Free & confidential 30-minute case review  ·  49 Elm Street, Suite 203, TorontoCall 1-866-720-2245Text us
Gilbert Barristers & Solicitors
1-866-720-2245 Call Text
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] walking down courthouse steps
Toronto Criminal Defence Lawyers

Your record. Your career. Your future.

Defence for Assault

Toronto criminal defence for Criminal Code charges across Ontario, focused on your record and your future.

Call TextFree case review
  • Free & confidential 30-minute review
  • Courthouses across Ontario, in person & by Zoom
  • Flexible payment options
Recognition & memberships
ThreeBest Rated — Best Business of 2025, Excellence — Gilbert Barristers & Solicitors The Best Toronto Criminal Lawyers’ Association Google Reviews
4.9 from 47 Google reviews
Charged is not convicted
A charge is an allegation, not a verdict. What you do in the days after an arrest can shape everything that follows.

We appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.

Meet our lawyers

Free, confidential review

A 30-minute consultation to review your charge and options.

An early-resolution approach

We work to resolve your matter quickly, without an unnecessary trial.

Focused on avoiding a record

Your record and professional future sit at the centre of our strategy.

A team behind your case

We work with private investigators, expert witnesses and former police staff.

Practice areas

We defend all criminal charges

From a first allegation to the most serious Criminal Code charges.

All practice areas
Offences of violence

Assault & Domestic Assault

Domestic and non-domestic assault, threats and criminal harassment.

Sexual offences

Sexual Offences

Sexual assault and related charges, handled with discretion.

Driving offences

Impaired & Dangerous Driving

Impaired, Over 80, refusal, dangerous driving and flight.

Weapons offences

Weapons & Firearms

Firearms and weapons charges, including search-and-seizure issues.

Drug offences

Drug Offences

Possession, trafficking, production and importing.

Property offences

Theft, Fraud & Property

Theft, fraud, mischief and property offences — focused on your record.

Bail hearings

Bail Hearings

Held for bail? We move quickly on a release plan.

Young persons

Young Persons (YCJA)

Youth charges under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Appeals

Criminal Appeals

Conviction and sentence appeals — strict deadlines apply.

James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] at Nathan Phillips Square in front of Toronto City Hall

Charged with an offence? Speak with a lawyer today.

Your first message is free and confidential. Call, text, or send a short form — no obligation.

Call TextFree case review
Our team

Toronto criminal defence, in the city we practise in

James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] outside Osgoode Hall
Outside Osgoode Hall
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] in a courthouse atrium
Courthouse atrium
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] in a wood-panelled law office
Law office
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] in a boardroom with the Toronto skyline
Boardroom, Toronto skyline
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] on a Toronto financial district street
Financial district, Toronto
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] at Nathan Phillips Square in front of Toronto City Hall
Nathan Phillips Square
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] outside Osgoode Hall
Outside Osgoode Hall
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] in a courthouse atrium
Courthouse atrium
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] in a wood-panelled law office
Law office
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] in a boardroom with the Toronto skyline
Boardroom, Toronto skyline
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] on a Toronto financial district street
Financial district, Toronto
James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] at Nathan Phillips Square in front of Toronto City Hall
Nathan Phillips Square
A navy law office with bookshelves
Free 30-minute case reviewComplimentary and confidential. Call 1-866-720-2245.
Why clients choose us

Steady, strategic defence

We guide you through every stage, explain your options clearly, and work toward a timely result.

  • Free, confidential review
  • An early-resolution approach
  • Focused on avoiding a record
  • A team behind your case
  • Every level of court
  • Flexible payment options
Request your free case review
Our lawyers

The lawyers in your corner

About the firm
Gordon [ADD: surname], [ADD: title], full-length portrait
[ADD: title]

Gordon [ADD: surname]

[ADD: short bio — year called to the Ontario bar, law school, areas of focus, languages]

What to expect

How a case moves forward

Free case review

A free, confidential 30-minute review of your charge, conditions and next court date.

We go on record

You sign a designation of counsel so we can appear for you, and we request disclosure.

Disclosure review

We review the Crown's evidence, chase missing items and identify defences.

Crown pre-trial

We meet the Crown on disclosure, conditions, early resolution and next steps.

