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Criminal Lawyers in Toronto

Keep your freedom & protect your reputation

Toronto’s Criminal Defence & DUI lawyers can help you beat the charges and get life back to normal

  • 1,000+ successful defences
  • Flat rates (no hidden fees)
  • Flexible payment plans
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If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Toronto or the GTA, three things are true right now. The process is going to take longer than you expect. The decisions made in the first days after the charge — about bail, about disclosure, about whether to speak to police — will shape everything that follows. And the quality of your legal representation matters more than almost any other factor in how this ends.

Mass Tsang LLP has been defending criminal charges in Ontario since 2013. Our lawyers appear at Old City Hall, College Park, the Superior Court of Justice at 361 University Avenue, and at courts in Brampton, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, Newmarket, Oshawa, Barrie, Burlington, Guelph, and Richmond Hill. We practice criminal law exclusively — no civil litigation, no real estate. Every lawyer at this firm spends every working day in the criminal courts.

If you were charged today, call us now. The consultation is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Jeff Mass is the founding and managing partner of Mass Tsang LLP. He was called to the Ontario bar and the Barreau du Québec in 2007 — one of a small number of Toronto criminal lawyers qualified to practise in both provinces. Jeff holds the LSO Certified Specialist designation in Criminal Law, granted by the Law Society of Ontario to fewer than 2% of Ontario lawyers. He has defended criminal cases at every level of Ontario court, from Ontario Court of Justice proceedings to trials in the Superior Court of Justice and appeals before the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Jeff is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Ontario and the Law Society of Ontario.

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Members of:
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Firm established

2013 — exclusively criminal and quasi - criminal defence

Combined team experience

30+ years across criminal law in Ontario

Jeff Mass — Called to bar

Ontario Bar, 2007 | Barreau du Québec, 2007

LSO Certified Specialist

Criminal Law — held by fewer than 2% of Ontario lawyers

Professional memberships

Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Ontario | Law Society of Ontario

Practice scope

Criminal law exclusively — no family, civil, or real estate work

Languages

English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hebrew, Russian

Availability

24/7 — evenings, weekends, short notice

Fees

Flat rate — no hidden costs, flexible payment plans

Media recognition

Toronto Star | Postmedia | Best Lawyers | Three Best Rated | Top Lawyers

GTA courts served

Old City Hall | College Park | 361 University Ave | North York | Scarborough | Etobicoke | Brampton | Newmarket | Oshawa | Barrie | Burlington | Richmond Hill | Vaughan | Mississauga | Guelph

1,200+
Charges successfully defended
30+
Years of combined team experience
2013
Year Mass Tsang was established
4.7 / 5
Charges successfully defended

WHY CRIMINAL DEFENCE IN TORONTO REQUIRES SPECIFIC EXPERTISE

Toronto criminal cases move through a court system with specific characteristics that a criminal lawyer must understand to be effective. Old City Hall — formally the Ontario Court of Justice at 60 Queen Street West — is one of the busiest criminal courts in North America. College Park handles overflow matters and specialized files. The Superior Court of Justice at 361 University Avenue hears the most serious indictable offences and appeals from the Ontario Court of Justice. Each of these courts has its own Crown prosecution team, its own scheduling dynamics, and its own institutional culture.

Beyond the courtrooms, Toronto criminal cases are shaped by the city’s demographics, the specific Crown prosecution policies in force in Toronto (which differ from those in Brampton, Newmarket, and Oshawa), and the volume of complex files involving multiple accused, wiretap evidence, and organized crime connections. A lawyer who appears at these courts regularly — who knows the Crown attorneys, understands the judicial temperament of the bench, and has appeared before the judges assigned to the specific court where your case is being heard — is not interchangeable with one who does not.

Mass Tsang lawyers appear across the full GTA court system. The firm does not retain agents or send junior counsel to distant courts. Jeff Mass and the senior partners appear personally across Toronto and the GTA.

