Some people believe that because they are innocent, that will be enough to obtain an acquittal, regardless of whether they have counsel representing them. However, it is important to bear in mind that once you are charged, it is the job of the police and Crown prosecutor—many of whom have significant experience—to present your case to the court as vigorously as possible, with the goal of securing your conviction and punishment. While the judges in Ontario are among the finest in the country, they are human beings and may not always make the correct decision. Therefore, securing skilled legal representation is a crucial step in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.

When you retain the criminal lawyers at Eisen Dyer LLP to represent you, you will have the best possible allies in your corner – a highly skilled and competent defence team that has vast experience handling cases like your own, who can ensure that your rights are protected, and who are committed to assisting you to the best of their ability. They understand the legal considerations involved in your case and are familiar with the procedures and practices that apply in criminal trials; they are skilled in working within the rules of the criminal justice system to manage your defence and work toward the best possible outcome for you, whether that means a full acquittal, or, in the appropriate circumstances, a plea bargain to minimize your charges and punishment. 

How much does a lawyer cost?

Eisen Dyer LLP offers a free half-hour initial consultation to review your matter with you, after which you will receive a fee quote. Legal fees can vary widely, depending on the number of years of experience of the lawyer, the nature of the charges you are facing, the number of court attendances required prior to trial or plea, the time required to prepare for trial, and the length of the trial itself. In many cases, we will be able to provide a block fee quote for all services involved in your case. You will then know ahead of time generally what you can expect your total fees will be. An initial retainer will be required, and payment plans are available. You will have time to consider whether retaining our services is the right choice for you. While cost is obviously an important factor when retaining counsel, choosing a lawyer should not be based solely on fees, but also consideration of your confidence in the quality of representation you will receive, including your assessment of whether the lawyer you have met with has the expertise to handle your file and is someone who will work hard to obtain the best possible outcome for you. It is important to choose a lawyer who you can trust, and with whom you feel you can have a comfortable, respectful, and productive working relationship.

How do I find a criminal lawyer?

There are many criminal defence lawyers in the Barrie community and across Ontario, but they are not all necessarily of the same quality. There are many ways to find the right criminal lawyer for you. Research the lawyer on the internet. Ask lawyers practising in other areas of law in the same jurisdiction who they would recommend to defend a criminal case. Is the lawyer you are considering recognized by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Specialist in Criminal Law? Once you have identified a prospective choice, set up an initial consultation; ask questions about the lawyer’s experience handling cases like your own. Be forthright about your case. You need to be comfortable providing your lawyer with as many facts as possible so that he or she is in a position to give you meaningful advice, and you need to feel confident in having this person serve as your representative until your case is finally concluded.