Blog/News - Toronto Criminal Defence Lawyers

A realistic view taken through a wet windshield on a rainy day, showing a Toronto police officer conducting a traffic stop. The officer, wearing a dark uniform, a peaked cap, and a bright yellow high-visibility vest, stands at the driver's side window of a dark blue sedan. Directly behind the sedan is a dark grey Toronto Police SUV with its red and blue lights flashing. Several other cars are driving in the background on the wet, multi-lane road. This image was generated for Zamani Law.

Vehicle Searches in Ontario: Your Rights During a Police Stop

By Farid Zamani Seeing flashing police lights in your rearview mirror can make your heart drop. The stress can get worse if the officer walks up to your window and asks, “Do you mind if we take a look inside your vehicle?” Many people freeze in this moment. They may...

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking vs. Simple Possession in Ontario

By Farid Zamani If you are charged with a drug offence in Ontario, the exact charge matters. In Canada, drug possession cases under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) can involve simple possession or possession for the purpose of trafficking. These are different offences, and the legal risk can...

Can I Travel to the US With a Criminal Record from Canada? [2026 Update]

If you are planning a trip south of the border but have a past conviction, you likely want to know if a criminal record will prevent you from entering the United States. The answer depends heavily on the specific nature of your offence, how long ago the conviction occurred, and...

Sexual Interference vs. Sexual Assault in Canada: What Is the Difference?

By Farid Zamani If you are reading a police charge sheet, you might see “sexual assault” or “sexual interference.” People often use these terms to mean the same thing in everyday conversation. But in Canadian criminal law, they are two completely different charges. One main difference usually comes down to...

there is a book titled the law of consent in Canada

The Law of Consent in Canada (2026 Update)

By Farid Zamani Consent is often a central issue in sexual assault cases in Canada, but each case still turns on its own facts, the surrounding evidence, and the legal rules that apply. The Criminal Code sets out specific rules on consent, capacity, and mistaken belief, and courts apply those...

First-Time Domestic Assault in Ontario: Can You Get the Charges Dropped?

By Farid Zamani Getting arrested for domestic assault is a shock. For most people, it’s their first time dealing with the police. You probably have a lot of questions. What happens next? Can my partner just drop the charges? Will I go to jail? In Ontario, the justice system treats...

Historical Sexual Assault Claims in Ontario: Defending Against the Past

By Farid Zamani Getting charged with a crime is stressful. But facing charges for something that allegedly happened 10, 15, or 20 years ago is a different kind of nightmare. You might feel blindsided. You might not even remember the specific time or place the police are asking about....

What Happens at a Bail Hearing in Toronto?

If you’ve been arrested, the next step for you will be a bail hearing, where a court will determine whether you’ll be released from custody while awaiting trial or remain in custody. Bail hearings in Ontario follow specific procedures that are governed by the Criminal Code of Canada. It’s in...

What Is a Peace Bond and Should You Accept One?

If you’ve been offered a peace bond in Canada, you probably have questions about how the process works and what the benefits and drawbacks are for you. Learning what’s involved will help you make a sound decision about whether you should consent to enter into the peace bond. Key Takeaways...

How to Get Criminal Charges Dropped in Ontario

If you’re facing a court date in Ontario, you may be wondering how to get criminal charges dropped. Although it never happens in the dramatic fashion depicted on TV shows, the Crown, the complainant, the judge, the defence lawyer, and the defendant can all influence the process. Dropping charges can...

How Long Does a Criminal Record Last in Canada?

If you are going through the criminal justice system or you have been convicted of a crime, you may be wondering, “How long does a criminal record last in Canada?” The answer is not as straightforward as you might hope. In some jurisdictions, certain records automatically disappear after a set...

The Difference Between Summary and Indictable Offences in Canada

When someone is charged with a criminal offence, it will be either a summary or an indictable offence. The category of criminal offence affects everything from the way your case is handled to the penalties to the long-term consequences for the offender. Whatever you know about the criminal justice system...

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