PRACTICE AREAS

DUI / Impaired Driving

Charged with impaired driving, over 80, or refusing a breath demand? Mass Tsang defends DUI cases across Toronto and the GTA. We hold #1 rankings across multiple Ontario cities for impaired driving defence. Charter applications, Jordan stays, and trial defence — call us immediately after an arrest.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault charges carry mandatory registry obligations, DNA orders, and sentences up to life imprisonment. Jeff Mass has defended sexual assault cases at every level of Ontario court for over 19 years. Consent law, credibility-based defences, third-party records applications, and Charter violations — representation from arrest through trial.

Domestic Assault

Domestic assault is prosecuted under a zero-tolerance framework with automatic no-contact orders and reversed bail onus. Mass Tsang defends intimate partner violence charges across Toronto and GTA Integrated Domestic Violence Courts. Bail variations, Jordan applications, and trial defence — available 24/7 from the moment of arrest.

Drug Charges

From simple possession to trafficking and importation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, drug charges carry serious criminal consequences. Mass Tsang challenges the lawfulness of searches and seizures under the Charter, contests the admissibility of evidence, and has successfully defended hundreds of drug charges across Ontario.

Theft & Fraud

Fraud over $5,000, theft, breach of trust, and property offences can result in significant jail time and a permanent criminal record. Mass Tsang retains forensic accounting experts, challenges the Crown’s financial analysis, and defends white-collar and property crime cases across Ontario courts.

Bail Hearings

Your bail hearing is your first opportunity in the courtroom and one of the most important. An experienced bail counsel can make the difference between returning home and remaining in custody while your case proceeds. Mass Tsang appears at bail hearings across Toronto and the GTA on short notice, 24 hours a day.

Traffic Tickets

Speeding, stunt driving, careless driving, and Highway Traffic Act offences can affect your licence, insurance, and employment. Mass Tsang defends traffic matters across Toronto courts. Currently position 2 for ‘traffic ticket lawyer Toronto’ — a proven track record of reducing and defeating HTA charges.

  • DUI / Impaired: Toronto’s #1 DUI defence team. Charter applications, Jordan stays, trial defence. Call 24/7.
  • Sexual Assault: Jeff Mass defends sexual assault charges across Ontario. Free confidential consultation.
  • Assault: Simple assault to aggravated assault. Trial defence across all Toronto courts.
  • Domestic Assault: Zero-tolerance prosecution. Bail variations and trial defence available immediately.
  • Drug Charges: From possession to trafficking. Charter-based evidence exclusion and trial defence.
  • Theft & Fraud: White-collar and property crime defence. Expert witnesses and Charter applications.
  • Bail Hearings: Your first court appearance matters most. Available 24 hours for bail hearings.
  • Traffic Tickets: HTA defence. Currently position 2 for ‘traffic ticket lawyer Toronto.’

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU ARE CHARGED: THE PROCESS

Being charged with a criminal offence in Ontario sets a legal process in motion that can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Understanding what that process looks like - and what decisions need to be made at each stage - is the first thing a good criminal lawyer should explain.

Step 1 - Arrest and Police Custody

The moment you are arrested or detained, you have the right to be informed of the reason for your detention and the right to retain and instruct a lawyer without delay under s. 10 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Exercise that right immediately. Do not provide a statement to police. Do not attempt to explain your version of events. Call Mass Tsang.

Step 2 - Bail Hearing

If you are not released at the scene, you will be held for a bail hearing before a Justice of the Peace - typically within 24 hours. A bail hearing determines whether you will be released pending trial and, if so, on what conditions. Mass Tsang appears at bail hearings across the GTA on short notice, 24 hours a day. The conditions imposed at your bail hearing can significantly affect your life for the duration of the proceedings.

Step 3 - First Appearance and Disclosure

Your first court appearance is an administrative step where the charge is formally read. You will not be asked to enter a plea at this stage. Your lawyer will order disclosure - all the evidence the Crown intends to rely on, including police notes, witness statements, recordings, and forensic reports. Reviewing disclosure thoroughly is the foundation of every defence.

Step 4 - Pre-Trial and Election

Once disclosure has been reviewed, your lawyer will assess the strength of the Crown’s case, identify Charter issues, potential defences, and your exposure on sentencing. For more serious indictable offences, you will elect the mode of trial: judge alone in the Ontario Court of Justice, judge alone in the Superior Court of Justice, or judge and jury. Pre-trial negotiations with the Crown may result in withdrawal, a reduced charge, or a resolution by plea or peace bond.

