Author: Rachel Lichtman

If you’ve been told that you might be asked to enter into a peace bond in Ontario, you may be wondering what it is, how it works, and what it means for your record. While peace bonds are not criminal convictions, they are legal orders with serious conditions that can affect your freedom—and understanding your rights is essential. Whether you’re being offered a peace bond as an...

Being charged with a firearms offence in Toronto is a serious matter. Gun-related charges are treated with particular scrutiny by Canadian courts and prosecutors—often resulting in strict bail conditions, mandatory minimum sentences, and life-altering criminal records. If you or someone you know has been charged with a firearms-related offence, it is critical to speak with an experienced...

If your child or teen is facing criminal charges, securing the right legal representation is critical. Youth crime is handled under a separate legal framework in Canada that focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment. A skilled youth crime lawyer can help your child navigate the legal process, protect their rights, and work toward a resolution that avoids long-term...

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is Canada’s legal framework for handling criminal offences committed by individuals between the ages of 12 and 17. It is one of the most important pieces of legislation in Canadian criminal law and plays a critical role in shaping how young people are treated when accused of a crime. Designed to balance accountability with rehabilitation, the YCJA reflects...

Plea deals in Canada are a common but often misunderstood part of the criminal justice process. Many people are surprised to learn that most criminal cases in Canada do not go to trial. Instead, they are resolved through a process known as plea bargaining—a negotiation between the defence and the Crown prosecutor that results in an agreed-upon outcome. If you or someone you care about is...

Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful and uncertain experiences a person can go through. Whether you’ve just been arrested or you’ve been contacted by police, getting legal advice as early as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. That’s why many defence firms offer a criminal lawyer free consultation—an opportunity to speak with a lawyer at no...

Canada’s youth justice system is designed to reflect the unique circumstances of young people in conflict with the law. Instead of defaulting to the formal court system, the system provides alternative ways to hold youth accountable. One of the most important of these alternatives is the use of extrajudicial measures for youth. If your child has been contacted by police or is facing criminal...

In Canada, being found in possession of a weapon doesn’t necessarily require you to use it—or even intend to use it. Under certain circumstances, simply possessing an object that could be used as a weapon can lead to a criminal charge, especially when there is suspicion that it was intended for harm. One of the most common charges in this area is possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose....

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence in Canada, one of the first and most important steps in the legal process is something called disclosure. The term may sound technical, but it plays a vital role in ensuring a fair trial and protecting your rights under Canadian law. This article explains what disclosure is, why it matters, what it includes, and what to do if disclosure is delayed...

Facing youth robbery charges is a serious legal matter that can lead to lasting consequences for a young person. Unlike minor offences that may be resolved through community programs or warnings, robbery is considered a violent and indictable offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. That means the penalties can be significant—even for first-time youth offenders. If your child or someone you...