Charitsis Law
Toronto Criminal Lawyers
Former Crown Attorney Nicholas Charitsis leads a team of experienced Toronto criminal defence lawyers. For more than 25 years, Charitsis Law represents people facing impaired driving, domestic assault, sexual assault, bail hearings and other criminal charges across Toronto and the GTA.
Toronto Criminal Defence Lawyers Serving the GTA
Toronto Criminal Lawyers Serving the GTA
Charitsis Law, led by former Crown Attorney Nicholas Charitsis, has represented people facing criminal charges in Toronto and throughout the GTA for over 20 years.
Our Toronto criminal lawyers represent people charged with impaired driving, domestic assault, sexual assault and other criminal offences, from bail hearings through to trial.
As your criminal defence lawyers, we guide you through the case with:
Clear Legal Advice: We listen to your account, explain the allegations and give you a clear advice and a plan for moving forward.
Experienced Court Representation: Our lawyers handle court appearances, conduct pre-trial discussions with the Crown Attorney and manage your case’s paperwork and deadlines.
Strong Defence Strategy: We prepare your defence, develop legal arguments, challenge Charter rights violations and present your case with strong advocacy at trial.
Call 416-731-7113 to discuss your case with a defence lawyer and get clear, confidential legal advice.
Meet Toronto Criminal Lawyer Nicholas Charitsis
Nicholas Charitsis is a former Crown Attorney with more than 20 years of criminal courtroom experience. He focuses exclusively on criminal defence, representing people facing serious criminal and driving charges throughout Toronto and across the GTA.
- Chair, Ontario Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee
- Chair, Ontario Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee
- Former Crown Attorney with over 20 years of criminal courtroom experience
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, talk with Nicholas about what happened, your options and to learn how we can help you.
Call Nicholas at 416-731-7113 to talk about your case.What Our Clients Say About Charitsis Law
Read what former clients say about working with Nicholas Charitsis and our Toronto criminal defence lawyers. These Google reviews reflect real experiences with our firm and the legal representation we provide.
Independent Reviews & Recognition
Charitsis Law is reviewed and recognized across leading legal and business websites.
Criminal Defence Services in Toronto
Our Toronto criminal lawyers represent clients facing criminal charges, driving offences and regulatory allegations.
Driving Charges
Our Toronto criminal lawyers fight dangerous driving, stunt driving, careless driving, driving while disqualified, and all driving offences.We put our criminal defence experience to work fighting your driving charge, while protecting your licence.
Our domestic assault lawyers in Toronto represent people facing assault charges arising from domestic violence allegations.We fight the charge, represent you at bail hearings and no-contact orders affecting your home and family.
Provincial and regulatory offences prosecuted under Ontario or Federal statutes. Often involving inspections, compliance issues, and evidentiary challenges that require careful legal analysis and defence strategy.
Our Toronto bail hearing lawyers act quickly when you or a family member is held in custody. We prepare a release plan, work with proposed sureties and argue for your release, then continue fighting the criminal charges.
Our sexual assault lawyers in Toronto represent people facing charges in Toronto criminal courts. We examine consent issues, witness credibility and the evidence to build a strong defence.
Why Choose an Experienced Toronto Criminal Lawyer?
Experience counts in criminal defence. Years of appearing in Toronto and GTA criminal courts have taught our lawyers what works, what falls short and how to present a compelling defence. We put that knowledge to work challenging police evidence, dealing with Crown Attorneys and fighting your case at trial.
- Experience with serious criminal charges: Courtroom judgment developed through years of preparing and presenting complex cases in Toronto and GTA criminal courts.
- Knowledge of prosecutors and court procedures: Understanding how Crown Attorneys assess cases and presenting arguments for withdrawn charges, reduced charges or resolutions without a criminal conviction where available.
- Strong trial and courtroom advocacy: Preparing persuasive legal arguments, questioning witnesses and challenging the Crown’s evidence.
We put our courtroom experience to work building a strong defence for your case. Hundreds of Google and online reviews reflect the trust clients have placed in our team.
Experience counts when your future is on the line.
