Anyone convicted of a criminal offence in Canada faces severe penalties that can include incarceration, fines, probation, and potential court-ordered restrictions affecting firearms possession, alcohol consumption, and personal interactions. A conviction also comes with a permanent criminal record that can negatively impact many elements of one’s life, including employment, educational opportunities and the ability to travel internationally.
However, experienced criminal lawyers are highly adept at effectively strategizing defences designed to secure dropped charges, diversion, reduced charges, acquittals, or other favourable outcomes. In many cases, a highly competent criminal lawyer — like those at the Greater Toronto Area’s Mass Tsang LLP — can work behind the scenes to generate a positive outcome that avoids the need to go to trial.
If you’re facing criminal charges, the question you probably have is: how does someone go about choosing the best criminal lawyer in Toronto? Read on for the answer.
If you were to ask Mass Tsang’s founding partners how to find the best criminal lawyer in Toronto, they might tell you to look no further. “When it comes to DUI, assault, sexual assault, drugs, and theft and fraud cases, we believe we have among the best criminal defence lawyers in Toronto,” says Mass Tsang founding partner Jeff Mass . “We are proud of our positive case resolution success rate, and believe it tops most other Toronto firms, especially when it comes to DUI.”
Founding partner Robbie Tsang adds, “That said, we’re not going to claim to be ‘the best’ when it comes to defending criminal charges we don’t specialize in. We’re highly confident in our criminal defence experience and competency. Still, because we don’t focus on murder, for example, we’re not about to tell a potential client charged with that offence that we are the best.”
Thus, your first consideration when seeking the best criminal lawyer in Toronto is to find one with expertise and specialization in defending clients charged with the same offence that you need to fight. Any Canadian lawyer can practice criminal law, but you want one who distinctly focuses on the legalities of the offence you’ve been accused of.
Therefore, instead of Googling “best criminal lawyer in Toronto” to begin your search, be more specific with something like “best criminal DUI lawyer in Toronto.” Read some of the articles to get a sense of what might make some of the profiled lawyers among “the best.” However, be aware that some firms self-promote themselves through these articles and some are essentially forms of paid advertising. Strive to review articles from organic sources like “ The Best Toronto ,” “ My Toronto Best ,” and “ Best in Hood ,” which may be more likely to review without any hidden biases.
Whether through articles detailing the best criminal lawyers in Toronto or through a review of their website, you’ll want to determine that your prospective legal defender has extensive experience and a proven, successful track record in handling cases like yours. There are plenty of brilliant lawyers in Toronto, but those with extensive experience in their chosen criminal law specialties have typically honed their legal skills, giving them an edge over less experienced lawyers. And this should be evident with a supplementary proven track record of successful case resolution through both pre-trial negotiations and at trial.
Client testimonials are a great means of helping vet a criminal lawyer’s experience and track record, and Google Reviews are perhaps the best source of such testimonials. With a glance, you get a five-point scale review and can see how many clients felt compelled to share their experience with the lawyer. Profiled lawyers with few reviews probably have less experience than their peers with hundreds of reviews. However, go further by actually reading the testimonials, as they can provide you with personal insights about how a lawyer handles their cases and works with their clients.
Once you’ve identified the firm or lawyer you believe to be the best criminal lawyer in Toronto to help you successfully resolve your criminal case, you’ll want to personally assess how they communicate and whether you feel comfortable with them. Given the inherent stress you’ll be under while facing criminal charges, it’s essential that your chosen lawyer communicates with you with straightforward clarity and keeps you fully informed about every aspect of your case as it progresses through the legal process. You’ll also want to feel entirely comfortable with your criminal defence lawyer, as you will need to build a strong lawyer-client relationship focused on trust and mutual understanding.
In your initial consultation with a Toronto criminal defence lawyer, note whether they clearly detail your legal situation and how they intend to address it, and whether they strive to ensure that you understand all legal jargon. They should also clearly explain their plan for maintaining communications and give you a positive sense that you are in good legal hands, dedicated to helping you navigate your case to a successful conclusion.
| Criteria | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Area of Specialization | Laws vary greatly across criminal charges. | Lawyer or firm with proven experience in DUI, assault, sexual assault, theft, etc. |
| Track Record & Success Rate | A high win or resolution rate increases your odds of a favourable outcome. | Testimonials, website stats, case studies, Google reviews. |
| Client Testimonials | Insights into how the lawyer interacts with and supports clients. | 4.5+ star rating with 50+ reviews; specific examples of outcomes. |
| Communication Style | Legal clarity and emotional reassurance are crucial during stressful legal issues. | A lawyer who clearly explains legal options and keeps you informed. |
| Personal Compatibility | You’ll be working closely with them. Trust and comfort matter. | Initial consultation feels natural and collaborative. |
| Reputation & Recognition | Established reputation helps in both negotiation and courtroom presence. | Named on reputable sites like “The Best Toronto” or “Best in Hood.” |
With more than 30 years of combined experience, Mass Tsang’s legal team is intimately familiar with criminal law and the Greater Toronto Area’s criminal justice system. We understand the stress those charged with a criminal offence are under and strive to work closely with our clients so they can fully understand how their case is progressing through the legal system. We treat each lawyer-client relationship as a close partnership, in which we are dedicated to securing a positive outcome for them. To learn more about our personalized criminal defence approach and our outstanding track record of legal success, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
