Top 9 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ottawa

Nobody wants (and deserves) to be charged with a crime they did not commit. But just in case this happens to you or your loved ones, it’s wise to get the services of the top criminal defense lawyer in Ottawa.

How to pay for one might add to the anxiety of the criminal charge. That’s why we made sure to include a short discussion in the following section on how much you can expect to pay for this type of legal service.

The Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ottawa

Now that you have an idea of hourly legal rates and national averages, it’s time to see which criminal defense lawyer in Ottawa can best represent your case.

Please note that this listicle was done in no particular order.

1. James Coulter Law

SERVICES	Criminal allegations, including impaired driving offences, sexual assaults, and committing internet-based offences against children
ADDRESS	200 Elgin Street Suite 800 Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1L5
CONTACT NUMBER	[email protected] 613-371-3884
WEBSITE	https://jcoulterlaw.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	By appointment basis

Having engaged James Coulter’s services, we found his approach rooted in a deep understanding of criminal law. His foundation in advocacy, honed at Ottawa’s prominent Shore Johnston|LLP, ensures a robust defense strategy.

Transitioning from prosecution aspirations to defense, James brings a unique perspective to each case. His commitment to fairness and justice shines through his meticulous case preparation and courtroom presence.

In terms of efficiency, James demonstrates swift responsiveness and thorough case management. His ability to navigate complex legal issues reassures clients facing challenging circumstances.

Regarding affordability, James offers transparent fee structures and explores options that accommodate varying financial situations. This commitment to accessibility sets him apart in the legal community.

Facilities supporting his practice are modern and conducive to client comfort and confidentiality. This enhances the overall client experience and underscores his professionalism.

In summary, James Coulter combines legal expertise with a genuine dedication to defending his clients’ rights. His journey from student to seasoned criminal defense attorney is reflected in his nuanced approach and steadfast advocacy. For anyone seeking a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and effective, James Coulter proves an excellent choice.

Customer Reviews

“James Coulter exceeded my expectations with his thorough understanding of criminal law and dedication to my case. His transition from prosecutor to defender brings a unique edge to his strategy, ensuring a strong defense. Highly recommend!”

“James Coulter is a responsive and efficient lawyer who handled my case with professionalism and care. His transparent fees and modern facilities made the legal process less daunting. Grateful for his expertise in navigating complex legal issues.”

2. Armoured Suits: Criminal Defence Lawyers

SERVICES	Criminal Defense: Assault Charges, Failure To Comply With Court Orders, Break And Enter, Criminal Negligence, Domestic Offences, Drug Offences, Firearm Offences, Fraud, Impaired Driving, Murder / Manslaughter, Pornography Offences, Robbery, Sexual Assault, Theft, and Youth Criminal Law. Victim Legal Services: Sexual Assault Representation and Domestic Violence.  Provincial Offences: Liquor Licence Act Of Ontario, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Peace Bonds, and Regulatory Offences.
WEBSITE	armouredsuits.ca
ADDRESS	222 Somerset St W, Suite 406,Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2G3
CONTACT DETAILS	1-613-233-0008 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5 PM

When it comes to criminal defense cases, one of the best firms to contact is Armoured Suits thanks to their flexibility when it comes to these procedures. They can work with you either through consultations or full representation. 

Upon checking their website we noticed that upon opting for their consultation you can first try their free 30 minutes phone consultation and if you are happy with what they do then you can get their paid 60 minutes consultation or their legal opinion. This works great in minor criminal defense cases. 

However, if you want to be fully protected, we highly recommend choosing to get full representation from them. Full representation is different from consultation in that the lawyer-client relationship is anticipated to extend more than one or two encounters. 

Full representation also includes tasks that the firm is expected to conduct on the client’s behalf. Clients who have been officially charged with a crime frequently seek full representation. A person who has been charged will need regular, continuous care for the duration of the charge.

