Facing Criminal Charges in Newmarket?
Newmarket criminal lawyer Nicholas Charitsis and his criminal defence team represent people charged with criminal offences in Newmarket, York Region and across the GTA.
Charitsis Law has been providing legal representation at the Newmarket court for over 25 years. As criminal defence lawyers, we provide experienced legal advice, explain what can be done to fight your charges, and build a strong defence drawing on our years of experience at this courthouse.
Nicholas Charitsis is a former Crown Attorney with more than 25 years of criminal law experience. He understands how the Crown builds a case and what it looks for in the evidence. That background can identify weaknesses in the case against you and legal issues to build your defence.
If you need to speak to a criminal lawyer, call 416-731-7113 and speak directly with Nicholas Charitsis
How Our Newmarket Criminal Lawyers Fight Your Charges
If you are facing criminal charges in Newmarket, our defence starts with a review of the Crown Attorney’s case. We analyze the police evidence, disclosure, and the circumstances surrounding your charges. Just as importantly, we want to hear your version of what happened and compare it with the evidence against you.
This can help us identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case, possible defence strategies, and legal arguments that may be used to fight your charges.
- More than 25 years of criminal defence experience: Nicholas Charitsis has extensive experience fighting charges including DUI and impaired driving, drive over 80, theft, assault, and domestic assault.
- Years of experience in the Newmarket criminal court: Our lawyers regularly handle cases at the Newmarket courthouse. We understand the local court process, how Crown Attorneys prepare and prosecute cases, and the legal issues that can make a difference when building your defence.
- A defence built around the evidence: We review the Crown’s evidence for weaknesses, inconsistencies, Charter issues, and other legal problems that may be used to fight the charge. For example, see our 25 defences that may be used to fight an impaired driving charge.
If you have been charged in Newmarket, give Nicholas Charitsis a call and tell him what happened. He’ll be happy to answer your questions, give you some initial advice, and talk about what can be done to fight the charge. Call Nicholas at 416-731-7113 and have a conversation about your case. There is no obligation to hire us.
Location
Charitsis Law
727 Davis Drive
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2R2
Contact
Phone: 416-731-7113
Secretary: 416-665-6800
Email: nick@charitsislaw.com
Criminal Charges We Defend in Newmarket
As Newmarket criminal lawyers, we defend the types of criminal charges that regularly come before the Newmarket court.
After almost two decades of appearing in this courthouse, we understand how York Regional Police investigate and process cases involving impaired driving, domestic assault, assault, theft, fraud, and other criminal offences.
We also understand the evidence Crown Attorneys look for when reviewing these charges and the issues that can become important when building a defence. We defend criminal charges including:
- Impaired Driving (DUI) – We defend impaired driving and related charges, including drive over 80 and refusing a breath sample. These cases often involve roadside demands, breath testing, police observations, technical evidence, and Charter issues.
- Assault and Domestic Assault – These cases often turn on what each person says happened, witness credibility, injuries, photographs, 911 calls, police statements, and other evidence. Domestic assault charges can also result in no-contact conditions and restrictions on returning home.
- Theft and Fraud Offences – Theft, shoplifting, and fraud charges may involve surveillance video, financial records, identification evidence, witness statements, and whether the Crown can prove intent.
- Bail Violations and Breach Charges – We examine the exact release conditions, what the accused is alleged to have done, and whether the Crown has the evidence required to prove a breach.
- Professional and Regulatory Offences – For professionals, a criminal or regulatory charge can create licensing, employment, and reporting problems. The defence strategy should consider those consequences from the beginning.
If you see your charge above—or you’re not sure exactly what you’ve been charged with—give Nicholas a call. Tell him what happened and he can explain what the charge means, what the Crown will need to prove, and what issues may help your defence.
Call Nicholas at 416-731-7113 and let’s just have a conversation about your case.
Newmarket Criminal Court Process
As Newmarket criminal lawyers, part of our job is helping people understand what to expect after being charged with a criminal offence. Many people leave the police station with release paperwork, court conditions, and a future court date, but very little understanding of what happens next.
The Newmarket criminal court usually moves through several stages before a matter is resolved, withdrawn, or scheduled for trial.
Arrest & Release
After an arrest, some people are released directly from the police station with conditions and a future court date. Others may be held in custody for a bail hearing.
Bail Hearings
Where an accused is not released by the York Region police, they are held in custody for a bail hearing at the Newmarket court. A bail hearing is about whether the accused should be released from jail, while awaiting the trial date or held in custody.
At a bail hearing the Crown Attorney will often raise concerns about court attendance, compliance with release conditions, or the risk of further offences. If the accused is to be released the crown will be looking for a release plan that will satisfy their and the courts concerns.
As criminal lawyers in Newmarket, we prepare and present release plans outlining where the accused will live, who may supervise them, and how the proposed court conditions will be followed.
If a family member or loved one is being held in custody for a bail hearing, call Charitsis Law to discuss the situation. A properly prepared release plan from our lawyers is often critical when seeking release from custody.
