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Criminal Defence Lawyers in Hamilton, Ontario

LawDB lists 5 criminal defence law firms in Hamilton, Ontario, with an average Google rating of 4.9 across 665 reviews. 5 of them have a rating of 4.5 or higher. The highest-rated is Jag Virk Lawyers (5.0 stars from 27 reviews).

5firms listed
4.9average rating
665Google reviews
5rated 4.5+

Criminal Defence law firms in Hamilton

FirmRatingReviewsAddressPhone
Jag Virk Lawyers5.0271 Hunter St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W8(888) 524-8475
Collett Read LLP4.924825 Main St W Ste 2200, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6(905) 541-2228
Hepburn Criminal Law4.9178UNION GAS BUILDING, 20 Hughson St S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2A1(905) 869-5488
Bernstein Law Group Personal Injury Lawyers4.9103250 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3B3(905) 546-1990
East Law4.81098 Main St E Ste 201, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8(888) 719-7687

What criminal defence lawyers in Hamilton 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.

Criminal Defence law in Ontario: what to know

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

How to choose a criminal defence lawyer in Hamilton

  1. Confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
  2. Ask how much of their practice is criminal defence, and how recent their experience is with cases like yours.
  3. Compare the Google rating together with the number of reviews, not the rating alone.
  4. Read recent reviews for comments on communication and responsiveness.
  5. Ask for the fee structure in writing before you sign, including what is billed separately.
  6. 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

What to bring

How the process usually works

  1. The lawyer gets the charges and the disclosure from the Crown.
  2. They advise you on bail, evidence and options.
  3. Pre-trial discussions with the Crown may lead to a resolution.
  4. If there is no resolution, the case goes to trial.
  5. 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

Jag Virk Lawyers is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 5.0 stars, based on 27 Google reviews. The office is at 1 Hunter St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W8. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Collett Read LLP is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 4.9 stars, based on 248 Google reviews. The office is at 25 Main St W Ste 2200, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6. Listed focus areas: Traffic Tickets.

Hepburn Criminal Law is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 4.9 stars, based on 178 Google reviews. The office is at UNION GAS BUILDING, 20 Hughson St S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2A1. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence, Employment Law, Wills & Estates, Civil Litigation.

Bernstein Law Group Personal Injury Lawyers is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 4.9 stars, based on 103 Google reviews. The office is at 250 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3B3. Listed focus areas: Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defence.

East Law is one of the highest-rated firms on this page at 4.8 stars, based on 109 Google reviews. The office is at 8 Main St E Ste 201, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8. Listed focus areas: Criminal Defence.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a criminal defence lawyer in Hamilton?

Check that the lawyer is licensed with the Law Society of Ontario, 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 Hamilton?

LawDB currently lists 5 criminal defence firms in Hamilton, Ontario, out of 21 law firms in the city across all practice areas. The average Google rating of these firms is 4.9.

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 Hamilton is licensed?

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

How much does a criminal defence lawyer cost in Hamilton?

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 Ontario?

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 Hamilton?

Yes. Each firm above shows its address and phone number, and the map on the Hamilton 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 Hamilton

Personal Injury 8Wills & Estates 4Real Estate 3Litigation 3Family 2Employment 2Business 1Traffic Tickets 1

Nearby cities

Oakville ~30 kmMississauga ~45 kmGuelph ~45 kmSt. Catharines ~50 kmEtobicoke ~50 kmHamilton ~55 km
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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.