Resolution or trial

Most cases resolve through negotiation. When a case should be fought, we prepare it for trial.

Client testimonials

In our clients' words

4.9 out of 5 from 47 Google reviews

I had a great experience working with James and Alexandra. From the beginning, they treated my case with professionalism, honesty, and genuine care. They were always responsive, patient, and took the time to explain every step of the legal process, which gave me confidence during a very stressful time. James is an excellent lawyer who is knowledgeable…
Haermiton Ton · Google review
Mr. Gilbert and Ms. Shackman don’t just treat you like a number, they treat you as a person. They are nonjudgmental, take your concerns seriously, and genuinely put in the effort to protect your rights. In my experience, their communication and customer service are unmatched.…
swais waltin · Google review
Gordon provided top-tier legal representation. He was extremely proactive in dealing with the court and exceptionally fast with all follow-up paperwork and documentation. Communication was always prompt, clear, and efficient. If you need a reliable and dedicated criminal defense lawyer in Toronto, I strongly recommend Gordon!
Yu Chun Hsu · Google review
Their team was highly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping their clients achieve the best possible outcome. From the very first consultation, they treated me with respect, listened carefully to my concerns, and explained every step of the legal process clearly. What stood out the most was their dedication, honesty, and quick…
Richard John · Google review
I can highly recommend James and Alex. Our situation was far from straightforward but they accomplished something in hours that our previous lawyer had been unable to do in three weeks. They kept us continually updated, were extremely professional at all times, extremely knowledgeable about our options, but, most of all, they were compassionate and…
Su Williams · Google review
The best legal team you could ask for. They actively go above and beyond with their work, all my worries were put to ease. Their client care and attention to detail is top tier, if you go with them you are in the best hands. Tried a few top rated legal teams and they pale in comparison to Mr. Gilbert and his legal team.…
Alexander Gomez · Google review
James Gilbert is one of Toronto’s top criminal lawyers. I was facing a major police brutality case where I had been wrongfully accused of assaulting an officer and slapped with a total of eight criminal charges. From day one, James was ready to take the case to trial and challenge every false allegation head-on.…
L D · Google review
I had the pleasure of working with both James Gilbert and Alexandra during a very challenging time, and I couldn't be more grateful for their assistance. They both played a crucial role in successfully withdrawing the criminal charges against me. Their professionalism, patience, and dedication were evident throughout the entire process.…
hargeet singh · Google review

Results depend on the facts of each case.

Request your free case review

A free, confidential 30-minute review. Call or text 1-866-720-2245 anytime.

Preferred contact

Please don’t include confidential details. We act on matters in Ontario only. You can also call or text 1-866-720-2245.

Where we work

Courts across Ontario

Many appearances proceed by Zoom. We represent clients across the province, in person and by video. There is one office, in Toronto.

All locations
Ontario Court of JusticeBail, first appearances, pre-trials, trials and sentencing
Superior Court of JusticeBail reviews, jury and judge-alone trials, summary conviction appeals
Court of Appeal for OntarioConviction appeals, sentence appeals, bail pending appeal
Common questions

Answers when you need them

If I’ve been charged, do I have a criminal record?

No. Being charged is not the same as being convicted. A charge is an allegation: you are presumed innocent, and you only get a criminal record if you are convicted and receive a registerable sentence.

What happens after I’m charged?

Your first court appearance is not a trial. If you retain a lawyer, you can usually sign a designation of counsel so we can appear for you, request disclosure, and adjourn the matter so work on your case can begin.

Do I have to attend my first court appearance?

In many cases a lawyer can appear on your behalf, but it depends on your release conditions. Speak with a lawyer before your court date.

Should I talk to police about my charge?

You have the right to speak to a lawyer and the right to remain silent. Get legal advice before making any statement.

What is disclosure?

Disclosure is the Crown’s evidence — statements, police notes, videos, audio and warrants. Your lawyer requests it, reviews it, and follows up on anything missing. That can happen more than once before the defence has substantially all of the disclosure.

See all questions

James Gilbert, Alexandra Shackman and Gordon [ADD: surname] at Nathan Phillips Square in front of Toronto City Hall

Charged with an offence? Speak with a lawyer today.

Your first message is free and confidential. Call, text, or send a short form — no obligation.

Call TextFree case review