Have Your Case Reviewed by a Toronto Criminal Lawyer
A criminal charge puts your future at stake. A conviction can affect your career and travel, and leave you with a criminal record. Get clear legal advice before making decisions about your case.
Even when a charge seems straightforward, there can be legal issues you have not considered. Our Toronto criminal lawyers listen to your side of the story and review the disclosure—the evidence provided by the Crown. We assess potential defences, police procedures and possible Charter rights violations.
Our defence team explains what the review reveals, including grounds to challenge the charge or seek withdrawn or reduced charges. You receive clear legal advice and a defence strategy based on your circumstances.
Call 416-731-7113 to arrange a review of your criminal case.
Criminal Charges are Defensible
The Crown Must Prove the Case
The crown attorney must prove every element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, incomplete, or inconsistent the case may fail.
Charter Rights Matter
If your Charter rights were violated during an investigation or arrest, important evidence may be challenged and excluded.
Witnesses Can Make Mistakes
Witnesses can make mistakes. Inconsistencies, memory issues and bias can affect a criminal prosecution, creating doubt in the Judge's mind.
Police Must Follow the Law
Investigations must follow proper legal procedures. Errors, assumptions, or misconduct can affect the prosecution's case.
Defences May Be Available
Every case is different. Legal and factual defences may be available that can lead to a reduction, withdrawal or dismissal of charges.
A criminal charge does not automatically mean you are guilty
Our experienced defence lawyers can review the evidence, identify the issues and fight to win your case.
Criminal Court Process: Step by Step
Arrest or Summons
After arrest the accused is released on a promise to appear or held for a bail hearing
Release and Bail Conditions
When released the accused may have to follow bail conditions while awaiting the first court date
First Court Appearance
The first court date is usually administrative. The court confirms the charge, provides disclosure, and adjourns the case to a “to be spoken to date”.
Disclosure Review Process
You’re expected to take the disclosure to your lawyer to review, and to decide how to proceed. The lawyer then schedules a pre-trial meeting with the crown attorney
Resolution or Trial Strategy
After the pre-trial you meet with your lawyer to decide whether there is a resolution available or will you go to trial
Get started today. Discuss your case with criminal lawyer Nicholas Charitsis. Review your case, the police reports, and the Crown disclosure together, and explain what happened from your perspective. After carefully reviewing the facts and the Crown's evidence, we can identify potential defences, uncover weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and explain the strongest legal options available to defend your criminal charges.
Call 416-731-7113 to speak directly with Nicholas Charitsis today.
What Police & Crown Attorneys Don’t Explain About Your Defence
Police officers investigate allegations. Crown Attorneys prosecute criminal charges. Neither is responsible for helping you, explaining defences, legal issues, or telling you about defences that may be available in your case.
Not Every Charge Leads to a Conviction
Criminal charges are not always proven. Before a conviction can occur, the Crown Attorney must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt using reliable and admissible evidence.
What Defences are Available to You
Many legal defences are not immediately obvious. Our criminal lawyers can identify issues involving Charter rights, witness credibility, police procedures, and other legal arguments.
Evidence Must Be Proven In Court
Police allegations are not proof. To secure a conviction, the Crown must present evidence in court and prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, before a judge.
Every Criminal Case Is Different
Every criminal case involves different facts, evidence, and legal issues. Defence strategies must be tailored to the circumstances of each case.
The police build the case against you. We build the case for your defence by showing you the weaknesses in the evidence, the legal arguments, and fighting to have your charges withdrawn, reduced, dismissed, or successfully defended at trial.
Speak With a Criminal Defence Lawyer Today
Now that you have taken the time to understand what you’re facing, the next step is to make that call and discuss your case with a criminal defence lawyer. A confidential call can help clarify what to do next.
Confidential and professional consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose the Best Toronto Criminal Lawyer?
Choosing the right criminal lawyer can have a significant impact on your case. While no lawyer can guarantee a result, it is important to look for experience handling similar criminal charges, a strong reputation, courtroom experience, and a lawyer who takes the time to explain your options and answer your questions.
