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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.

domestic assault
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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sex assault
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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assaults
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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internet crimes
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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bail
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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Drug Charges in Ontario
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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young offenders
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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shoplifting charges ontario
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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fraud
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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mischief charges in ontario
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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criminal appeal
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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Reasons to Get a Pardon
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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peace bond
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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theft charges ontario
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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driving offences
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.