Facing a criminal charge or police investigation in Toronto? Speak with Lichtman Law about your next court date, release conditions, and defence options.
Check your release paperwork or court notice for the courthouse, date, and instructions for attending. If you’re unsure whether you need to appear in person or remotely, confirm with your lawyer or the court before the date.
Preparing for a call? Have your charge documents, release conditions, and next court date handy. If someone is in custody, see our bail hearing page.
Here are four common stages of a Toronto criminal case. The steps depend on the charge and how the case proceeds.
The court may address counsel, disclosure, and the next date. Confirm with your lawyer whether you must attend.
The Crown provides its evidence. Your lawyer reviews what was provided and identifies anything missing. Read the disclosure guide.
Counsel may meet with the Crown and, where appropriate, a judge to narrow the issues and discuss next steps.
Your lawyer explains any proposed resolution and what it would mean for you. If the matter proceeds to trial, counsel prepares the defence.

Lichtman Law was founded by Rachel Lichtman. Rachel worked for the esteemed Greenspan Partners LLP, one of the top 10 criminal law boutiques in Canada, before starting her own firm.
Rachel is an Instructor at the Courtroom and Classrooms Superior Court Program. She uses this platform to educate students on the importance of the rights of each and every single Canadian, including all accused persons. She teaches about the importance of a fair trial to all, no matter the charges.
Rachel is extremely diligent with the defences she provides for her clients, she only hires and works with the best defence lawyers at her firm.
Defence for possession, trafficking and other drug allegations, including challenges to searches and seizures.
Explore this areaRepresentation for assault allegations, with careful review of witness accounts, injuries and the surrounding circumstances.
Explore this areaDefence for young people, with attention to family concerns, school and the impact of criminal proceedings.
Explore this areaAdvice and representation for theft and robbery charges, including disputed identification and alleged participation.
Explore this areaDefence for firearm possession and related allegations, including examination of searches, knowledge and control.
Explore this areaDetailed preparation and courtroom advocacy for homicide charges and complex, serious criminal allegations.
Explore this areaHelp preparing a release plan, addressing the Crown’s concerns and advocating for release on workable conditions.
Explore this areaDefence for fraud allegations, with detailed review of financial records, transactions and the alleged intent.
Explore this areaGuidance on domestic allegations, release conditions and the impact of a criminal case on everyday life.
Explore this areaCareful, discreet representation, including examination of disclosure, witness accounts and the available defence.
Explore this areaRepresentation for allegations involving the discharge of a firearm, with close analysis of the evidence.
Explore this areaDefence involving money or property alleged to come from crime, including disputed knowledge and ownership.
Explore this areaNot sure where your case fits? Speak with our team
Check your release paperwork or court notice first. You can also use the Ontario Court of Justice’s Find My Case resource. If your matter is missing from the list, confirm the details with your lawyer or the court.
Check the instructions on your paperwork and confirm attendance requirements with your lawyer or the court before the date. The arrangements depend on your case and the court’s directions.
Have the person’s name, the charges if known, and any court information ready when you call. Our Bail Hearing Lawyer page explains how we can help prepare for the hearing.
Have your charge documents, release conditions, next court date, and any disclosure you’ve received. Ask us how to share sensitive records securely.
Lichtman Law · 100 King Street West, Suite 5700, Toronto