Many people searching for the best criminal lawyer focus on experience, reviews, past results, and whether they feel confident in the lawyer representing them. Before hiring a lawyer, ask about their experience with similar cases, their approach to defending criminal charges, and who will actually be handling your file.
At Charitsis Law, clients work directly with Nicholas Charitsis. During your consultation, he will review your case, answer your questions, explain the available defence strategies, and help you understand how your criminal charge may be fought.
How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal lawyer depends on several factors, including the type of charge, the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence that must be reviewed, and whether the matter resolves early or proceeds to trial.
Some criminal charges can be handled for a fixed fee, while more serious or complex cases may require additional preparation and court appearances. During your consultation, Nicholas Charitsis can review the details of your case and provide a clear explanation of the anticipated legal fees.
When facing a criminal charge, it is important to remember that you only get one opportunity to defend your case properly. While cost is always a consideration, this is not the time to choose a lawyer based solely on price. Most people are looking for the strongest defence available, experienced representation, and the best possible outcome for their future.
At Charitsis Law, we believe clients should understand the costs involved before making any decisions. Payment plans may be available in certain cases, and all fees are discussed openly at the beginning of the retainer.
Do You Offer Payment Plans?
Yes. We understand that criminal charges often arise unexpectedly and that legal fees can be a concern for many people.
In most cases, Charitsis Law offers payment plans. We typically require a $1,500 retainer to get started, with the balance paid through affordable monthly payments.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, cost should not prevent you from obtaining experienced legal representation. During your consultation, Nicholas Charitsis can review your case, explain the legal fees involved, and discuss a payment plan that works for your situation.
Can My Criminal Charge Be Dropped or Withdrawn?
Yes. Criminal charges are withdrawn, reduced, dismissed, and successfully defended every day in Ontario courts. When reviewing a case, Nicholas Charitsis looks for weaknesses in the Crown’s case, problems with the evidence, Charter rights violations, credibility issues, and other legal arguments that may improve the outcome of the charge.
Many people assume that being charged means they will be convicted. In reality, criminal charges are not always proven, and there may be opportunities to challenge the evidence, negotiate a resolution, or avoid a criminal record altogether. Every case depends on its own facts, evidence, and available defences.
How Does the Court Process Work?
Most criminal cases begin with a first court appearance, followed by the disclosure process, discussions with the Crown Attorney, and, if necessary, additional appearances in the Toronto courts leading up to a trial. Throughout the process, our lawyers review the evidence, identify available defences, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
Every criminal case follows a different path. Some charges are resolved early, while others require negotiations, additional court appearances, or a trial. Nicholas Charitsis and his team of defence lawyers regularly appear in all GTA courthouses and will guide you through each stage of the court process so you understand what to expect before making any decisions about your case.
What Happens if the Police Violated My Charter Rights?
Police officers must follow the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms when investigating criminal offences. If your rights were violated during a detention, arrest, search, seizure, or police interview, it may affect the evidence the Crown Attorney is permitted to use in court.
Nicholas Charitsis and his team of criminal lawyers carefully review every case for Charter issues and police errors. In some situations, Charter violations can result in evidence being excluded, charges being withdrawn, or significantly improve the defence of a criminal charge. The impact of any Charter breach depends on the specific facts of the case.
Should I Hire a Local Criminal Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer who regularly appears in the courts can be an advantage. Local criminal lawyers are familiar with the courthouses, court procedures, Crown Attorney policies, and the practical realities of defending criminal charges throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Nicholas Charitsis and his team of lawyers understand how criminal cases are handled in the local court systems. When facing a criminal charge, experience in the courts where your case will be heard can be an important factor when choosing the best criminal lawyer.
Can I Talk Directly With Nicholas Charitsis?
Yes. When you contact Charitsis Law, you can speak directly with Nicholas Charitsis about your criminal charge. During your consultation, he can answer your questions, review the circumstances of your case, and explain the defence strategies and options that may be available.
Many law firms rely on intake staff or assistants to screen calls before a lawyer becomes involved. At Charitsis Law, we believe it is important for prospective clients to have the opportunity to speak directly with a lawyer as early as possible.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, call 416-731-7113 and speak directly with a senior Toronto Criminal Lawyer.