Criminal Law
Firm, Strategic Defence to Protect Your Freedom and Record
Facing a criminal charge is a life-altering event. Beyond the immediate threat of imprisonment, a criminal conviction can destroy career prospects, complicate child custody matters, revoke professional licenses, and lead to deportation for non-citizens. At Dima Law, we provide proactive legal defense, holding the prosecution to the strict standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Led by Dima Alkrzoun, we analyze Crown disclosure, evaluate police actions for constitutional overreach under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and pursue every available defense avenue—from initial bail release to negotiated withdrawals and trial verdicts.
Practice Areas in Criminal Defence
Bail Hearings & Bail Reviews
The critical first stage of any criminal proceeding is securing release. We act quickly to:
- Formulate robust bail plans, identifying suitable sureties and proposing manageable supervisory terms.
- Negotiate consent releases with Crown Attorneys to avoid contested detention hearings.
- Conduct Bail Reviews in the Superior Court when an initial bail application was denied or conditions become overly restrictive.
Assault & Domestic Offences
Condominium purchases carry collective operational obligations. We audit the Status Certificate to assess:
- Domestic Assault Allegations: Defending against assault, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats charges while managing strict non-communication and residence conditions.
- Peace Bonds (Section 810): Negotiating formal peace bonds that may result in the withdrawal of criminal charges and help preserve an individual’s clean record.
- Self-Defence Assertions: Establishing lawful justification for defensive actions under Section 34 of the Criminal Code.
Driving Offences
- Impaired Driving & Over 80: Scrutinizing breathalyzer calibration logs, timing sequences, and blood-alcohol testing machinery.
- Dangerous Driving & Refusal to Comply: Defending against allegations of erratic driving and roadside screening refusals.
- Charter Challenges: Filing Section 8 (unreasonable search) and Section 9 (arbitrary detention) applications to exclude roadside evidence.
Theft, Fraud & Property Crimes
- Representation for retail theft, possession of stolen property, credit card fraud, embezzlement, and complex commercial breach of trust charges.
- Negotiating restitution resolutions, alternative measures, and adult diversion options for first-time offenders.
Drug Offences
- Challenging unlawful vehicle stops, physical pat-downs, and defective search warrants involving charges of possession, trafficking, or production.
What to Do If You Are Arrested or Under Investigation
You are not legally required to answer questions from the police or explain your side of the story. Simply state: "I wish to remain silent and speak to my lawyer."
Clearly state that you do not consent to searches of your person, vehicle, phone, or premises without a valid search warrant.
Police must provide you with a phone and a private room to consult with legal counsel without unreasonable delay.
Conversations with family, friends, or cellmates are not protected by solicitor-client privilege and can be used as evidence against you.
Protect Your Rights from Day One
The actions you take immediately following an arrest directly influence the outcome of your case. Contact Dima Law for responsive, resolute criminal defense representation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An arrest and pending charge appear on vulnerable sector and comprehensive police information checks. However, if your lawyer successfully negotiates a withdrawal, diversion, or acquittal at trial, you avoid a formal criminal conviction, allowing you to request the destruction of fingerprints and arrest records.
In Canada, the complainant does not choose whether to "press" or "drop" criminal charges. Once police are called, the state takes over the prosecution, and only the Crown Attorney has the legal authority to withdraw charges. We work with Crown Attorneys to present contextual mitigating factors that support resolving or withdrawing the matter.
A discharge is a sentencing outcome where the accused is found guilty, but the court chooses not to register a conviction. An Absolute Discharge carries no probation, while a Conditional Discharge requires completing a probationary period. Once the statutory retention period expires, the discharge is purged from your criminal record.
If police violated your Charter rights—such as arresting you without reasonable grounds, searching your property unlawfully, or denying prompt access to a lawyer—your defense counsel can apply under Section 24(2) of the Charter to exclude the resulting evidence. Excluding key evidence often undermines the Crown's case, leading to dismissed charges.