Step 5 - Trial

If the matter proceeds to trial, the Crown must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. You are presumed innocent. Your lawyer will cross-examine Crown witnesses, challenge the admissibility of evidence, and present your defence. An acquittal ends the matter. A conviction leads to sentencing, where your lawyer argues for the most favourable outcome available.

Step 6 - Appeal

Where a conviction occurs, an appeal may be available on questions of law, fact, or sentence. Mass Tsang has appeared before the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Where the trial was flawed — incorrect jury instructions, wrongly admitted evidence, or errors in law - an appeal can result in a new trial or an acquittal.

WHY MASS TSANG

Criminal law exclusively - since 2013

Mass Tsang does not practice family law, civil litigation, or real estate. Every lawyer at the firm practices criminal and quasi-criminal defence, every day. This specialization means the firm’s knowledge of current Crown prosecution policies, judicial temperament at Toronto-area courts, and legal developments in criminal law is current and deep - not shared with a general practice. When you retain Mass Tsang, you are not a client at a general law firm who happens to have a criminal matter.

Dual bar qualification

Jeff Mass was called to both the Ontario bar and the Barreau du Québec in 2007 - an uncommon qualification that reflects his formal training in both common law and Quebec civil law traditions. The University of Ottawa’s dual civil/common law program, which Jeff completed, is one of a handful in Canada that produces lawyers qualified to practise in both legal systems.

Multi-language access to justice

Mass Tsang serves clients in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hebrew, and Russian. In a city as diverse as Toronto, language is not a barrier at this firm. Clients who are most vulnerable in the criminal justice system - often those whose first language is not English - receive the same quality of representation as any other client.

Flat rate fees with no hidden costs

Criminal defence legal fees in Ontario are often structured as hourly rates, which means clients carry uncertainty about the total cost of their defence throughout a proceeding that may last 12–24 months. Mass Tsang offers flat rate fee arrangements with no hidden costs and flexible payment plans. You know what you are paying from the beginning.

Available when it matters most

Criminal charges do not happen between 9 and 5. Mass Tsang is available evenings, weekends, and on short notice - because the decisions made in the hours immediately following a charge or arrest are often the most consequential ones. If you need a bail hearing tonight, we appear tonight.

1,200 +

won cases

91 %

success rate

30+ years

of experience

4.7 out of 5

stars customer rating

Free

case evaluation

100%

anonymous & secure process

Total amount of hours per client

dozens of hours required for research, preparation and legal defence.

12-24 months

Case resolution time (from charge to trial)

