Oshawa Criminal Lawyers

Oshawa Criminal Lawyers

Oshawa criminal lawyer Nicholas Charitsis is a former Crown Attorney with more than 25 years of criminal law experience. He leads a criminal defence team representing people facing criminal charges in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Courtice and throughout Durham Region.

If you are facing criminal charges in Durham Region, Charitsis Law can explain what happens next and what can be done to fight the charges. Our lawyers regularly represent clients appearing at the Oshawa court house providing advice and strong representation.

Where you need to speak to an Oshawa lawyer, call Nicholas Charitsis at 416-731-7113.

Charitsis Law has received more than 350 Google 5-Star reviews from former clients. Read what clients say about their experience with Charitsis Law and the results we have achieved.

Experienced Criminal Defence in Oshawa

As a former Crown Attorney Nicholas Charitsis has the experience to successfully represent you in the Oshawa Court. Over the last 25 years Nick has represented hundreds of people facing criminal charges throughout Durham Region and the GTA building a reputation based superior results.

• Former Crown Attorney with experience on both sides of the criminal court process.
• More than 25 years of criminal law experience representing people charged with criminal offences.
• Chair of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee: Nicholas serves as Chair of the committee involved in reviewing and recommending candidates for appointment as judges of the Ontario Court of Justice.
• Chair of the Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee: Nicholas serves as Chair in the process used to review and recommend candidates for appointment as Justices of the Peace in Ontario.
• More than 350 Google reviews: Former clients have shared hundreds of reviews about their experience with Charitsis Law, with hundreds of additional reviews appearing across the internet.

Read what former clients say about Charitsis Law.

Oshawa Criminal Courthouse – Durham Region

Criminal cases from Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Courtice and other communities throughout Durham Region are heard at the Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel S. Sharpe, DSO, MP Courthouse, commonly known as the Durham Region Courthouse or Oshawa Courthouse.

Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel S. Sharpe, DSO, MP Courthouse
150 Bond Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0A2

The courthouse is located on Bond Street at Carriage Works Drive in Oshawa. Bond Street is a one-way street travelling westbound from Ritson Rd. There is paid on-street parking and paid parking lots throughout the area.

Criminal Court: 905-743-2800
Crown Attorney’s Office: 905-743-2700

We regularly appear at the Oshawa courthouse, located at 150 Bond Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0A2, representing clients throughout Durham Region.

Criminal Charges Our Oshawa Lawyers Defend

As Oshawa criminal lawyers, we represent people facing criminal charges in Oshawa and throughout Durham Region, including:

• Impaired Driving (DUI) – Criminal charges involving alcohol or drugs, breathalyzer evidence, roadside testing and allegations of impaired driving.
• Drive Over 80 – Charges alleging your blood alcohol concentration was 80 milligrams or more within two hours of driving.
• Refusing a Breathalyzer – Charges involving the refusal or failure to provide a breath sample after a police demand.
• Domestic Assault – Assault allegations involving a spouse, partner or intimate relationship, often involving no-contact and other release conditions.
• Assault – Criminal assault charges that can depend heavily on witness evidence, credibility, self-defence and what actually happened between the people involved.
• Theft and Fraud – Charges involving allegations of theft, shoplifting, fraud or other property-related offences.
• Bail Hearings – Representation for people being held in custody and appearing for a bail hearing at the Oshawa courthouse.
• Professional and Regulatory Offences – Legal representation where criminal or regulatory allegations may also affect employment, licensing or a professional career.

Whatever the charge, the first step is understanding the evidence against you and what can be done to fight the case. Our Oshawa criminal lawyers will review the Crown Attorney’s evidence, explain your options, and develop a defence strategy based on the facts of your case.

Oshawa Criminal Court Information

If your criminal charge is being heard at the Oshawa courthouse, the following contacts can help with court dates, disclosure, Duty Counsel, Crown Attorney matters, and other questions about your case.

Oshawa Courthouse – Ontario Court of Justice
Email: Durham.OCJ.Courts@ontario.ca
Phone: 905-743-2640

Oshawa Provincial Crown Attorney
Email: VirtualCrownOshawa@Ontario.ca
Phone: 905-743-2700

Oshawa Duty Counsel – Legal Aid Ontario
Email: GeneralDCCriminal-Oshawa@lao.on.ca
Phone: 905-728-3801

Public Prosecution Service of Canada – Standing Agent
Email: kgbfedcrown@oshawalawyers.com
Phone: 905-723-2278

Ajax and Pickering – PPSC Standing Agent
Email: mailbox@frostwilson.com
Phone: 905-240-1504

Criminal Case Management Court in Oshawa

Adult Criminal Case Management Court is held Monday through Friday in Courtroom 108 at the Oshawa courthouse. Represented matters are also heard through Courtrooms V108/V102, Monday through Friday.

Self-represented accused matters begin at 9:00 a.m., with additional case management matters continuing throughout the court day.

