Criminal Lawyer in London, Ontario
A criminal charge can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. If you or someone you care about has been charged in London, you need a lawyer who knows the courts here — and who picks up the phone.
Dominion Criminal Defence has been defending clients at the London courthouse at 80 Dundas Street for years. We know the Crown prosecutors, we know how cases move through this court, and we know how to build a defence that gives you the best possible outcome.
Criminal Charges We Defend in London
We handle the full range of criminal matters heard at the London courthouse and throughout Middlesex County. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
DUI & Impaired Driving
A DUI charge in London triggers immediate licence suspension and carries serious criminal penalties including fines, driving prohibitions, and potential jail time. The evidence in these cases — breathalyzer readings, officer observations, roadside screening results — is often challengeable, and a skilled defence lawyer knows where to look. If you were charged on Highway 401, the 402, or anywhere in Middlesex County, call us before your first appearance.
Assault & Domestic Assault
Assault charges in London are prosecuted aggressively, and domestic assault matters almost always result in a no-contact order that can remove you from your own home before any finding of guilt. These cases often come down to credibility — the Crown’s evidence versus your account — and how that evidence is managed from the beginning matters. Early legal involvement can significantly affect the conditions you live under while the matter is before the court.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offence charges carry some of the most severe consequences in the Criminal Code, including mandatory sex offender registration and restrictions that can affect where you live and work for years or decades. The Crown takes these matters seriously, and so do we — building the right de
Child Offences
Charges involving offences against children are among the most aggressively prosecuted matters in Ontario courts, and a conviction can mean a permanent criminal record, sex offender registration, and restrictions that follow you for life. In London, these cases are typically handled by specialized Crown prosecutors with significant experience — you need a defence lawyer who matches that experience. We review every piece of disclosure and explore every available defence.
Youth Criminal Justice Act
Young people charged with criminal offences in London are protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which provides enhanced rights and a separate court process designed to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Youth court in London sits at 80 Dundas Street East, and the process moves differently than adult court — publication bans, different sentencing options, and protections around statements made to police. If your child has been charged, call us before they say anything further to anyone.
Drug Offences
Drug charges in London range from simple possession to trafficking and production, and the penalties vary enormously depending on the substance, the quantity, and the circumstances of the arrest. Many drug cases turn on how the evidence was obtained — whether the search was lawful, whether your Charter rights were respected. A successful Charter challenge can result in evidence being excluded and charges being withdrawn.
Bail Hearings
A bail hearing is often the most critical early step in a criminal case — the outcome determines whether you go home or remain in custody while your matter works through the London courts. The Crown opposes release in many cases, and showing up without a lawyer puts you at a serious disadvantage. We can prepare a compelling bail plan and represent you at your hearing, often on short notice.
Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving is a criminal offence that can result in a permanent record, licence suspension, and jail time. We defend clients across London and Southwestern Ontario, including charges involving bodily harm or death.
Not sure if your charge is on this list? Call us anyway. If it’s a criminal matter in London or Middlesex County, we can help.
London's Criminal Courts — What to Expect
Ontario Court of Justice – 80 Dundas Street East handles the majority of criminal cases in London, including first appearances, bail hearings, and trials for most summary and hybrid offences.
Superior Court of Justice – 80 Dundas Street East hears the most serious indictable offences, including jury trials and Crown election matters.
Your release paperwork will tell you which court and which courtroom to appear in. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, call us — we’ll walk you through it.
Why Clients in London Choose Dominion Criminal Defence
24/7 urgent line
Our urgent line is answered nights, weekends, and holidays — because charges don't happen on a schedule.
Free initial consultation
Know where you stand before you spend a dollar.
Straight answers
No jargon, no runaround — just honest advice about what your charge means and what outcomes are realistic.
Local court knowledge
We appear at the London courthouse regularly and know how cases move through this system.
If you’ve never been charged before, visit our First Time Charged page — we put together a plain-language guide to what happens next.
FAQS
Common Questions About Criminal Lawyer London Ontario
Where is criminal court in London, Ontario?
Most criminal matters in London are heard at the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice, both located at 80 Dundas Street East. Your release papers will confirm your courtroom and time.
What should I do immediately after being charged?
Say nothing to police beyond identifying yourself — you have the right to remain silent and you should use it. Then call a lawyer immediately. You can reach us at (226) 984-7637 any time of day or night.
Will I get a criminal record?
Not necessarily. Many charges — especially first-time offences — can be resolved without a conviction through diversion, discharge, or other tools available to the defence. The outcome depends on the charge, your history, and the strength of the Crown’s case.
How quickly do I need to hire a lawyer?
As soon as possible. The earlier a lawyer is involved, the more options are available — including challenging the arrest, influencing bail conditions, and shaping how the Crown approaches the file.
Do you handle cases for people outside of London?
Yes. If your matter is being heard in London or Middlesex County courts, we can represent you regardless of where you live.
What does a criminal lawyer cost in London?
It depends on the charge and how far the matter goes. The consultation is free, and we’ll give you a clear picture of costs before you commit to anything.
Can I get legal aid?
Depending on your income and the severity of the charge, you may qualify for a Legal Aid Ontario certificate. We can help you assess eligibility and navigate that process.
What if I'm guilty — is there any point in hiring a lawyer?
Yes. Even when the facts aren’t in dispute, a lawyer can challenge the admissibility of evidence, negotiate with the Crown, and argue for outcomes that minimize the impact on your life — including avoiding a criminal record in some cases.
Speak With a Criminal Defence Lawyer Today — It’s Free
If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal offence in London, Kitchener, Brantford, Guelph, or anywhere in Southwestern Ontario, don’t wait. The sooner you have legal advice, the better.
Call or text our 24/7 urgent line at 226-984-7637, or fill in the contact form below. Your first consultation is free and confidential.