Customer Reviews

I would highly recommend Armoured Suits

“Joshua was very professional and helpful with my situation. His knowledge went above and beyond. My issue was resolved quickly and he made every effort to obtain the best outcome. Any questions I had were answered quickly and in great detail. I would highly recommend Armoured Suits!! Thank you Joshua!” – Kelley Fisher

With no doubt turn to armored suits

“If you are ever in need of a great lawyer. With no doubt turn to armored suits. I got accused for something I would never dream of doing and stumbled across Armoured suits. That’s when I met Kathleen with open doors. She was so inviting and showed she really cared and believed me. She walked me through everything so i would understand what was going on and what to look forward to. She said she would fight for me and she did just that. She rocked that case like it was an elvis presley record. Today I am a free man. Thank you so much Kathleen and the rest of the gang at armored suits. May God bless you all. Thank you again.”  – Bradley Markell

3. Nikolas Lust

SERVICES	Practice Areas: CRIMINAL LAW APPEALS ASSAULT BAIL HEARINGS DOMESTIC ASSAULT DRINKING AND DRIVING DRUG OFFENCES FIREARM OFFENCES MURDER SEXUAL ASSAULT THEFT WHITE COLLAR CRIMES
ADDRESS	Ottawa
CONTACT NUMBER	email: [email protected] office: 613-233-2542 cellular: 613-857-1911 fax: 613-564-0400
WEBSITE	https://www.nikolaslust.com
OPERATING HOURS	Check their booking calendar here

Nikolas J. Lust is one of the few lawyers that focuses on his clients, not his profits. He strives to guide his clients throughout the entire legal process through giving them the information they need to make the right legal decision.

He is well-versed in numerous areas of practice in criminal law, with his primary focus resting on sexual assaults, domestic violence, drinking and driving, and drug trafficking. To represent his client better, he does his best to understand their individual circumstances, down to the smallest detail.

No matter what their client’s case may be, he will make sure to provide frequent updates and advise so that they remain on the same page at all times. He is open to meetings online or offline, at his client’s convenience.

Finally, these premier services come at affordable rates, as he believes that clients come first before money. Nikolas J. Lust’s dedication to the client and expertise regarding criminal law make him a legal partner you can rely on, whatever your legal problem may be.

4. Céline Dostaler

SERVICES	Impaired and “over .80”, assault, sexual assault, domestic assault, drug offences, white-collar crime, police obstruction, search and seizure, weapons possession, homicide, fraud, theft and shoplifting, mischief, young offender, bail hearings and reviews
ADDRESS	200 Elgin St, Suite 901 Ottawa ON K2P 1L5
CONTACT NUMBER	613.695.8595 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://www.celinedostaler.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Céline Dostaler has been focusing exclusively on criminal defense law since 2010.

She can be approached for any cases involving practically all criminal charges (refer to the services menu above).

What makes her practice stand out is that clients can speak to her directly without having to repeat their stories to a barrage of lawyers and assistants. Céline Dostaler is also a bilingual lawyer who can fluently speak and understand French and English so that no miscommunication or mistranslations occur.

Her approach to defending her clients’ cases is to weaken the charges by identifying inconsistencies in both the witness testimonies and evidence. A look at the Cases page on her website shows how Céline Dostaler got clients’ charges dropped or withdrawn in the past years.

Potential clients can request a 30-minute initial consultation with her at no charge. Aside from discussing the case involved, Céline Dostaler will explain her block fee payment preference and how the Criminal Court system works so clients can get a picture of the whole legal situation.

Customer Reviews

Get to know how Céline Dostaler’s clients liked her services:

“I had never been charged before, never needed to find a lawyer.  But when my ex charged me with a domestic assault, I knew I needed the best criminal lawyer I could find.  Celine did not disappoint.  She was there for me through every step of the way, she made sure I understood what was happening, and got the charges dropped.  You won’t regret having Celine fighting for you.” – E.C.

“Celine was wonderful to work with!  I really appreciated that she was available to answer all my questions and explain everything to me. I was scared that if I was found guilty, I’d lose my job.  And all because of something I did when I was stressed and not thinking right.  After he heard everything my lawyer had to say, the judge gave me a discharge.  Thanks so much for all your hard work.” – D.R.

5. David Anber’s Law Office

SERVICES	DUI offences, driving offences, criminal offences, crimes of violence, property offences, drug offences, justice system crimes, driver’s licence cases, serious driving offences, speeding/racing cases, provincial offences, regulatory offences
ADDRESS	150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 2300 Ottawa, ON K2P 1P1
CONTACT NUMBER	613­­-755­-4008 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://www.davidanber.com/
OPERATING HOURS	By appointment only 24-hour email or phone inquiry

No case is too big or too small for criminal defense lawyer David Anber to handle. As the Principal Counsel of his eponymous law firm, he has overseen over a thousand cases for clients in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto.

His team is made up of him, an associate counsel, a paralegal, a law clerk, office staff, and extended members. Clients are assured of total focus on their cases from the team whether it’s for a criminal trial or a Traffic Court matter.

If you want to get a feel of how David Anber and his team win clients for their cases, take a look at his website. There’s a page there called Success Stories detailing various criminal defense cases (with anonymous client names) and their resulting verdicts.

