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Criminal Defence Lawyers in Winnipeg, Manitoba

LawDB lists 7 criminal defence law firms in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with an average Google rating of 4.8 across 539 reviews. 6 of them have a rating of 4.5 or higher. The highest-rated is Mat Schwartz Criminal Law (5.0 stars from 121 reviews). Winnipeg is the provincial capital and the seat of the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba, and it is home to most of the province's law firms.

7firms listed

4.8average rating

539Google reviews

6rated 4.5+

Criminal Defence law firms in Winnipeg

Firm	Rating	Reviews	Address	Phone
Mat Schwartz Criminal Law	5.0	121	155 Carlton St #1640, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4W3	(204) 815-8098
Jessie S. Brar Criminal Defence	5.0	117	444 St Mary Ave #1400, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3T1	(204) 996-8080
Joshua Rogala Criminal Law	5.0	79	155 Carlton St #1640, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8	(204) 770-6268
Shimon Segal Criminal Lawyer	4.8	134	386 Broadway #504, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6	(204) 985-8193
Simmonds and Associates	4.8	12	363 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3N9	(204) 560-5000
Michael Dyck Criminal Law	4.7	38	155 Carlton St #1640, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8	(204) 318-6116
Matthew Gould Criminal Law	4.4	38	363 Broadway #1212, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3N9	(204) 272-7327

What criminal defence lawyers in Winnipeg help with

Criminal defence lawyers represent people charged with offences, from impaired driving and assault to fraud and drug charges, at every stage from the first police contact to trial or appeal.

Being charged or under investigation
Bail and release conditions
Impaired driving and other driving offences
Assault, theft, fraud and drug charges
Trials, plea negotiations and sentencing
Appeals and record-related applications

Criminal Defence law in Manitoba: what to know

If cost is a concern, you may qualify for help from Legal Aid Manitoba. A defence lawyer can also advise you whether it makes sense to apply.

How to choose a criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg

Confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with the Law Society of Manitoba.
Ask how much of their practice is criminal defence, and how recent their experience is with cases like yours.
Compare the Google rating together with the number of reviews, not the rating alone.
Read recent reviews for comments on communication and responsiveness.
Ask for the fee structure in writing before you sign, including what is billed separately.
Meet with more than one firm if the matter is large, and trust the one that explains your options clearly.

Questions to ask at your first consultation

Have you handled charges like mine before?
What are the likely outcomes and the main risks?
How and when will we talk about disclosure from the Crown?
What are your fees, and what is covered?
What should I avoid saying or doing in the meantime?
Do you also appear in the court where I am charged?

What to bring

Any charging documents, release papers or court dates
Details of the incident and anything the police gave you
The names of witnesses
Any messages or records relevant to the charge
Your ID and contact details

How the process usually works

The lawyer gets the charges and the disclosure from the Crown.
They advise you on bail, evidence and options.
Pre-trial discussions with the Crown may lead to a resolution.
If there is no resolution, the case goes to trial.
After a verdict there may be sentencing or an appeal.

Costs and fees

Criminal defence is often quoted as a flat fee per stage, or a retainer billed hourly. If cost is a concern, ask whether you may qualify for legal aid. Ask about disbursements (third-party costs), taxes, and what happens if your matter changes in scope. Many firms offer a first consultation, but confirm whether it is free.

Firm snapshots

Mat Schwartz Criminal Law is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 5.0 stars, based on 121 Google reviews. The office is at 155 Carlton St #1640, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4W3. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Jessie S. Brar Criminal Defence is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 5.0 stars, based on 117 Google reviews. The office is at 444 St Mary Ave #1400, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3T1. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Joshua Rogala Criminal Law is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 5.0 stars, based on 79 Google reviews. The office is at 155 Carlton St #1640, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Shimon Segal Criminal Lawyer is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 4.8 stars, based on 134 Google reviews. The office is at 386 Broadway #504, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Simmonds and Associates is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 4.8 stars, based on 12 Google reviews. The office is at 363 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3N9. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Michael Dyck Criminal Law has a strong rating at 4.7 stars, based on 38 Google reviews. The office is at 155 Carlton St #1640, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Matthew Gould Criminal Law is rated at 4.4 stars, based on 38 Google reviews. The office is at 363 Broadway #1212, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3N9. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Criminal cases in Winnipeg: the courts, specialized programs and legal aid

