When someone is charged with a criminal offence in Toronto, one of the first — and most stressful — questions is cost. Many people have never hired a criminal lawyer before and are suddenly faced with unfamiliar billing models, large retainers, and quotes that can vary dramatically from one firm to another.
The reality is that there is no single “standard price” for criminal defence in Toronto. Costs depend on the nature of the charge, the procedural path of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the amount of work required before a resolution is reached.
This guide explains how criminal defence fees actually work in Toronto, what you should expect to pay in different scenarios, why prices vary so widely, and how to evaluate whether a quoted fee is reasonable in your situation.
Toronto has one of the largest and most competitive criminal defence bars in Canada. That diversity is reflected in pricing. Two lawyers may quote very different fees for the same charge — not because one is overcharging, but because the scope of defence they anticipate is different.
Factors that drive cost differences include:
A lawyer who routinely litigates jury trials and Charter motions will price cases differently from a lawyer who primarily handles early resolutions.
“Defence fees reflect the amount of work and risk involved — not just the charge itself.”
— Jeff Mass, Managing Partner
Under an hourly billing model, the client pays for each hour of work performed on the file. This includes:
Hourly billing was once the dominant model in criminal defence because it ensured lawyers were compensated regardless of how complex or prolonged a case became.
The Law Society of Ontario publishes non-binding fee guidelines based on seniority, with suggested rates ranging roughly from:
In practice, however, real-world rates in Toronto often range from $75 to $750 per hour, depending on experience, reputation, and case profile.
At the upper end are senior defence lawyers handling high-profile or highly complex matters, including severe violent and sexual offence cases.
In recent years, many Toronto criminal lawyers have shifted to block-fee billing, where the lawyer quotes a single price to manage the case through a defined stage (for example, resolution or trial).
Block fees provide:
For clients, this model often feels fairer and more transparent.
“Block fees allow clients to understand their financial exposure from the outset, which matters enormously when someone is already under stress.”
— Heather Spence, Partner
A block fee is not arbitrary. Before quoting, experienced defence lawyers evaluate the procedural and evidentiary demands of the case, including:
The more variables involved, the higher the block fee is likely to be.
While no two cases are the same, published data provides helpful context.
According to the Canadian Lawyer’s Legal Fees Survey, the average cost of defending a one-day criminal trial in Ontario is approximately $6,100, which is higher than the national average.
This figure reflects:
Multi-day trials, Charter litigation, or jury trials can quickly exceed this amount.
Most criminal lawyers require a retainer, an upfront payment made before work begins. The retainer may:
Retainers are often non-refundable, even if charges are withdrawn early. This reflects the fact that significant work frequently occurs at the outset of a case.
Clients should always ask:
From a purely financial perspective, many people hesitate. But criminal charges carry non-financial consequences that far outweigh legal fees:
Viewed through a cost-benefit lens, experienced legal representation often reduces long-term damage, even if it does not guarantee acquittal.
When comparing lawyers, cost should never be assessed in isolation. Important questions include:
The cheapest quote may reflect limited preparation or early pressure to plead, which can cost far more in the long run.
If you are facing criminal charges in Toronto, early legal advice matters — not just for your defence, but for understanding the financial reality of your case.
The defence team at Mass Tsang LLP has decades of experience defending clients across the Greater Toronto Area. We offer transparent fee structures, realistic assessments, and defence strategies tailored to both legal and practical consequences.
A free consultation can help you understand what your case is likely to cost — and why.
The cost varies widely depending on the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of the charge, and the billing model. Hourly rates can range from about $75 to $750, while block fees are commonly used for complete case management.
According to published legal fee surveys, the average cost of defending a one-day criminal trial in Ontario is approximately $6,100. Multi-day trials or complex cases can cost significantly more.
Hourly billing charges for each hour worked on a case, while block (flat) fees provide a single price for handling the case through a defined stage. Block fees offer greater cost certainty, while hourly billing can fluctuate with workload.
The seriousness of the charge influences costs, the expected length of the case, the number of court appearances, the volume of evidence, the need for expert witnesses, and whether the case proceeds to trial.
A retainer is an upfront payment required before a lawyer begins work. Retainers are often non-refundable, as significant legal work is frequently done early in the case, even if charges are later withdrawn.
Not necessarily. Lower fees may reflect limited experience, preparation, or trial readiness. In criminal defence, a lower upfront cost can sometimes result in greater long-term consequences.
Yes. A consultation allows you to understand what services are included, whether additional costs may arise, and whether the proposed fee structure is appropriate for your specific case.