Clients are welcome to contact David Anber’s law office for a free initial consultation 24 hours a day. Those requiring Legal Aid cases can fill up a form on the site to see if they qualify for one after a thorough review.

Customer Reviews

Read the following client feedback for David Anber’s Law Office:

“David’s diligence, hard work and professionalism helped me achieve the best possible outcome. Selecting David was the smartest thing I could’ve done and because of him, I have my life back. I placed my complete trust in you and you delivered. Thank you, David!” – Jim Piche

“Choosing a lawyer is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, I went to 6 different law offices before I came across David Amber’s law office. I had a gut feeling that I was making the right decision and thank God I was right. So if you are 2nd guessing your decision or don’t know what law office to choose let me help you with your decision, I would choose David Amber’s law office A 100 times out of a 100 times because you’re not just hiring a lawyer you are hiring a team of people that are dedicated to proving your innocence! Highly recommend them!” – Mackenzie Toth

6. Michael Johnston (Shore Johnston Hyslop Day LLP)

SERVICES	Client defence for DUI/impaired/refuse breath sample /blow over 80mgs, dangerous driving causing death/injury, drug charges (all types), domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault (all types), robbery/theft/fraud, professional discipline complaints, administrative tribunals and inquiries, etc.
ADDRESS	200 Elgin Street, Suite 800, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1L5
CONTACT NUMBER	613.233.7747 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://www.sjhdlaw.ca/michael-johnston/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

A lot of client testimonials about Michael Johnston mention the fact that he comes highly recommended by past clients and other people he’s served. But if you want to see beyond client reviews for this lawyer or his firm, go to the Results page of the Shore Johnston Hyslop Day website.

You’ll find the most recent and archived verdicts, processes, and other details (except where anonymity is required) for a variety of criminal defense cases that he’s handled with the team.

Michael Johnston believes that every client has the right to be represented regardless of their financial status. That’s why he accepts Legal Aid Ontario-certified clients and can represent others at discounted fees via his JusticeNet membership.

He speaks three languages: English, Spanish, and some conversational French. This is convenient for clients because they can communicate freely and openly with Michael Johnston and not be worried about getting lost in translation.

Initial consultations with him (and the entire Shore Johnston Hyslop Day team) are free.

Customer Reviews

The following have positive things to say about Michael Johnston:

“Mr. Johnston is an amazing lawyer and I’m very lucky that I came across his number. The results are amazing and if you need an attorney don’t think twice about hiring me Johnston!” – Ali Abdo

“I wanted to thank Mr. Michael Johnston for the excellent work he did as my attorney. I know he has a lot of clients, so his quick responses and attention to detail really meant a lot to me. Without Mr. Johnston’s help, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes that I had. Having an experienced attorney like Mr. Johnston to be my lead counsel and on my side was a big sign that my case will be resolved very quickly and in my favour.

Hands down Mr. Johnston is the best lawyer, no matter what legal advice you’re looking for, I would highly recommend him. He will look out for your best interests and have your back the entire time. Thank you so much Mr. Johnston for protecting my interest and thank you for your service and professionalism.” – Ali Mustafa

7. Michael Edelson (Edelson Law)

SERVICES	DUI charges and driving offences, domestic assault, sexual charges, drug charges, fraud and white-collar crime, weapons and firearms offences,
ADDRESS	200 Elgin Street Suite 600 Ottawa, ON K2P 1L5
CONTACT NUMBER	(613) 237-2290 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://edelsonlaw.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 8.30 AM – 5.30 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

The Law Society of Ontario granted Michael Edelson a certification as a Specialist in Criminal Law back in 1989. Today, his practice is largely focused on defending criminal and regulatory offenses.

He heads a team of criminal defense lawyers under Edelson Law Barristers. Together, the team has a combined 75 years of criminal defense experience.

Specifically, he handles cases revolving around criminal trials and appeals, Highway Traffic Act and by-law infractions, and constitutional challenges. He also offers clients legal advice and opinions and can be asked to represent during police and regulatory investigations.

Aside from handling over 1,500 cases throughout Ontario, Michael Edelson has also represented clients in other provinces and even those under different jurisdictions. He has associated with other legal experts from London, Spain, and Switzerland in the past.

With the understanding that clients charged with a criminal case can also be undergoing financial hardships, Edelson Law provides free initial consultation for them.