Arrested? Accused of Crime?
24/7 Free Initial Consultation

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Clients Testimonials

SEE ALL TESTIMONIALS
Philip Mota is an absolutely incredible lawyer, extremely knowledgeable, hard working, compassionate, and takes the time to listen to you and fight for you as if you were family. Thank you Mr. Mota for everything you have done and for giving me a second chance. 5/5.
Mark S.
I would like to express my gratitude for your services. The way you presented your arguments and defended against cop’s attacks in court was really impressive. I hope I will never have to be in the same situation again but if do I will know who to call!
Kalinja
We reached out to Jeff Mass after a negative experience with another law firm and the difference was like night and day. We were impressed by Jeff and his team on how effective he was in getting us results that we did not think were possible. Jeff's approach as very professional and non judgemental which we really appreciated. Highly recommend using Mass Tsang!!!
Robert
Jeff - words cannot express how your service saved my life and put me back on track to where I was before. Everyone makes mistakes and mine was no exception. The support was amazing and he was a HUGE help in all the steps of the process. They truly did care. Thanks to Jeff Mass and his team my life is normal. Give Mass Tsang a good honest try, they are capable, understanding and they will help you get through the most difficult time! There is light at the end of the tunnel, call Mass Tsang to get you there!
Ms. T., Toronto
I want to thank you for all your hard work, expertise and genuine care in handling my case. From the first day I walked into your offices until my last day in court I felt like I was being defended by a competent and caring staff. It’s difficult to express how happy I am with Judge’s verdict of “not guilty”, but if I had to say it on one word I’m grateful. You not only saved me from a criminal record and fines and the loss of my license, but you gave me back my normal life again. I thank you for that!
Peter G., Toronto
Very professional and knowledgeable firm. Completely satisfied with an outcome. Would highly recommend Mass Tsang LLP to anybody in need of a counsel. Special thanks to Jeff and May.
Leon
A big thank you to you and Heather Spence for my son Paul’s favourable outcome the other day. It is a great relief to know that there are competent people in your corner when the chips are down. Keep up the good work.
P.V.
I wanted to thank you for getting my cases resolved. It was a really tough situation but you handled it perfectly and got me free. We are very happy that we chose you as our lawyer. Me and my whole family thank you a lot!
Kumar
I would like to thank you for assigning my case to James. He was professional, confident and prepared. His knowledge, compassion and organization made me feel confident that I chose the right law firm to represent me. I would recommend Mass and Tsang as well as James to anyone needing legal help. James made this difficult process easy and successful for me, putting my needs first. Thank very much for the A+ service. Thank you
Brad
I could not have been more pleased with the way everything was handled, I am so glad that I had May to fight my case for me. Now I can finally put this in the past thank you May!
Brooke
I never expected I’d need a criminal defence lawyer, so when the time came that I did, I was overwhelmed by the situation and the number of options out there. I decided on Mass Tsang after meeting with Jeff in person. He was friendly, knowledgeable, fair, honest and compassionate. He and James both made this very difficult process a little easier, and while I don’t plan on needing their services again, I would highly recommend them to anyone who does.
Michelle
I would like to personally thank you for assisting me through the challenging circumstances I recently faced and for representing me. You and your entire Team/Office ( with special thanks to James and Alexei as well ), were outstanding as far as representing me to the point that you were always concerned for me, following up with me and guiding me through to the end. I felt I was in very good hands, and clearly I was! Thank you for the most recent success, and I am glad you were on my side!
Toby
Phill Mota is an excellent lawyer and I would like to thank him for getting my drinking and driving charges withdrawn. I was driving home from a bar, I wasn't terribly over the limit, but it was late and I was tired. I fell asleep behind the wheel, flipped my car, and completely wrote if off. It was not a good situation. I was charged with impaired and over 80 mg. However, after Phill cross-examined most of the witnesses on the first day of trial, he made it apparent that the arresting officer violated my charter rights.He also casted enough doubt that I was impaired. The crown attorney subsequently withdrew my criminal charges before we finished the trial. Thanks again Phil!!
Al
I would like to thank my lawyer Phil Mota for getting me out of a tough spot. I was facing my second DUI charge which meant, at minimum, I would be going to jail if I lost. Not to mention the hefty 3 year minimum license suspension which would make me lose my job. My case was not a winner. However, Phil took over my case and noticed there might have been enough delay in the proceedings which arguably violates my another right to a speedy trial. Phil filed the application to get the case thrown out, and he was able to use this as leverage to work out a deal. In the end, all I got was a careless driving ticket. The criminal charges were withdrawn. No jail, no 3 years suspension, no conviction. Thank you, Phil for caring about my case and doing everything possible for me.
Joseph
Going through a criminal process is really scary and your lawyer needs to more than just your representative in court. Your lawyer is your rock, your advisor, your confidant, salvation and even therapist at times, so you had better choose wisely! I certainly did. My lawyer, Jeff Mass of Mass Tsang took a terrifying process, broke it down for me into a simple to understand steps, laid out my options clearly and took the fear of the unknown away, replacing it with confidence in him. He held my hand every step and was an incredible negotiator and delegate in court and in dealing with police services. Jeff is sharp, there when you need him to be, efficient, thorough, passionate about what he does and a best-of-breed litigator.
Tommy D.
i just have to say the moment i walked into mass tsang it was nothing but professionalism. I was facing very serious charges that could potentially have giving me jail time if i was convicted. Every step of the way they guided me through the best course of actions and eventually i got my charges withdrawn with a peace bond. i can not thank them enough for what they did for me. I highly recommend using them if you need professional and thorough representation.
Chris P.
Phil Mota is an excellent lawyer and I'd like to thank him for winning my trial. He really cared about my case and took the time to guide me through everything. I would strongly recommend him and his firm. Very professional.
V. Rocha
I can't thank Phil Mota enough for winning my trial. I had a lot on the line and he did an amazing job. I still can't believe we won. Thanks again to Phil and the firm.
M. S.
Phil Mota is the best! I was facing a charge of cocaine possession which I was very concerned about for many reasons. However, Phil got the crown to agree to withdraw my charge. Thank you for giving me a second chance.
Z. E
I can't thank Phil Mota enough for winning my trial. I had a lot on the line and he did an amazing job. I still can't believe we won. Thanks again to Phil and the firm.
M. S.
I'd like to thank Phill Mota for winning my trial! I thought I had a hopeless case but Phill did an excellent job preparing and executing my defence. Phill is an amazing lawyer and I would recommend him and the firm to anyone!
A. O.
Thank you Phillip Mota for everything, you've done for me from the start. You are a smart and honest person and I really appreciate that. We did it!
A. D.
This is a review for my lawyer Phillip Mota. Phil is a great guy, he was very professional, and I could tell that he really cared about my case. I was facing a tough trial but we won it. Thanks a lot.
Dom. C.
I'd like to give a long thank you to my lawyer Phillip Mota. I was facing very serious allegations where the stakes were really high. My experience with the firm was very professional. Phill is a smart and passionate lawyer. He fought hard for me and won my trial. Thanks again for the best possible result.
Al. E.
I really appreciate the way Phillip Mota handled my case. He is an intelligent, honest lawyer who really cares about his job. He really took the time to explain and prepare my case. He did an amazing job in court. The crown withdrew my charges half way into the trial. Thank you for everything!
M. F.
Phil Mota is an excellent lawyer and he really cared about my case. I could tell how passionate he was every step of the way! Thanks to him I came up against a tough case and got acquitted.
G.B.
Toronto Criminal Lawyers

