Criminal Defence
Arha Law represents individuals facing criminal charges and provides defence representation throughout the criminal process, from first appearance to trial.
Right now
Bail comes first.
An arrest is often just the first step. Arha Law handles bail matters and bail hearings, working toward release under fair conditions while your matter proceeds.
How bail works Living with bail conditions
Call (416) 305-6019Defence across every criminal offence.
Arha Law defends clients facing the full range of criminal charges, organized here by category.
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Assault Offences
From simple assault to more serious aggravated charges.
Learn more about assault charges -
Domestic Assault
Assault charges involving a partner, spouse, or family member.
Learn more about domestic assault charges -
Threats & Harassment
Uttering threats and criminal harassment charges.
Learn more about threats and criminal harassment -
Weapons Offences
Possession and use of prohibited or restricted weapons.
Learn more about weapons charges -
Theft & Property Offences
Theft and related property offences.
Learn more about theft and property charges -
Mischief
Damage to property, including data, and interference with its use.
Learn more about mischief charges -
Sexual Offences
Defence in sexual assault and related matters.
Learn more about sexual offence charges -
Driving Offences
Impaired driving and other driving-related charges.
Learn more about impaired and driving charges -
Breach / Administration of Justice
Breach of probation, bail conditions, and related charges.
Learn more about breach charges -
Youth Criminal Matters
Defence for young persons under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Learn more about youth charges -
Other Criminal Charges
Facing something not listed here? Get in touch to discuss your matter.
How a charge can resolve.
Withdrawal
The Crown drops the charge. There's no finding of guilt, and it isn't a conviction.
Peace Bond
You agree to keep the peace and follow conditions for a set period, usually up to 12 months, without pleading guilty. The charge is typically withdrawn when the peace bond is entered.
Discharge
You're found guilty, but no conviction is entered. An absolute discharge is removed from the national police database after 1 year, a conditional discharge after 3.
Conviction
A formal finding of guilt is entered and becomes part of your criminal record.
What a record means for youFrom first conversation to representation.
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01
Consultation
We meet with you to understand your charges and explain your options.
If you've been charged -
02
Court Appearances
We appear with you in court as your matter proceeds.
Your first court date -
03
Case Preparation
We review the Crown's case and prepare your defence.
Disclosure and Crown pre-trials -
04
Resolution
Your matter concludes by resolution or trial.
Pleading guilty or going to trial
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible, before discussing the matter with police.
Yes. If your circumstances change or a condition is no longer necessary, your lawyer can apply to have your bail conditions varied by the court or with the Crown's consent.
A surety is someone who promises the court they will supervise you and pledges money that can be forfeited if you breach your conditions or fail to appear.
A criminal record in the usual sense comes from a conviction. A withdrawn charge, a peace bond, and a discharge are not convictions, but police can still hold records of an arrest or charge, and a discharge stays in the national police database for 1 or 3 years. An eligible conviction can later be kept separate from other records through a record suspension, formerly known as a pardon.
Domestic assault isn't a separate offence, but police and Crown policies treat intimate partner violence as a priority. Police generally investigate these allegations and may lay a charge where they have reasonable grounds, even if the other person doesn't want one. The complainant doesn't control whether the Crown proceeds, and release conditions often include no contact with the other person. If you're facing a charge like this, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Police can require a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver, even without suspecting alcohol use. If you've been charged with impaired driving, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes. Arha Law accepts Legal Aid Ontario certificates for criminal matters. If you think you may qualify, apply to Legal Aid Ontario and mention it when you call.
A police record check lets an employer, volunteer organization, or licensing body see, with your consent, information police hold about you. Ontario has three types: a Criminal Record Check, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, and a Vulnerable Sector Check for roles working with children or vulnerable people. Fingerprints are needed only in some cases, such as confirming identity when a vulnerable sector check turns up a possible match.
You don't have to face this alone.
Speak with a criminal defence lawyer about your matter and what happens next.