You May Not Have to Go to Court
In many cases, Charitsis Law can file a Designation of Counsel Form with the Newmarket criminal court.
This legal document allows us to appear in court on your behalf for many routine appearances, including first appearances, adjournments, and disclosure requests.
A Designation of Counsel can save you time away from work, reduce the stress of repeated court appearances, and allow your case to move forward while we handle the procedural steps for you.
- We can often attend first appearances.
- We can request disclosure.
- We can handle adjournments.
- We’ll tell you when your attendance is required.
There are some court appearances where you must attend in person, such as a trial, a guilty plea, sentencing, or whenever a judge orders your attendance. We will explain when your attendance is required and when we can appear on your behalf.
First Court Appearance
The first court appearance is usually scheduled several weeks after being charged and released. In most cases, other people will also be attending court for their first appearance on the same day.
The first court appearance is an administrative date, not a trial date.
When you arrive at court, you wait in the courtroom until your name is called by the Crown Attorney. When the Crown Attorney calls your name you to walk to the front of the court to the judge and crown.
At the first court appearance, the process usually involves:
- Waiting in the courtroom for your matter to be called
- Receiving disclosure from the Crown Attorney
- Confirming whether you have spoken with a criminal lawyer
- Scheduling another court date to review the disclosure and discuss the case
At this stage, the court will ask whether you have spoken with a criminal lawyer or received legal advice. The Crown Attorney and the court will not want to proceed with your case until you can answer that question.
After giving you the disclosure, your case will be remanded for approximately two to four weeks so you and your lawyer have time to review the disclosure, discuss the evidence, and decide how you want to proceed.
Disclosure Review
Disclosure is the evidence that the Crown Attorney intends use in court against you. In many cases, this is the first opportunity for you and your lawyer to see and review the evidence gathered by the police.
Disclosure may include:
- Police notes and witness statements
- Video footage, photographs, or recordings
- Breathalyzer results or forensic evidence
- Written statements and investigative reports
Your disclosure needs to be carefully reviewed by a criminal lawyer and yourself. There may be weaknesses in the evidence, inconsistencies between witness statements, Charter issues, or possible defence strategies that may not be immediately obvious to somebody unfamiliar with the criminal court process.
Reviewing disclosure allows you and your lawyer to better understand the case against you and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
To Be Spoken To Dates
After disclosure has been reviewed, the matter usually returns to court for what is commonly referred to as a “to be spoken to” date.
At this stage, the Crown Attorney and the court usually expect that you have reviewed the disclosure, received legal advice, and are in a better position to advise how you wish to proceed with the case. The court will expect either your with you lawyer or you have a letter saying you have retained a lawyer to represent you.
Depending on the circumstances, some people may decide to plead guilty at this stage, while others request additional time to review the evidence, discuss possible resolutions, or continue moving the matter toward a pre-trial or trial.
If a guilty plea is entered, sentencing may proceed at that court appearance or be scheduled for another date. If the matter is proceeding as a not guilty plea, the next step is often a pre-trial where the Crown Attorney and criminal defence lawyer discuss the evidence, legal issues, and possible resolutions before trial.
Pre-Trials
If a criminal charge is proceeding as a not guilty plea, the next stage in the Newmarket criminal court process is often a pre-trial. A pre-trial is a meeting between the Crown Attorney and the criminal defence lawyer to discuss the case before a trial date is scheduled.
During a pre-trial, the lawyers may discuss:
- The strength of the evidence
- Weaknesses or inconsistencies in the case
- Charter issues or disclosure concerns
- Possible defence strategies
- Whether the matter may be resolved without a trial
Pre-trials are an important part of the criminal court process because they allow Newmarket criminal lawyers and Crown Attorneys to review the evidence in detail and discuss how the case may proceed before scheduling a trial.
In many cases, additional disclosure, legal issues, or weaknesses in the evidence are identified during the pre-trial process. Some criminal charges may be resolved at this stage, while other matters continue forward toward trial.
Resolution or Trial
After the pre-trial process, some criminal charges may be resolved through withdrawal discussions, diversion programs, peace bonds, or guilty pleas depending on the evidence and circumstances of the case.
If the matter is not resolved, a trial date will usually be scheduled at the Newmarket criminal court. In many cases, trial dates may be several months away depending on the complexity of the case and court scheduling.
Before trial, additional preparation may take place, including witness preparation, legal research, Charter applications, disclosure review, and trial strategy discussions between the criminal lawyer and the client.
If you are facing criminal charges and scheduled to appear at the Newmarket criminal court, call Charitsis Law at 416-731-7113 to review your case, discuss the disclosure, and better understand your legal options before returning to court.
Why Experience Matters at the Newmarket Court
As defence counsel, we know that experience counts in criminal defence. When people search for the best criminal lawyer, they are often looking for someone with real courtroom experience and a proven track record.
The criminal court in Newmarket is among the busiest in Canada. Our defence lawyers regularly appear there and have extensive experience responding to criminal charges, dealing with Crown Attorney’s office, and building strong defence strategies for our clients.
