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CRIMINAL DEFENCE IN HAMILTON

Criminal Lawyer Hamilton

Criminal matters in Hamilton are heard at the John Sopinka Courthouse on Main Street East. Charges laid by Hamilton Police Service are prosecuted there in both levels of court.

THE COURT

Criminal defence in Hamilton

The John Sopinka Courthouse hears Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice criminal matters for Hamilton.

Hamilton has a busy and varied criminal list, with a significant volume of violent offences, drug prosecutions and firearms matters alongside the ordinary run of driving and property charges. The Crown office runs specialised streams and the court manages a heavy load.

Files here are frequently investigation driven rather than complaint driven, which means more surveillance, more warrants and more informations to obtain. Those documents are reviewable, and reviewing them properly is where these cases are decided.

Attendance and consultations

Consultations run by phone or video, and routine appearances are ordinarily covered by counsel. On the dates that matter, attendance is in person.

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 John Sopinka 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 John Sopinka Courthouse?
Yes. Matters at the John Sopinka 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 Hamilton. Can you help?
Yes. A charge is prosecuted where it was laid. Being represented at the John Sopinka 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 Hamilton?
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 Hamilton? 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.