Which court hears a criminal case

Most criminal cases in Manitoba start in the Provincial Court: more than ninety-five percent begin there. After a charge it hears bail applications, first-appearance (intake) courts, screening (resolution) courts, preliminary inquiries and trials. In Winnipeg its court office is on the main floor of the Law Courts Building, 408 York Avenue. Source: Manitoba Courts: about the Provincial Court, Provincial Court in Winnipeg
All Youth Court cases in Manitoba are heard in the Provincial Court, which also hears drug cases under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and provincial offences such as those under The Highway Traffic Act. In Winnipeg, provincial offence tickets are handled on the main floor of 373 Broadway. Source: Manitoba Courts: about the Provincial Court, Provincial Court in Winnipeg

Specialized courts in Winnipeg

The Winnipeg Drug Treatment Court is for people charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with drug-related offences, or with non-violent Criminal Code offences, who are dependent on drugs and whose criminal behaviour was caused or motivated by their addiction. Source: Drug Treatment Court
The Winnipeg Mental Health Court is a weekly sitting of the Provincial Court, available only in Winnipeg at present, for people whose criminal involvement is a direct result of their mental illness. Crown attorneys review the cases referred to them, and the process is expected to take between 18 and 24 months. Source: Mental Health Court

Paying for a lawyer

Legal Aid Manitoba lists criminal law among its services. Besides applying online or by telephone, you can apply from court or from jail or prison. Source: Legal Aid Manitoba: how to apply

Firms close to the courthouse

All 7 criminal defence firms listed in Winnipeg have an office within 1.5 km of the Law Courts Building, 408 York Avenue, measured in a straight line from each firm's position on the LawDB map. Closest: Shimon Segal Criminal Lawyer (0.2 km), Jessie S. Brar Criminal Defence (0.2 km), Simmonds and Associates (0.2 km), Matthew Gould Criminal Law (0.2 km).

Every point comes from the official page linked beside it (last checked 2026-10-21); courts and agencies change their details, so confirm with them before you go. This is general information, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg?

Check that the lawyer is licensed with the Law Society of Manitoba, ask how much of their practice is criminal defence, compare Google ratings and review counts, and get the fee structure in writing. Criminal defence is often quoted as a flat fee per stage, or a retainer billed hourly. If cost is a concern, ask whether you may qualify for legal aid.

How many criminal defence firms does LawDB list in Winnipeg?

LawDB currently lists 7 criminal defence firms in Winnipeg, Manitoba, out of 52 law firms in the city across all practice areas. The average Google rating of these firms is 4.8.

Does being a Featured firm mean a higher rating?

No. Ratings are taken from each firm's public Google listing and cannot be bought. Featured firms are partner placements shown at the top of the list, so look at the rating and reviews alongside the badge.

How can I check that a lawyer in Winnipeg is licensed?

Lawyers in Manitoba are regulated by the Law Society of Manitoba, which keeps a public directory you can search by name.

How much does a criminal defence lawyer cost in Winnipeg?

Criminal defence is often quoted as a flat fee per stage, or a retainer billed hourly. If cost is a concern, ask whether you may qualify for legal aid. Fees vary by firm and by the complexity of your matter, so ask for an estimate in writing.

What should I bring to a first meeting with a criminal defence lawyer?

Bring: Any charging documents, release papers or court dates; Details of the incident and anything the police gave you; The names of witnesses; Any messages or records relevant to the charge; Your ID and contact details.

How long do I have to act on a criminal defence matter in Manitoba?

Deadlines depend on the kind of matter and sometimes on a date printed on your documents. Because these deadlines can be short, it is safest to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I find a criminal defence lawyer near me in Winnipeg?

Yes. Each firm above shows its address and phone number, and the map on the Winnipeg page shows where firms are located. You can also use the search box on LawDB to filter by case type and location.

Other practice areas in Winnipeg

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All law firms in Manitoba

Not sure which firm fits your situation? Search by case type and location.

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Last reviewed 2026-10. Ratings and review counts come from each firm's public Google business listing and are shown unedited, as a snapshot at the time the page was generated. Featured firms are LawDB partner placements shown above the other listings in their area; Featured status does not change a firm's rating. LawDB is a directory, not a law firm. The general information on this page is not legal advice, and laws and deadlines change, so speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.