Hamilton Criminal Lawyers

Hamilton criminal lawyers need to be on top of the cases they represent and we care about the number of cases we take each month. Our goal is to provide superior criminal defence to our clients in Hamilton and Halton Region. Our objective is to provide an impeccable legal defence, to have your charges dismissed. Our reputation is why many of our clients refer us to their friends and family members.

Risk Free Consultation

As criminal lawyers in Hamilton we offer a free consultation, in person or over the phone.

During this meeting with the lawyer, we can answer any questions you may have, for example, what are the criminal penalties for the charge, what do police have to prove, and how can we fight the allegation. When discussing your criminal defence, this means either looking at getting the case dismissed, or reduced to avoid penalties like a criminal record,  licence suspensions and even jail. We believe that once you discuss your defence with us, you will see how Charitsis Law are the Hamilton defence lawyers for your legal representation.

What does a criminal lawyer do?

Criminal cases are built on evidence that must meet the standard of reasonable doubt. As criminal lawyers at the Hamilton and Halton Region courts we can evaluate the evidence for legal applications, evidence by the police, and legal arguments. Arresting officers must follow arrest protocols and the rules of evidence in a criminal investigation. And, many times over-zealous police officers and prosecutors will prosecute an innocent individual. As defence lawyers we contest all inadmissible evidence and move to have any immaterial case facts dismissed.

Defending Cases in Hamilton

When you retain a criminal lawyer they cross-examine and question the statements of the officer including the motivation for the arrest, when it obvious that charges are based on evidence that maybe weak or borderline. Having a defence lawyer who is willing to take a case to complete trial can be important. Criminal defendants should never plead guilty to a criminal accusation when innocent, as a criminal record can have a major impact on your life going forward, including denial for government benefits, employment, public housing and immigration.

Criminal Lawyers an Investment in Your Future

Criminal lawyers representing your case is an investment in your personal future.

It is never a good decision to go before the Hamilton court without legal representation. Without an advocate at your side the prosecution must only observe the minimal basic legal rights of the defendant and they are serious about a conviction merely because of the fact that you’re there. In many ways, a criminal defendant charged in Hamilton must actually prove their innocence instead of the court proving the case against a defendant. Remember, even when criminal charges are generally sound, a reduced charge can often be achieved with good legal counsel.

Do I need a defence lawyer for my case?

Yes you do. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees a defendant the right to a defence lawyer to defend them in a criminal case.

It has also been interpreted as conferring the right on criminal defendants to represent himself or herself in cases against them. No such right exists in a civil lawsuit. Criminal defendants might be allowed to represent themselves, but you’ll need permission from the judge who is presiding over your case.

Whether or not it’s a good idea to ask a judge to represent yourself in a criminal case is up to your own best judgment, but as lawyers who appear in the Hamilton courts it is not recommended. Typically, you should always hire a defence lawyer to work with you. Criminal convictions and record can be harsh, especially if you’re charged with an indictable offence.

Service Areas

Our law office provides legal services throughout Ontario & the GTA, including Newmarket, Burlington, Hamilton and into Muskoka.

Experienced Litigators

Our Hamilton criminal lawyers have all been recognized by services such as Google Reviews, YellowPages and LawyerRatingz.com, and many others.

We’re Dedicated To You

Our lawyers are passionate about one thing: helping our clients get the best outcome. We focus on service and results.

We’re your lawyer, we work for you.

You can trust our Hamilton criminal solicitors to guide and advise you what to do. We understand you’re relying on us to defend your character, rights and to protect your future.  When you work with us, we’ll explain our part, your part and work together.

Hamilton Criminal Court

Anyone in Hamilton who is arrested and facing criminal charges should contact a criminal lawyer to discuss your charges. We understand the how the Hamilton courthouse operates, and the “players involved”. We always represent our clients to the full extent of the law, including the willingness to take a case to trial. Criminal defence lawyers who know how to prepare a case for trial. We know how to present a strong defence in any legal situation and have a track record of proven success, helping our clients win, receive reduced charges, avoiding criminal records and licence suspensions. Let us be your criminal defence team to defend your rights and future.

Arrested for a Criminal Charge in Hamilton?

Criminal arrests are made when a police officer either has witnessed a crime or has reasonable and probable grounds to believe an offence has been committed. Once arrested, the accused may be released on a promise to appear in court or be taken by the police officer into custody for a bail hearing at the Huntsville court. The accused will be fingerprinted and photographed. The suspect will be required to answer a series of personal questions and will then be placed in a holding cell. The police must give the accused reasonable phone calls and be allowed speak to a criminal defence lawyer of their choosing or to duty counsel.

The accused will be given a court hearing within 48 hours of being placed in custody. The suspect will be allowed to meet with their lawyer before the bail hearing takes place.

When the accused is taken to the courthouse, the court will inform the judge of the crime they are being charged with, and will ask the accused to enter a plea. The accused can either tell the judge that they are guilty or not guilty. Accused persons should get legal advice from their lawyer about which plea to enter before the hearing begins. The judge will then review the case to see if the accused should be released from custody pending the trial date.

A guilty plea is an admission of guilt, and the accused will be responsible for the penalties of the crime. A plea of not guilty means the crown attorney must prove the facts of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt to the judge at trial.  Witnesses must appear on the trial date to give evidence.

At the Hamilton courthouse most criminal proceedings appear before a provincial court judge, without a jury and the judge will decide the outcome.

If after the trial the accused is found not guilty, they will be allowed to go free. Where the accused is found guilty, or if the accused pleaded guilty, a sentencing hearing will be held immediately unless deferred by the court. At sentencing, the judge listens to submissions from both the defence lawyer and the crown attorney regarding the accused, including any past criminal record and background in deciding a penalty.

Many criminal charges including impaired driving and dangerous driving have mandatory penalties like licence suspensions that the judge has no control over.

At the sentencing hearing, the judge in the Halton courts may want to hear the opinions of the accused’s friends and family, or from the victim(s) of the crime. The judge will then decide a penalty based on sentencing requirements and the evidence provided.