Criminal Defence
We believe that if you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, you deserve to be represented by knowledgeable lawyers who will give your file individual care and attention, conduct an exhaustive investigation, challenge the prosecution’s case from every possible angle, defend your rights, and seek the most favourable outcome for you. We also recognize the cost involved in retaining quality legal counsel, and Aitken Robertson provides flexible fee arrangements.
May 25, 2021
Domestic Assaults
A ‘domestic assault’ refers to an assault that occurs during a domestic relationship, such as between married partners, common-law partners, dating couples, and parents and children. They are treated more severely than other assault offences.
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May 25, 2021
Sex Assaults
A ‘sexual assault’ refers to an assault that involves some nature of sexual touching, or a sexual overtone. These can range from merely touching a body part up to and including something such as rape.
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May 25, 2021
Other Assaults
In general terms, an ‘assault’ is the use of force or attempted use of force on another person. These offences could include general assault, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and criminal harassment.
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May 25, 2021
Internet Crimes of All Sorts
In today’s day and age, the Internet and social media have opened up new pathways for new types of offences. These can be widely varied: many common charges include child pornography, revenge porn, and libel/defamation.
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February 17, 2013
Bail Hearings
A bail hearing will determine whether an accused will be released from custody for the period leading up to the actual trial. Here is an overview of the hearing procedure and what you can expect during the process.
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August 17, 2012
Drug Charges
Drug charges are laid for ‘possession’ and/or ‘trafficking’. Each comes with its own set of penalties as per the Criminal Code of Canada. Click to learn more about the specific Code provisions and what they entail.
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August 17, 2012
Young Offenders
Individuals under the age of majority who have been charged will be treated under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Youth matters are generally treated with a greater focus on rehabilitation rather than deterrence, and more on reparation than on retribution.
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November 18, 2012
Shoplifting Charges
Shoplifting involves the offence of theft under $5,000 as per the Criminal Code of Canada. While it may not be considered as serious as other crimes, penalties can still include jail time, fines, and the burden of a criminal record.
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August 17, 2012
Fraud Charges
Simply put, ‘fraud’ occurs when someone knowingly tricks a person or the larger public out of some kind of property, such as money, an item, land, a service, or shares in a company.
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August 17, 2012
Mischief Charges
Mischief occurs when someone wilfully destroys or damages property, or if they render it dangerous, inoperative or ineffective. It can also be considered mischief if one’s actions obstructs, interrupts or interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property.
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August 17, 2012
Criminal Appeals
If you've been convicted of a criminal offence, here are the Ontario criminal appeal rules you need to know to appeal your criminal conviction or sentencing. Keep in mind you only have a short period of time to serve and file your appeal.
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November 6, 2012
Pardons
An official pardon (also known as a “Record Suspension”) could erase your criminal record history, giving you peace of mind, better job prospects, and remove other burdens such as difficulties immigrating or crossing the border.
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March 22, 2021
Peace Bonds
A ‘peace bond’ is an order made by a judge, where the defendant is subjected to obey certain conditions to prevent them from committing an offence. Common conditions include no-contact orders, abstaining from owning a weapon, and/or a good behaviour requirement.
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August 17, 2012
Theft Charges
Theft occurs where anyone fraudulently and without colour of right, either takes or converts anything with the intent to deprive the owner or the person who has a special interest in it.
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August 15, 2012
Dangerous Driving and Traffic Charges
Some Highway Traffic Act Offences (HTA) carry very serious consequences. Here are some of the ones that we deal with most frequently.
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Recent Successes for Our Clients with Criminal Charges
CASE STUDY: Theft, Mischief Charges in Brampton
The client’s goal was to resolve the charges in a way that would not harm her chances at being successful in her permanent residency application. For this, any result leading to no criminal conviction would have been advantageous.
CASE STUDY: Possession of Child Pornography x2 & Access Child Pornography x2, Successful Bail Hearing
The allegations in this matter consisted of Mr. F possessing child pornography in the form of videos and photos as well as accessing these materials online through various devices.
CASE STUDY: Charges Withdrawn – Assault & Mischief Under $5,000
Ms. Q signed a peace bond for $1,000.00, payable only if she violated the law, possessed a weapon, was found at the grocery store the initial incident took place at, or contacted the couple involved in the fight. Her charges were dropped and she was free to put the unfortunate incident behind her.
CASE STUDY: Conditional Discharge – Assault Causing Bodily Harm
An accused that agrees to participate in counselling, community service hours, and agreements to uphold the peace, saves the government money and helps put the accused back in society where they can be a productive citizen.
CASE STUDY: Sexual Assault & Incest – Plea Bargain
Our client Mr. C came to our office with some very severe charges stemming back as far as over 20 years ago. The allegations were brought by Mr. C’s younger sister who claimed sexual abuse at the hands of her brother when she was as young as eight.
CASE STUDY: Charges Withdrawn – Domestic Assault
When an incident happens between two people in private, the case is often a complicated battle between two sides of the story.
CASE STUDY: Indecent Act – Charge withdrawn
The allegations consisted of Mr. B attending a private parking lot where he removed some of his clothing and began to masturbate while looking out on the street.
CASE STUDY: Drunk Driving with Drugs
Mr. V was in a restaurant and unhappy with his food order. After some argument with staff, staff called the police against Mr. V. The staff complained to police that Mr. V was impaired and driving.
CASE STUDY: Guns, Drugs, and Bail
Mr. M had no criminal record and a legitimate home business. The goal for bail was to permit Mr. M to continue working without undue hardship. Nonetheless, the combination of drugs and guns charges, together, did require a restrictive bail plan. The bar to release was high.
CASE STUDY: Domestic Assault, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose & Breach – Charges Withdrawn
Although it took time and effort, our client was very happy with the resolution of her charges in this matter.
CASE STUDY: Child Luring and Multiple Child Pornography Charges
Mr. R was in his last year of high-school and in the midst of applying to university when he was charged with severe criminal offences.
CASE STUDY: Uttering Forged Documents, Fraud under $5,000, and Breach of Trust
The client indicated his intention not to proceed to a trial at the initial consultation, which left Mr. Aitken with relatively less maneuverability. Therefore, our goal was to resolve the case early and get the best resolution offer for Mr. B.