That experience shows up in how your case is managed:
- Clear communication and advice throughout your case
- Identifying weaknesses in the evidence that may not be obvious at first
- Understanding how the Crown builds its case and where it can be challenged
- Avoiding mistakes that can affect the outcome of your case
- Building a clear defence plan based on the facts and the law
Experience teaches you what wins cases…
What to Expect When You Speak With a Criminal Lawyer
When you speak with our lawyers about your case, the focus is on helping you understand your situation and building your defence, including:
- Review of your charge: A discussion about what has happened so far and where your case currently stands. This helps you see your situation more clearly from the start.
- Explanation of the process: Clear information about how your matter may move through the Newmarket court system and what to expect at each stage. This reduces uncertainty early.
- Next steps: Practical guidance on how your case may proceed and what decisions may need to be made moving forward. This gives you direction and confidence.
You will leave the conversation with a clear understanding of your situation and the steps needed to move your case forward.
Newmarket Criminal Court Location
The courthouse is accessible from Highway 404 and Davis Drive, with public parking available nearby. Because criminal court appearances are often scheduled in the morning, many people choose to arrive early to allow time for parking, security screening, and locating the correct courtroom.
Speak With a Newmarket Criminal Defence Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Newmarket or anywhere in York Region, you likely have questions about the allegations, the evidence, and what is going to happen when you return to court. Speaking with a criminal defence lawyer can help you better understand your situation, your legal options, and the next steps in the criminal court process.
At Charitsis Law, our Newmarket criminal lawyers provide confidential legal advice, courtroom representation, and defence strategies built around the facts of your case. Whether you are dealing with a bail hearing, disclosure review, pre-trial, or trial, we help guide you through the criminal court process and work to protect your interests at every stage.
To discuss your case in confidence, call Charitsis Law today at 416-731-7113 and speak with a Newmarket criminal defence lawyer.
FAQs From Our Newmarket Criminal Lawyers
A. In many cases, yes. If you hire Charitsis Law, we can often file a Designation of Counsel with the Newmarket criminal court. This is a legal document that allows your lawyer to appear in court on your behalf for many routine appearances, including first appearances, adjournments, disclosure requests, and other procedural matters.
A Designation of Counsel can save you time, reduce the stress of attending court, and allow your case to move forward while you continue with your work and family responsibilities.
There are some court appearances where you must attend in person, such as a trial, a guilty plea, sentencing, or whenever the judge specifically orders your attendance. We will let you know exactly when your presence is required and when we can attend for you.
If your case is before the Newmarket courthouse, contact Charitsis Law. We’ll explain the court process, file a Designation of Counsel where appropriate, and represent you throughout your case.
A. Yes. You have the right to represent yourself in Newmarket criminal court. However, before making that decision, it is important to understand what is involved in defending a criminal case.
You will be appearing against experienced Crown Attorneys who prosecute criminal cases every day. Criminal lawyers understand the rules of evidence, how to cross-examine witnesses, challenge the Crown’s evidence, negotiate with the Crown Attorney, present legal arguments, and identify defence strategies that may not be obvious to someone without courtroom experience.
In many cases, experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in how a criminal case is resolved. Our job is to identify every available defence, challenge weaknesses in the Crown’s case, and pursue every legal opportunity to have your charges withdrawn, reduced, dismissed, or successfully defended at trial.
Before deciding to represent yourself, speak with Charitsis Law. We’ll review the evidence, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best course of action for your case.
A. The cost of hiring a Newmarket criminal lawyer depends on the type of criminal charge, the complexity of the evidence, the amount of disclosure, and whether the case resolves early or proceeds to trial.
Choosing a lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. You only have one opportunity to present your case before the court, and the outcome may affect your criminal record, your employment, your professional licence, your ability to travel, and your future.
While legal fees are an important consideration, this is rarely the time to choose a lawyer based on price alone. Experience matters. An experienced criminal lawyer knows how to review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case, negotiate with the Crown Attorney, and present the strongest possible defence on your behalf.
Before hiring any lawyer, take the time to read their Google reviews, learn about their courtroom experience, and make sure you are confident they are the right person to represent you.
At Charitsis Law, we take the time to understand your case, explain your legal options, and provide clear information about our legal fees before you make a decision.
A. Choosing the right criminal lawyer is an important decision because the lawyer you hire may play a major role in how your case proceeds through the criminal court system.
Many people look for a criminal defence lawyer with courtroom experience, strong client reviews, and experience handling cases at the Newmarket criminal court.
When choosing a Newmarket criminal lawyer, people often consider:
– Experience defending similar criminal charges
– Familiarity with the Newmarket courthouse and York Region court process
– Communication and responsiveness
– Experience reviewing disclosure and preparing defence strategies
– Online reviews and reputation
– Trial experience
It is also important to choose a criminal lawyer who takes the time to explain the allegations, review the disclosure with you, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options before returning to court.
At Charitsis Law, we provide legal advice and criminal defence for people facing criminal charges throughout Newmarket and York Region. If you need to discuss your case in confidence, call 416-731-7113 to speak with a Newmarket criminal defence lawyer.