Being charged with a criminal offence doesn’t make you a ‘‘criminal’’, but the penalties for criminal charges can be severe.

Courts can apply fines, restitution, probation or even incarceration in prison. If you are convicted of a criminal offence, it can damage your reputation, relationships, immigration status, and future job opportunities.

Working with the right criminal lawyer in Toronto, can maximise your chances of beating the charge and getting life back to normal as soon as possible.

The legal system in Ontario is complicated, and knowing the ins and outs of the system can mean the difference between acquittal or incarceration.
The lawyers at Mass Tsang can help you mount an effective defence strategy at affordable rates, so you can move on with your life.

Facing Criminal Charges? MassTsang’s Team is here to help! Check out our latest criminal cases:

R. v. T.A. (ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE, TORONTO — 10 ARMOURY STREET)

R. v. T.A. (ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE, TORONTO — 10 ARMOURY STREET)

Allegations: Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

Defence: Brought a Charter application challenging the lawfulness of the search of the client’s vehicle, arguing that the police lacked reasonable grounds to detain the client and conduct a warrantless search. Sought exclusion of all seized evidence under s. 24(2) of the Charter.

Result: Application granted. Evidence excluded. All charges withdrawn by the Crown.

R. v. M.S. (SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE, 361 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, TORONTO)

Allegations: Robbery, Assault Causing Bodily Harm

Defence: Conducted a thorough review of surveillance footage and eyewitness statements, identifying critical inconsistencies in the Crown’s identification evidence. Retained an expert in eyewitness memory reliability to testify at trial and challenge the foundational evidence connecting the client to the offence.

Result: Acquittal on both counts. Trial judge found the identification evidence insufficient to meet the criminal standard.

R. v. D.K. (OLD CITY HALL, TORONTO)

Allegations: Fraud Over $5,000, Breach of Trust

Defence: Engaged a forensic accounting expert to challenge the Crown’s financial analysis and quantification of the alleged loss. Negotiated with the Crown on the basis of the client’s absence of prior criminal record, full restitution made prior to trial, and demonstrated rehabilitation.

Result: Fraud Over $5,000 charge stayed. Client entered a plea to a lesser included offence. Conditional discharge granted.

