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CRIMINAL DEFENCE IN BRANTFORD

Criminal Lawyer Brantford

Criminal charges laid in Brantford and Brant County are prosecuted at the local courthouse, and matters there are attended personally.

THE COURT

Criminal defence at the Brantford Courthouse

Criminal matters for Brant County are heard at the Brantford courthouse, in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.

Brantford runs a compact but busy criminal list, with a significant volume of drug, property and driving matters. Smaller courts move differently from the large urban centres: the Crown office is smaller, resolution discussions are more direct, and a well prepared written position often gets a faster and better answer than it would in Toronto or Brampton.

That is an advantage worth using. Where a file has a genuine weakness, it can frequently be resolved here in months rather than the year or more the same matter would take in a larger jurisdiction.

Representation from a distance

Being represented at a courthouse outside the Greater Toronto Area does not require you to travel to meet counsel. Consultations run by phone and video, routine appearances are ordinarily covered without you attending, and you are told well in advance about the dates where your presence is required.

THE PROCESS

What happens after you are charged

The sequence is broadly the same wherever you were charged. Knowing it in advance takes a great deal of the fear out of it.

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Release or a bail hearing. You are either released by police with conditions, or held for a hearing. On serious allegations, and on most domestic matters, expect a hearing.
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First appearance. The date is on your release paperwork. Nothing is decided that day. Counsel can ordinarily attend in your place, and disclosure is requested.
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Disclosure review. The Crown provides its evidence. This is where the case is genuinely assessed, and where the arguable issues are found.
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Crown resolution discussions. A large proportion of matters end here, through withdrawal, diversion, a peace bond or a negotiated position.
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Trial, if it is required. Judge alone in the Ontario Court of Justice, or judge alone or judge and jury in the Superior Court on an election.
You do not need to live here

Your matter is heard where the charge was laid, not where you live. Clients across Ontario are represented at the Brantford courthouse, with consultations by phone or video and attendance in person on the days it matters.

One lawyer on the file

Kashif Alam appears on your matter personally. Your file is not passed to a junior or covered by an agent who has not read it.

Fees and Legal Aid

Flat fees quoted before the work begins, payment plans available, and Legal Aid Ontario certificates accepted.

QUESTIONS WE ARE ASKED

Frequently asked questions

Do you appear at the Brantford courthouse?
Yes. Matters at the Brantford courthouse are attended personally, and consultations can be arranged by phone or video before the first appearance.
I live somewhere else but was charged in Brantford. Can you help?
Yes. A charge is prosecuted where it was laid. Being represented at the Brantford courthouse does not require you to live nearby.
Do I have to attend my first appearance in person?
Usually not. Counsel can ordinarily appear on your behalf for routine appearances, which spares you a day of work and a long drive.
What is the first thing I should do?
Say nothing further to police, read your release conditions carefully, and call before your first appearance rather than after it.
Do you accept Legal Aid for matters in Brantford?
Yes. Legal Aid Ontario certificates are accepted, and flat fees with payment plans are available where you do not qualify.
SPEAK WITH COUNSEL

Charged in Brantford? Let us talk about it.

The first consultation is free and confidential. You will get a direct assessment of the charge, the process ahead, and what it will cost. Flat fees, payment plans and Legal Aid certificates are all accepted.

647.721.5150REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Available evenings and weekends. Reachable at any hour for an arrest in progress.

Request a Free Confidential Consultation

Speak directly with Kashif Alam. Your information remains strictly confidential under solicitor-client privilege.