe you are innocent.
What happens at a bail hearing in Toronto?
A bail hearing decides whether you can be released while your case proceeds and, if so, under what conditions. Strong representation at this early stage can make a significant difference to your daily life.
How long does a criminal case usually take in Ontario?
It varies widely. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while complex matters involving trials or appeals can take 12–24 months or longer, especially given current court backlogs in Toronto.
Can criminal charges affect my job or professional licence?
Yes. Many employers and regulated professions require disclosure of charges. We regularly assist clients with both the criminal matter and any related professional discipline proceedings.
Can a criminal conviction be appealed in Ontario?
Yes, in certain circumstances. If there was a legal error, improper admission of evidence, or an unreasonable verdict, an appeal may be possible. Appellate experience is essential for identifying strong grounds.
Ready to speak with an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Toronto?
If you are under investigation, have been charged, or need advice regarding bail, trial strategy, sentencing, or an appeal, contact Posner Craig Stein LLP for a confidential consultation.
We serve clients throughout Toronto and all of Ontario.
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