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Oshawa Criminal Lawyers: Defending Charges in Durham Region

If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Oshawa, the decisions you make in the first few days can shape the outcome of your case. Sukhvir Singh Law is a criminal defence firm that represents people charged in Oshawa and across Durham Region. Our Oshawa criminal lawyers appear at the Oshawa courthouse, handle bail hearings, and meet clients by phone, video call, or in person.

Call 647-564-7428 for a free consultation. We will review your charges, explain what happens next, and tell you plainly what your options are.

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Who We Are and How to Reach Us Quickly

Sukhvir Singh Law is a criminal defence practice. We act for people accused of offences ranging from theft and assault to impaired driving, drug charges, and firearms offences. We know that a criminal charge often comes without warning, so we make it easy to reach us: call or text 647-564-7428, or send a message through our contact page. We respond promptly, including for urgent matters such as someone who has just been arrested and is waiting for a bail hearing.

 

Which Police Services Lay Charges in Oshawa?

Most criminal charges in Oshawa are laid by the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), which polices the City of Oshawa and the rest of Durham Region. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrols the highways that run through the region, including the 401, so many impaired driving and dangerous driving charges on those roads come from OPP officers. Federal agencies such as the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency can also be involved in certain drug, firearms, and customs-related matters.

Which agency laid the charge matters. It affects what disclosure the Crown must provide, which officers may be witnesses, and where the investigation can be tested for mistakes.

What Happens at a First Appearance

If you were released by police on an undertaking or appearance notice, your paperwork will list a date for your first appearance at the Oshawa courthouse. This is usually a short court date. You are generally not asked to plead guilty or not guilty. The purpose is to put the charges before the court, confirm whether you have a lawyer, and arrange for disclosure.

Disclosure is the evidence the Crown has against you, such as police notes, witness statements, video, and test results. Once we have it, we review it carefully, identify problems with the case, and speak with the Crown about possible resolutions. In many cases your lawyer can appear on your behalf, and many early appearances in Oshawa take place by video, so you may not need to attend in person. The court can still order you to attend, and you must be present for certain stages such as trial and sentencing.

Bail Hearings in Oshawa

If you are arrested and kept in custody, you must be brought before a justice generally within 24 hours. That hearing is called a bail hearing or show cause hearing. A bail hearing in Oshawa focuses on three questions:

  • Will you attend court as required?
  • Is release necessary to protect the public or prevent further offences?
  • Is release needed to maintain confidence in the administration of justice?

Usually the Crown must show why you should be detained. For certain charges, including some firearms, domestic assault, and breach-related offences, the burden may shift so that you must show why you should be released. A strong release plan matters. That usually means a surety (a person who promises to supervise you), a stable residence, and realistic conditions. We prepare you and your surety before the hearing, and we advocate for the least restrictive release possible. For more on how bail works in the region, see our page on bail hearing lawyers, or call us right away if someone you know has just been arrested.

Our Service Model: Brampton Office, Oshawa Court

To be clear about where we are based, our office is at 2 County Court Blvd in Brampton. We represent clients in Oshawa and attend the Oshawa courthouse for court appearances, bail hearings, and trials. Because many early court dates now take place by video, and because most initial meetings can happen by phone or video, you do not need to travel to Brampton to hire us. If you prefer to meet in person, we can arrange a time that works for you.

 

The Oshawa Courthouse and Durham Region Courts

Criminal matters arising in Oshawa and much of Durham Region are heard at the Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel S. Sharpe, DSO, MP Courthouse, located at 150 Bond Street East in Oshawa. The courthouse houses both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.

  • Ontario Court of Justice: This is where almost every criminal case begins. First appearances, bail hearings, and most trials for less serious offences are heard here.
  • Superior Court of Justice: This court deals with the most serious criminal matters and jury trials, and also hears appeals from certain lower-court decisions.

Knowing how the Oshawa courthouse operates, including how case management appearances are scheduled and how Crown disclosure is handled, helps us move your case forward efficiently. A criminal defence lawyer in Oshawa who understands local procedure can often resolve issues earlier and avoid unnecessary delay.

 

Criminal Charges We Defend in Oshawa

As a criminal defence lawyer in Oshawa, we handle the following charges and more. Each link below goes to a page with more detail.

Impaired Driving and DUI

An impaired driving charge can bring a criminal record, a driving prohibition, fines, and in some cases jail. You may also face an administrative licence suspension and vehicle impound. We examine whether the traffic stop, the roadside demand, the breath testing, and your right to speak to a lawyer were handled properly. Errors in any of these steps can affect whether the evidence is admissible.