Virtual appearances are available for applicable Criminal Case Management Court matters. The Ontario Court of Justice provides the current Zoom information, meeting details, schedules, and instructions for joining court by video or telephone.

Criminal Case Management Court Appearance Information

If Charitsis Law represents you, we will explain when you need to attend court, whether we can appear on your behalf, and what needs to happen before your next Oshawa court date.

First Appearance and Disclosure

Your first appearance at the Oshawa courthouse is generally an administrative court date, not a trial. One of the important early steps is obtaining the police disclosure, which is the evidence the Crown Attorney has about your case.

Disclosure may include police notes, witness statements, photographs, video or audio recordings, and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

Once disclosure is received, you and your criminal lawyer can review the evidence, identify legal issues, and determine what should happen next. The case may then proceed to discussions with the Crown Attorney, a pre-trial, resolution, or eventually a trial.

Crown Discussions and Pre-Trials

After the disclosure has been reviewed, your criminal lawyer may meet with the Crown Attorney to discuss the evidence, legal issues, and how the charge may proceed.

Depending on the case, these discussions may lead to a resolution, withdrawal of the charge, or a pre-trial. If the case cannot be resolved, a judicial pre-trial may be held before a judge before the matter proceeds to trial.

If Your Case Goes to Trial

If the charge cannot be resolved, the case may proceed to trial at the Oshawa courthouse. At trial, the Crown Attorney must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Trial preparation may include reviewing disclosure, preparing to cross-examine Crown witnesses, challenging evidence, raising Charter issues where appropriate, and developing a defence strategy based on the facts of your case.

Bail Hearings at the Oshawa Courthouse

If someone is arrested in Oshawa or Durham Region and is not released by the police, they will usually be held in custody for a bail hearing at the Oshawa courthouse.

At the bail hearing, the Crown Attorney may oppose release or ask for conditions before agreeing that the accused can leave custody. A criminal lawyer can prepare a release plan, address the Crown’s concerns, and present the proposed plan to the court.

A release plan may deal with where the accused will live, who will supervise them, whether a surety is required, and what conditions can reasonably address the concerns raised by the Crown.

If a family member or someone you know is being held for a bail hearing in Oshawa, call Charitsis Law at 416-731-7113. We can discuss the situation, prepare a release plan, and represent the accused at the bail hearing.

Speak With an Oshawa Criminal Lawyer

FAQs About Criminal Charges in Oshawa

Where Is the Oshawa Criminal Courthouse?

Most criminal cases from Oshawa and surrounding Durham Region communities are heard at the Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel S. Sharpe, DSO, MP Courthouse, commonly known as the Oshawa or Durham Region Courthouse.

The courthouse is located at 150 Bond Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0A2 and houses both the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Charged by Durham Regional Police?

If you have been arrested or are being investigated for a criminal offence, do not try to explain your side of the story to the police before getting legal advice. What you say to an investigating officer may become evidence and can be used against you in court.

Call a criminal lawyer and explain what happened. If you have already been charged, your lawyer can obtain and review the Crown disclosure, explain the evidence against you, and advise you about what can be done to fight the charge.

Does Charitsis Law Represent Clients at the Oshawa Courthouse?

Yes. Charitsis Law represents clients facing criminal charges at the Oshawa courthouse and throughout Durham Region.

Our Oshawa criminal lawyers handle impaired driving (DUI), Drive Over 80, refusing a breathalyzer, domestic assault, assault, theft, fraud, bail hearings, breach charges, and professional and regulatory offences.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bail Hearing in Oshawa?

If someone is being held in custody for a bail hearing, having a criminal lawyer prepare the case for release can be important.

A lawyer can speak with the Crown Attorney, help prepare a release plan, address proposed bail conditions, prepare potential sureties where required, and represent the accused before the court. If someone you know is being held for a bail hearing in Oshawa, call Charitsis Law as soon as possible.

What Happens at My First Court Appearance in Oshawa?

A first appearance is generally an administrative court date. It is not your trial, and you will not normally be expected to decide whether you are guilty or not guilty at that appearance.

One of the important early steps is obtaining disclosure from the Crown Attorney. Disclosure contains the evidence relating to your criminal charge. Your lawyer can review that evidence with you, provide legal advice, and determine what should happen next.

In many cases, a lawyer can appear for you at routine court appearances when legally permitted. Charitsis Law will tell you when you need to attend personally and when we can attend on your behalf.

What Happens After I Receive My Disclosure?

Your disclosure should be carefully reviewed with your criminal lawyer. It may contain police notes, witness statements, video, photographs, recordings, forensic evidence, or other information the Crown Attorney intends to rely upon.

Your lawyer can compare that evidence with what you say happened, identify issues that may affect the Crown’s case, and discuss your legal options. Depending on the evidence, the next steps may include Crown discussions, a pre-trial, attempts to resolve or withdraw the charge, or preparing the case for trial.