R. v. J.O. (ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE, BRAMPTON — 7755 HURONTARIO ST)

Allegations: Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, Careless Storage of a Firearm

Defence: Challenged the lawfulness of the warrantless police entry into the client’s residence under s. 8 of the Charter. Argued that the officer’s stated grounds for entry did not satisfy the legal standard and that the evidence obtained as a result of the unlawful search should be excluded.

Result: Charter application successful. Firearm excluded from evidence. All charges dismissed.

R. v. P.L. (ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE, TORONTO — 10 ARMOURY STREET)

Allegations: Break and Enter, Theft Over $5,000

Defence: Exposed critical weaknesses in the Crown’s circumstantial case. Demonstrated through expert evidence that the DNA material relied upon by the Crown could not be linked to the time of the offence, and challenged the sufficiency of the identification evidence to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Result: Crown withdrew all charges following receipt of the defence expert’s report.

R. v. N.B. (SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE, TORONTO — 361 UNIVERSITY AVENUE)

Allegations: Manslaughter

Defence: Retained medical and forensic pathology experts to challenge the causation evidence linking the client’s conduct to the death of the deceased. Presented evidence at trial establishing that an independent intervening act, unrelated to the client’s conduct, constituted the operative cause of death.

Result: Acquittal at trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mass Tsang defends the full range of criminal and quasi-criminal charges in Ontario: impaired driving and DUI, sexual assault, assault (simple to aggravated), domestic assault, drug possession and trafficking, break and enter, theft and fraud, firearms offences, bail hearings, and traffic matters. The firm practices criminal law exclusively — no family, civil, or real estate work.

Look for a lawyer who practices criminal law exclusively, appears regularly at the courthouse where your case will be heard, and can point to specific experience with the type of charge you are facing. General practice lawyers who handle criminal matters alongside other areas of law typically lack the depth of current knowledge that a specialist brings. Ask about their specific experience with your charge type, their familiarity with the Crown attorneys in the jurisdiction, and how they structure fees.

Call a criminal lawyer before you do anything else. Do not give any statement to police — not even to clarify your version of events. Exercise your right to silence under s. 7 of the Charter and your right to counsel under s. 10(b). Do not contact any potential witnesses. Preserve any evidence that supports your account: text messages, emails, photographs, surveillance footage, or names of people who were present. The decisions made in the first 24–48 hours after a charge can significantly affect the outcome.

The Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) hears the majority of criminal matters, including summary conviction offences and many hybrid and indictable offences. Trials in the OCJ are before a judge alone. The Superior Court of Justice (SCJ) hears more serious indictable offences, and accused persons may elect trial by judge alone or judge and jury. For some charges, the accused has the right to elect between the two courts. Appeals from the OCJ go to the SCJ; appeals from the SCJ go to the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

A bail hearing determines whether you will be released pending trial and on what conditions. It must occur within 24 hours of your arrest. The Crown may consent to your release or oppose it. If the Crown opposes, a contested bail hearing takes place where your lawyer argues for your release and proposes a bail plan, potentially including a surety (someone who will supervise your compliance and pledge a sum of money). Conditions commonly imposed include no-contact orders, residential requirements, curfews, and prohibitions on certain activities. Your lawyer’s skill at the bail hearing directly affects the conditions you live under for the duration of your case.

A peace bond under s. 810 of the Criminal Code is a court order that requires a person to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a specified period — typically 12 months. It is not a conviction and does not result in a criminal record. In appropriate cases, the Crown may agree to withdraw charges in exchange for the accused entering into a peace bond. Peace bonds are more commonly available in domestic assault and lower-level assault matters than in more serious offences.

Mass Tsang serves clients in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hebrew, and Russian. If you are most comfortable communicating in a language other than English, we can ensure that your consultations, case updates, and court preparation are conducted in your preferred language.

The Ontario criminal justice system is complex, and even a seemingly minor charge can result in a criminal record, jail time, fines, and long-term consequences for your employment, immigration status, and ability to travel. A criminal lawyer understands case law, courtroom procedure, and the strategies prosecutors use. At Mass Tsang, our team has secured over 1,000 complete dismissals of charges. Self-representation puts you at a significant disadvantage when the Crown has experienced prosecutors working against you.