Domestic Assault

Police in Ontario generally lay charges when they believe an offence has occurred, even if the complainant does not want to proceed. Release conditions often include no-contact orders and moving out of your home, which can disrupt your life immediately. We work to challenge the allegations, address the conditions, and where appropriate pursue resolutions such as a peace bond or withdrawal.

Assault and Violent Offences

Assault charges range from simple assault to aggravated assault and can involve questions of self-defence, identification, and credibility. We assess the Crown’s evidence, interview witnesses where appropriate, and look closely for inconsistencies.

Drug Charges

Possession and trafficking charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act often turn on how police found the drugs. We review whether a search, warrant, or arrest respected your Charter rights, and whether the evidence truly proves possession or an intent to traffic.

Theft and Property Offences

Theft, shoplifting, mischief, and fraud charges can affect employment, immigration status, and travel. For many first-time accused, outcomes can include diversion, a discharge, or withdrawal of the charge, depending on the facts. We aim to protect your record wherever possible.

Firearms and Weapons Offences

Firearms charges are treated seriously, can involve strict bail rules, and often depend on the legality of a search. We scrutinize how the weapon was found and whether your rights were respected.

We also act in sexual assault, fraud, robbery, human trafficking, and youth criminal justice matters. See our full list of practice areas.

How We Defend Your Case

Every case is different, but our approach follows a clear structure:

  • Listen first. We hear your account before we offer advice.
  • Review the Crown’s evidence. We go through disclosure line by line and look for gaps, delays, and Charter issues.
  • Explain your options. That may include negotiating with the Crown, bringing a motion to exclude evidence, or going to trial.
  • Keep you informed. You will always know what is happening, what the next date is, and what is expected of you.

Let Sukhvir Singh be your trusted lawyer in your fight for justice. We’re here for you, every step of the way. Whether you’re facing minor charges or serious criminal accusations, our team is ready to defend your rights vigorously and professionally. Our dedication to your case will ensure the best possible result.

Speak With an Oshawa Criminal Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with an offence in Oshawa or anywhere in Durham Region, do not wait for your court date to get advice. The sooner we are involved, the more we can do to protect your rights, your record, and your future. Call 647-564-7428 or book a free consultation online.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

  • What happens at my first appearance in Oshawa?

    A first appearance is a short court date, usually in the Ontario Court of Justice at the Oshawa courthouse, where your charges are formally put before the court. You are usually not asked to plead guilty or not guilty. The Crown may provide initial disclosure and the case is adjourned so your lawyer can review it. In many cases your lawyer can appear for you, and many early appearances take place by video.

     

  • Can you represent me if I live in Oshawa but your office is in Brampton?

    Yes. We represent clients in Oshawa and across Durham Region. Consultations can take place by phone or video, and we attend the Oshawa courthouse for appearances, bail hearings, and trials. If you would like to meet in person, we can arrange a time.

     

  • How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Oshawa?

    Fees depend on the charge, the complexity of the case, and whether it is likely to resolve early or go to trial. We give you a clear fee quote after reviewing your charges so there are no surprises. If you may qualify for Legal Aid Ontario, we can explain what to expect.

     

  • Should I speak to the police before calling a lawyer?

    You have the right to speak to a lawyer without delay if you are arrested or detained, and you have the right to remain silent. Be polite, identify yourself if required, and do not try to explain your side of the story without legal advice, because anything you say can be used as evidence. Call us as soon as you can.

     

  • Will I go to jail or get a criminal record for a first offence?

    Not necessarily, but no lawyer can promise an outcome. Depending on the charge and circumstances, results for first-time accused can include withdrawal of the charge, diversion, a peace bond, a discharge, or probation, while serious charges can still lead to jail. A lawyer can assess the evidence and look for the best realistic path.

     

  • How long does a criminal case take in Oshawa?

    It depends. Simple matters can resolve in a few months, while trials take longer. In Ontario, the Supreme Court of Canada's Jordan decision sets presumptive delay ceilings of 18 months for cases in the Ontario Court of Justice and 30 months for cases in the Superior Court, though many cases finish sooner.

     

  • Can I get bail after being arrested?

    Often, yes. If you are held after arrest, you must generally be brought before a justice within 24 hours. At the bail hearing the court considers whether you will attend court, whether public safety is a concern, and whether release is needed to maintain confidence in the justice system. A solid plan with a surety and workable conditions improves the chance of release.

     

  • Can my lawyer appear for me so I do not have to attend court?

    In many cases, yes. Through a designation of counsel, a lawyer can appear for you at routine appearances. However, the court can order you to attend, and you will generally need to be present for your trial and sentencing.

     

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