Criminal Lawyers Toronto
Our reputation for winning is built on our powerful representation, skillful advocacy, and unwavering pursuit of success for our clients.
The Lawyer You Choose Will Impact the Rest of Your Life
Don’t let a criminal accusation derail your life. We have obtained successful results for hundreds of clients. Let us use our experience, knowledge and powerful representation to protect your rights and future.
It is distressing and intimidating to be arrested or charged with a criminal offence. If you have never been arrested before, you probably have a multitude of concerns. These could include concerns about your freedom, immigration status, career options, ability to travel, and reputation among friends and family. It is crucial to contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Toronto as soon as possible, who will be able to answer your questions and establish a strategy to successfully defend your case.
You are not guilty simply because you have been arrested. The prosecution must prove each element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. At Karapancev Law we have tried and litigated complex, high-stakes cases across Ontario, achieving the best possible results for our clients. We take on the difficult and tough cases in which liberty, livelihoods, and reputations are at stake.
We are not afraid to take cases to trial in order to prove your innocence. In fact, our expertise is in trial litigation, and it is here where our experience and determination truly materialize. Indeed, we have discovered that our willingness to take cases to trial often facilitates their resolution.
Best Toronto Criminal Lawyer
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Alexander Karapancev Wins Best Criminal Lawyer 2025 Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Award
Some news we’re excited to share: our founder, Alexander Karapancev, has been named the Diamond Winner for Best Criminal Lawyer in the 2025 Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards. For those unfamiliar, Diamond is the top tier in the program, it goes to whoever receives the most votes in their category. So this one comes directly from the people of Toronto and the GTA, which honestly makes it one of the most gratifying forms of recognition we could ask for.
Team Advantage:
Our Winning Criminal Defence Team in Toronto
Karapancev law is made up of experienced criminal defence lawyers in Toronto. The criminal law firm is able to represent clients all throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton, Vaughan, North York, and Scarborough.
Client Reviews
Alexander Karapancev Featured in the News
Memberships and Affiliations of Karapancev Law - Criminal Lawyers Toronto
Why Clients Trust Karapancev Law
A Criminal Lawyer With Prosecution Experience
Alexander Karapancev, the founder of Karapancev Law, holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Canadian Common Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. Before establishing his own practice, Mr. Karapancev served as a per diem Crown prosecutor with the Downtown Toronto Crown Attorney’s Office, an experience that gives our defence team a strategic advantage most firms cannot offer. We understand how the Crown builds its case, identifies weaknesses in the defence, and decides which charges to pursue. We use that knowledge to dismantle their arguments.
Recognized by the Legal Community and National Media
Mr. Karapancev sits on the Executive Board of the Ontario Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section, reflecting the respect he has earned among his peers in the criminal defence bar. He is regularly called upon by CBC, CTV, CP24, and the Toronto Star to provide expert commentary on high-profile criminal cases. He has conducted hundreds of trials, preliminary inquiries, and applications before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice, and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Criminal Lawyers’ Association.
High-Stakes Litigation Experience
Mr. Karapancev’s litigation experience extends to highly publicized police project cases involving alleged criminal conspiracies, multi-million dollar frauds, firearms trafficking, domestic drug trafficking, and international narcotics exportation. He has extensive experience in constitutional litigation, seeking the exclusion of evidence and stays of proceedings for violations of his clients’ rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Criminal Defence Practice Areas
DUI and Impaired Driving
Mandatory minimum penalties, licence suspensions, and a criminal record. We challenge breathalyzer procedures, Charter violations during roadside stops, and improper police conduct.
Domestic Violence
A conviction can result in a no-contact order that separates you from your family, a criminal record, and consequences for immigration and employment. We handle these cases with strategic rigour and sensitivity.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offence allegations carry severe legal consequences and personal stigma. We have a strong record of defending these charges through meticulous cross-examination and challenges to the admissibility of evidence.
Fraud & Theft
Fraud and theft charges can involve extensive financial disclosure and forensic accounting evidence. We apply a detail-oriented approach to dissecting the Crown’s financial evidence.
Assault & Violent Crimes
Charges involving assault, aggravated assault, robbery, firearms offences, and homicide carry some of the most severe penalties in the Criminal Code.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges often involve complex evidence from wiretaps, surveillance, and search warrants. We scrutinize every aspect of the investigation to identify unlawful searches and Charter breaches.
Regulatory & Other Offences
We provide strong representation across a wide range of legal challenges, including regulatory offences, professional discipline matters, and criminal conspiracy charges. Our approach combines deep legal expertise with a proactive, assertive defence strategy.
Recent Cases
R. v. H.J.: The client was arrested for with driving while impaired and “Over 80”.
DUI & Over 80 charges were withdrawn
The police were contacted after he was seen leaving a restaurant when employees feared he was intoxicated. He was arrested and his breath tests were found to be above the legal limit. The defence contended that the length of time required to obtain trial dates violated his 11(b) Charter rights. The judge agreed and the charges were stayed.
R. v. H.Y.: The client was charged with domestic assault allegations.
Domestic assault charge was withdrawn
In a domestic assault trial in Toronto, the Crown adduced witness evidence about the complainant having alleged injuries following the incident. The defence’s theory was that the complainant was the aggressor and that any injuries were the result of self-defence. The cross-examination of the complainant uncovered many inconsistencies, and the crown asked the charges be dismissed.
R. v. J.A.: The client was charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats, and domestic assault due to a complaint made against him in Toronto.
All charges were withdrawn
Midway through the trial, the Crown asked for the charges to be withdrawn due to a lack of a reasonable prospect of conviction.