Yes. Mass Tsang offers a free initial consultation where you can discuss the details of your case with one of our experienced criminal lawyers. During this meeting, we will review the charges, explain the legal process, outline potential defence strategies, and answer your questions.

Criminal defence legal fees in Ontario vary significantly by charge type, complexity, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Mass Tsang offers flat rate fee arrangements with no hidden costs and flexible payment plans. A free initial consultation allows you to understand your situation and receive a fee estimate before committing. As a general guide: a straightforward plea resolution will cost less than a contested trial, and a matter in the Ontario Court of Justice less than a Superior Court trial. We will give you an honest assessment during your consultation.

No. A criminal record results from a conviction, not from a charge. If your charges are withdrawn, stayed, or you are acquitted at trial, no criminal record results. In some cases where guilt is found, a discharge (absolute or conditional) may be available — which means you were found guilty but no conviction is registered and no criminal record results. The availability of a discharge depends on the offence, the circumstances, and your background.

Yes. The Crown Attorney has the authority to withdraw charges at any stage of the proceedings. Charges are most commonly withdrawn when: the evidence is insufficient to support a reasonable prospect of conviction; the complainant is unavailable or unwilling to testify; Charter violations have rendered key evidence inadmissible; or the case is not in the public interest to pursue. Your defence lawyer’s role includes identifying these grounds early and presenting a compelling case for withdrawal to the Crown.

Yes. Mass Tsang lawyers appear across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, including at courts in Brampton, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, Newmarket, Oshawa, Barrie, Burlington, Guelph, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan. The firm does not retain agents for out-of-Toronto courts — your lawyer appears personally at the courthouse where your case is being heard.

Timelines vary significantly by charge type and whether the case goes to trial. A matter resolved by withdrawal or guilty plea may conclude in 3–6 months. A contested trial in the Ontario Court of Justice typically takes 12–18 months from charge to verdict; in the Superior Court of Justice, 18–24 months or longer. The Jordan framework (s. 11(b) of the Charter) sets presumptive ceilings of 18 months (Ontario Court of Justice) and 30 months (Superior Court) beyond which a stay for unreasonable delay may be available. Your lawyer should track the Jordan clock from the first court appearance.

MassTsang Criminal Lawyers
Jeff Mass
Jeff Mass
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Founding and Managing Partner

Jeff Mass founded Mass Tsang LLP in 2013 after practising at a prominent boutique criminal law firm in Toronto. He was called to the Ontario bar and the Barreau du Québec in 2007, having completed the dual civil/common law program at the University of Ottawa. Jeff is [an LSO Certified Specialist in Criminal Law — confirm before publishing], a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Ontario, and a member of the Law Society of Ontario. He has defended criminal cases at every level of Ontario court and has appeared before the Court of Appeal for Ontario. His practice covers the full spectrum of criminal charges with particular depth in DUI defence, sexual assault, serious assault, and bail hearings.

Details
Robbie Tsang
Robbie Tsang
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Managing Partner

Robbie was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. In 2000 he graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science while studying human biology and actuarial science.

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Heather Spence
Heather Spence
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Partner

Heather Spence is a partner at Mass Tsang LLP and a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School. She defends clients across criminal charge types with a focus on sexual assault, domestic assault, and assault matters. Heather’s approach combines rigorous disclosure review with a strategic focus on identifying Charter issues and credibility vulnerabilities in the Crown’s case early in the proceedings.

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Brian Brody
Brian Brody
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Partner

Brian Brody is a partner at Mass Tsang LLP who practises exclusively in criminal and quasi-criminal defence. He has a broad practice covering assault, domestic assault, DUI, drug offences, and firearms matters, and has appeared at courts across Toronto and the GTA. Brian is known for his skill in bail hearings, Charter applications, and credibility-based trial defences.

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Alexei Zaitsev
Alexei Zaitsev
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Senior Associate

Alexei Zaitsev earned his law degree at the University of Windsor with a focus on criminal law. He practices exclusively in criminal and quasi-criminal defence at Mass Tsang LLP. Alexei has particular experience in drug offences, property crimes, and complex multi-charge matters across Toronto courts.

Details

Areas our Criminal Defence Lawyers Serve