Customer Reviews

See how past clients found the services of Michael Edelson and Edelson Law Barristers:

“This law firm helped us get through one of the most difficult times in our lives. They handled the court case flawlessly and allowed my son to keep his life intact. I highly recommend this law firm.” – Louise V.

“Friendly, professional legal service.” – Truth W.

8. Howard Krongold (Abergel Goldstein & Partners LLP)

SERVICES	Appeals, assault charges, bail hearings, domestic assault, drinking and driving, drug offences, homicide, sexual assault, Supreme Court of Canada appeals, white-collar crimes
ADDRESS	116 Lisgar Street, Suite 200 Ottawa, ON K2P 0C2
CONTACT NUMBER	(613) 235-9779 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://www.agpllp.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 8.30 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Abergel Goldstein & Partners is a firm that doesn’t believe in being “too nice”. That’s why its lawyers, including Howard Krongold, are razor-focused on protecting their clients because they believe prosecutions are always a personal thing.

Howard Krongold is himself a certified Specialist in Criminal Law. He’s headed the defense of over 80 appeals (his area of specialization along with complex trials) before Ontario’s Court of Appeals.

He’s also successfully defended clients on trials ranging from large-scale drug trafficking to murder. As the firm’s site puts it, Howard Krongold and the rest of the legal team are first and foremost trial lawyers whose mission is to deliver complicated legal arguments while detecting cracks in witnesses’ testimonies.

If you’re interested in consulting with Howard Krongold, an initial meeting won’t cost you anything. And if your case meets their qualifications, the firm will accept it via Legal Aid.

Customer Reviews

Find out how Howard Krongold’s clients found his services:

“It is really scary to be charged with a serious crime – especially when you are innocent. Every lawyer at Abergel Goldstein & Partners is amazing. They are respected but also feared. Most importantly they achieve amazing results.” – Bill S.

“I approached AGP LLP to defend a friend of mine who was looking for legal assistance. One of the best things about this criminal law firm is that the lawyers will put you at ease after you talk to them. They asked all the right questions and made me aware of all the possibilities. They truly care for their clients because they keep you informed at every step of the way till the case gets finally dismissed.” – Dirk Milsap

9. Bruce Engel

SERVICES	Impaired driving, Over 80 charges, Dangerous driving/careless driving, Drug/Narcotics charges, Sexual assault, Child pornography, Spouse/Partner/Domestic assault, White collar crime, Theft, Tax fraud/evasion, Breach of trust, Money laundering, Bank/Insurer fraud, Youth court cases
ADDRESS	116 Lisgar Street, Suite 210 Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0C2 Canada
CONTACT NUMBER	(613) 235-6324
WEBSITE	https://bruceengel.com/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 8 AM – 6 PM

Bruce Engel & Associates have been representing clients charged with hundreds of different offences throughout Ontario. With a balanced forceful approach, they can be the partner in criminal cases.

For over 20 years, they have been guiding people through criminal lawsuits. They have experienced defending various high-profile cases, which adds to their credibility.

Bruce Engel, along with his associates, are members of the Defence Counsel Association of Ottawa as well as the County of Carlton Law Association. To add to this, his services are not limited in Ontario since he is also sought by clients in Quebec and New Brunswick.

They focus exclusively on criminal law and are present from the investigation through the arrest and trial for their clients. Some of the areas of their practice include impaired driving, sexual assault, and money laundering.

For accessibility, they are always available 24/7. Circumstances can happen at any time and we like that they can easily be contacted.

Customer Reviews

Here are some feedback from their previous clients:

“Excellent defense attorney!!!! Dismissed a possession with intent to sale change in a flash!! I had to see the judge only once, all the other work done behind the scene by the lawyers. Elena Davies is perfect Ottawa criminal lawyer. Very professional!!! Great service!!! Experienced and knowledgeable!!! thank you for your advice and help.” – G.E.

“My brother got into a legal issue when he discovered the dead body of his departmental store colleague after getting into the shop in the morning. As there was no other witness to the incident, he got stuck in the legal issue. A very efficient Ottawa criminal lawyer from Engel and Associates had been with us all along through the troubled situations and finally my brother managed to get free from the troubles caused to him due to a false stigma on his professional life. My entire family is thankful to the complete team of lawyers from Engel and Associates.” – M.H.

FAQs About Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ottawa

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We hope that this listicle on the top criminal defense lawyer firms in Ottawa will prove to be a handy resource any time you need it.

Please let us know if you think we left out a criminal defense lawyer who’s worth a mention here by sending us a message!

And in case you need help with your immigration processing, we’ve written about the best immigration lawyer firms in Ottawa, as well.

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