R. v. S.L.: The client was accused of assault with a weapon.
Assault with a weapon charge was withdrawn
It was alleged that she encountered a former partner walking on the road and hit him with her car. It was alleged that she then hit him a second time with the car. It was the defence position that the client was innocent and numerous pre-trials were conducted. Ultimately the charge was withdrawn.
R. v. T.N.: The client was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, & breaching his bail.
Sexual assault & sexual interference charges were withdrawn
The client was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference and a breach of bail charge. The sexual offences were related to allegations made by a former friend of the client. It was the defence position that the complainant was lying and had a motive to do so. The matter was scheduled for a preliminary hearing. Over several days of testimony, the defence was able to secure testimony that the Complainant lied to the police and her mother. Further, the defence was able to elicit testimony from the complainant’s friend that she coached her to lie to the police on her behalf. At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, the sexual assault and sexual interference charges were withdrawn.
R. v. R.H.: The client was charged with sexual assault involving a condo party in Toronto.
Sexual assault charge was withdrawn
The client was charged with Sexual Assault involving a date rape allegation at a condo party in Toronto. The defence’s position was that the complainant was patently unreliable and that the allegations were false. The charge was eventually withdrawn following continued negotiations with the Crown.
Disclaimer: Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. Every case is unique.
"His experience in court is unparalleled - it is why we highly recommend Alexander Karapancev of Karapancev Law to clients looking for criminal law attorneys in Toronto. He will provide you with efficient and effective representation to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process."
Blog
Alexander Karapancev Wins Best Criminal Lawyer | 2025 Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Award
Some news we’re excited to share: our founder, Alexander Karapancev, has been named the Diamond Winner for Best Criminal Lawyer in the 2025 Toronto Star
Assaulting a Peace Officer: Criminal Code Section 270, Penalties, and Defences
Key Takeaway Assaulting a peace officer is charged under section 270 of the Criminal Code of Canada and carries a maximum penalty of five years
Can Assault Charges Be Dropped by the Victim in Ontario?
Key Takeaways This is one of the most common questions our criminal defence lawyers hear: “The complainant doesn’t want to press charges anymore, can they
What Happens at Your First Court Appearance for Assault in Ontario
Key Takeaways If you have been charged with assault in Ontario, whether it is simple assault under section 266 of the Criminal Code, assault causing
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defence in Toronto
How much does it cost to hire a criminal lawyer in Toronto?
Each case is unique, and determining the appropriate course of action given the circumstances necessitates careful consideration. The cost of defending your case is determined by a number of criteria, including the nature of the allegations, the complexity of the case, and the amount of time that will be required. We can often quote estimated fees after learning about your case after our initial consultation.
Criminal lawyers in Toronto bill on either an hourly or block fee basis. A lawyer billing hourly will charge for his services based on the actual time he spends on a case, while a lawyer charging on a block fee basis will charge one lump-sum fee to take your case to a particular stage.
The hourly model is the traditional practice in legal billing and is still the common practice with leading firms. Block fee billing is a modern billing model that is favoured by clients who want peace of mind knowing that a specific fee will move them through a particular stage in their case.
There are pros to both of these billing methods, and we can often offer either, depending on the nature of the matter and client preference.
The Crown made me a guilty plea offer, should I take it?
Accepting a plea agreement may or may not be in your best interest depending on the circumstances of your case. Nonetheless, you should always consult a lawyer before making this decision. You should ensure that you are completely aware of your rights and the consequences of pleading guilty. Further, if you consult with an experienced criminal lawyer, you will learn if you have a strong chance of winning your case at trial. Contact Karapancev Law today to have an experienced lawyer analyze your case.
Do I have to speak to the police if I am arrested?
Many people are unaware of the fact that, after being arrested, you do not have to provide any kind of statement to the police. In fact, you have the right to remain silent and the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay. Your right to counsel should be exercised as soon as possible so that you can learn about your rights and protect your interests. Whatever you say to the police can later be used against you by the prosecution.
What should I do if I have been arrested in Toronto?
If you have been arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering police questions. Do not provide a statement or consent to a search without first receiving legal advice. You can reach Karapancev Law at (416) 613-9984 for urgent matters outside of regular office hours.
Can criminal charges be dropped before going to trial?
Yes. Criminal charges in Ontario can be withdrawn by the Crown prosecutor at any stage before a verdict is rendered. This can happen for a number of reasons, including weaknesses in the evidence, Charter violations during the investigation, or successful pre-trial negotiations between the defence and the Crown. At Karapancev Law, a significant number of our cases are resolved through charge withdrawals and stays of proceedings before reaching trial.
What Should Be Expected of a Good Criminal Lawyer?
Individuals facing prosecution often find themselves searching for the best criminal lawyer they can find. You should expect your criminal defence lawyer to be well-versed in the law, including expertise defending the charges you are facing, who is also a seasoned litigator and negotiator.
We handle criminal defence in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Newmarket, Oshawa, Hamilton, Scarborough, Kitchener, and throughout Ontario at Karapancev Law, and have successfully defended a wide range of criminal accusations. Alex Karapancev is an experienced litigator, and his negotiation skills reflect that.
As part of your defence, you should also expect a risk assessment and an evaluation of your choices. This means that the lawyer will listen to your situation objectively and will assist you in understanding the various scenarios, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the various legal options, properly assessing the risks involved, and communicating clearly with you about the best course of action. You should expect open and timely communication and prompt return of your calls.
You should expect your lawyer to keep your conversations with him private, and that he will make you feel at ease and not judge you when you disclose information.
These communication and case-management methods are ingrained in Karapancev Law’s processes and procedures, and we are happy to be able to consistently serve our clients with the highest degree of professional service.
