Best Law Firms in Canada for Criminal Defence

Caramanna Friedberg LLP, a well-established, criminal law firm in Toronto, approach every case with care, diligence, and thoughtful preparation. Our lawyers are committed to careful analysis, strategic advocacy, and thorough defense work on behalf of each client. Choosing a Toronto criminal lawyer is an important decision, and we work hard to provide steady guidance and strong representation throughout the process.

Our team includes experienced criminal lawyers in Toronto who are dedicated to detailed preparation and practical advocacy in all matters we handle. We invite you to review a selection of our areas of practice: sexual assault, murder, bail, fraud, drugs, professional discipline, professional regulation, domestic assault, DUI, legal aid, professional regulation lawyer, and traffic lawyer.

W are pleased to be included in Best Lawyers, a peer-reviewed publication that recognizes lawyers across Canada. This inclusion reflects the respect of colleagues within the legal community and acknowledges our ongoing commitment to professionalism, careful advocacy, and dedicated criminal defense representation.

Daniel Brown Law – Award-Winning Criminal Defence Lawyers in Toronto

At Daniel Brown Law LLP, clients receive the calibre of representation trusted and celebrated across Canada. Our firm is repeatedly recognized as one of Canada’s best criminal defence law firms and best appellate law firms —named among Canada’s Top Criminal Law Boutiques by Canadian Lawyer Magazine, and ranked by Best Lawyers among the nation’s leading criminal defence and appellate law firms.

We are one of only a handful of Canadian criminal defence firms honoured by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms for 2026, and we are frequent winners in the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Law Firm and Best Legal Services.

Our lawyers are equally distinguished: Daniel Brown, Mark Halfyard, and Hilary Dudding are listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada for criminal defence and in Post City Magazine’s 2026 Top Lawyers, while Colleen McKeown—a Precedent Setter (2022)—together with Lindsay Board and Chloe Boubalos are recognized by Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” (2026).

Few firms in Canada combine this breadth of recognition with our depth of courtroom experience—delivering strategic, client-focused advocacy in the moments that matter most.

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, but many are professionals facing the justice system for the first time. For nearly two decades, our team has represented individuals in thousands of trials and appeals, bringing the skill, judgment, and experience needed to protect your rights.

Proven Experience at All Levels of Court

Led by Daniel Brown a certified criminal law specialist, our lawyers have appeared at every level of criminal court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. With extensive trial and appellate experience, we build strong, tailored defence strategies for clients charged with everything from murder to impaired driving.

Our team also includes Mark Halfyard one of the few criminal law specialists in Ontario whose practice is dedicated exclusively to criminal appeals.

Recognized Leaders in Canadian Criminal Law

The lawyers at Daniel Brown Law are frequently consulted by local and national media for expert analysis on criminal cases, reflecting our reputation for excellence, credibility, and deep knowledge of Canadian criminal law.

Areas of Practice:

Our Toronto criminal defence lawyers provide representation in all indictable and summary conviction matters, including:

Driving Offences:

Impaired Driving, Driving Over 80, DUI, Refusing a Breath Sample, Dangerous Driving, Failing to Remain

Assault Offences:

Assault, Domestic Assault, Utter Threats, Harassment, Bodily Harm, Aggravated Assault

Homicide Offences:

Murder, Manslaughter, Criminal Negligence Causing Death, Dangerous Driving Causing Death

Weapons Offences:

Firearm Possession, Weapons Trafficking, Weapons Possession, Carry Concealed Weapons

Sexual Offences:

Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Sexual Exploitation, Voyeurism, Distributing an Intimate Image

Property Offences:

Theft, Shoplifting, Fraud, Possessing Stolen Property, Robbery, Mischief, Credit Card Possession

Drug Offences:

Drug Possession, Drug Trafficking, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Importing Drugs

Administration of Justice Offences:

Obstruct Police, Fail to Comply with Bail, Fail to Appear at Court, Public Mischief, Peace Bonds

Our Commitment

At Daniel Brown Law, we take full advantage of the individual skills and strengths of our legal team to deliver strategic, cost-effective criminal defence services. Every case receives personalized attention and a defence strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, contact Daniel Brown Law today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Toronto criminal defence lawyer.

Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve you is to be in tune with your world, aligned with your opportunity and ambitious for your success. With more than 1,500 legal professionals around the world, we provide our clients with in-depth knowledge in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients' eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

Brief History

With roots tracing back to 1887, Gowling WLG grew to become one of the largest and most respected law firms in Canada, with a reputation for innovation in client-focused service delivery.

Building on its early strength in intellectual property, Gowling WLG diversified to offer a full suite of business law, litigation and intellectual property services in all of Canada’s key industries, including energy, mining, financial services, government, infrastructure, manufacturing, life sciences and technology.

From the first point of contact, Markson Law focuses on identifying and managing potential risks clients may face within the justice system. Whether a matter is straightforward or complex, clients are provided with clear legal guidance, a high level of professionalism and discretion, and diligent advocacy aimed at protecting their interests under California law.

Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence is a leading law firm with Tonii K. Roulston recognized by Best Lawyers in 1 practice area. The firm's tenure with Best Lawyers began in 2024. Having a lawyer recognized in Best Lawyers' purely peer review process emphasizes the lawyers' credibility and reputation for their practice amongst their peers in their practice area and region. It displays professional validation of the legal talent that Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence has on their team. Tonii K. Roulston has been recognized in the following practice area: Criminal Defence.

Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence is also ranked by Best Law Firms in 1 practice area. The Best Law Firms rankings are founded on a time-tested and transparent research process that has remained consistent since Best Lawyers launched it in 2010. Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence has 1 ranking in 1 practice. Echoing their Best Lawyers awards and team of top legal talent.

We are criminal defence lawyers who believe in a world without prisons.

Our prime directive is to serve our clients by keeping them free.

Sullivan Breen is a law firm with two lawyers recognized by Best Lawyers across one practice area. The firm’s association with Best Lawyers dates back to 2006. Recognition through Best Lawyers’ peer-review process reflects professional regard and standing among fellow members of the legal community within the same practice area and region. This acknowledgement highlights the professional qualifications and experience represented within the Sullivan Breen team. Lawyers at the firm are recognized in practice areas including Criminal Defence.

Sullivan Breen is also ranked by Best Law Firms in one practice area. The Best Law Firms rankings are based on a long-standing and transparent research methodology that has been consistently applied since its introduction in 2010. The firm holds one ranking in one practice area, reflecting feedback from peers and clients and aligning with the firm’s recognition through Best Lawyers.