Being arrested can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At
Sanctuary Lawyers, we act fast to secure your release, guiding you through the bail
process with expertise and compassion—24/7, whenever you need us. Our experienced legal
team is dedicated to providing timely and effective representation to ensure the best
chance of securing your release. With offices in Toronto and Aurora, we are available
24/7 to assist clients across Southern Ontario.
When your freedom is at stake, you need a dedicated team that takes immediate action.
Call us now—we're available 24/7.
Sanctuary Lawyers is a premier law firm based in Toronto and Aurora, Ontario, specializing in criminal defence. With a deep commitment to justice and an exceptional track record, our firm consists of legal experts who have been advocating for the rights of individuals across Southern Ontario for over a decade. Our roots in the community run deep, allowing us to understand the unique challenges our clients face. We approach each case with a blend of compassion and quality legal expertise.
Our team brings a wealth of experience and a personal understanding of adversity to our practice. We recognize that facing legal challenges can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Therefore, we are dedicated to not only achieving favorable outcomes in court but also ensuring that our clients feel supported and informed throughout their legal journey. Our approach combines proactive legal strategies with a focus on client well-being, making us a trusted ally both in and out of the courtroom.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is understandable to be scared, confused, and hesitant to trust. We take pride in offering personal attention to every client, with bi-weekly updates and a 24-hour response time to any questions. When you hire Sanctuary Lawyers, you will be given a direct line to one of our experienced lawyers, ensuring that if an urgent question arises, we will respond with urgency. Unlike large firms, our boutique practice is dedicated to treating every client with dignity and leaving no stone unturned in their defense. We care not only about winning cases but about our clients and their futures.
Our lawyers have over a decade of trial experience and have handled serious cases, including those in the news, as well as minor offences. We provide 24/7 availability, and once retained, clients receive direct contact information for their assigned lawyer.
A bail hearing is a criminal court hearing for individuals held in police custody or a correctional facility following their arrest. If the police do not release an accused under their own recognizance (Promise to Appear), a bail hearing becomes necessary. It is typically the first formal court interaction for a charged person.
Bail hearings can occur either in person or virtually, depending on the circumstances. It is crucial to contact counsel immediately to complete all preliminary steps, forms, and preparations in advance to increase the chances of release. Time is of the essence; without an acceptable release plan, the court may adjourn the case, resulting in additional time spent in custody.
If you have been charged but not yet arrested, contact our office immediately, as we may be able to facilitate a voluntary surrender at a convenient time, increasing the likelihood of early release. A surety is not always required but is commonly needed for serious charges, breaches of prior conditions, or individuals with a criminal record. A surety is a person proposed to monitor the accused and ensure compliance with bail conditions and court attendance.
A contested bail hearing occurs when the Crown refuses to release the accused on consent. In these cases, we prepare and present compelling legal arguments, call evidence, reference case law, and ensure the proposed sureties are well-prepared to maximize the likelihood of securing bail.
We can assist in coordinating voluntary surrenders to optimize early release opportunities and reduce unnecessary stress for our clients.
Once retained, we act quickly to gather necessary information, prepare forms, and build an acceptable release plan.
We provide expert guidance to proposed sureties, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and financial pledges. Our virtual form completion system allows us to expedite preparation and ensure readiness before the hearing.
If the Crown does not consent to release, our team litigates contested bail hearings by calling evidence, referencing case law, and presenting well-prepared sureties to maximize the likelihood of securing bail.
On weekends and statutory holidays, regular criminal courts are closed except for WASH Court (Weekend and Statutory Holiday Court), where urgent bail matters are handled. Sanctuary Lawyers specializes in WASH Court matters, ensuring clients are released as soon as possible. We arrive fully prepared with all necessary documentation, background checks, and legal arguments. Unlike other law firms that show up unprepared, we leave no stone unturned and ensure all legal arguments and documents are completed in advance.
Even one night in jail can have devastating consequences. We fight to secure your release as quickly as possible—weekends included.
If bail is denied, the accused must remain in custody, often for up to 90 days before they can request a bail review. This underscores the importance of a strong and well-prepared bail hearing from the outset. However, if circumstances change, an accused may be eligible to request a Bail Review. This legal appeal allows for a reassessment of the initial decision, potentially securing release under modified conditions. In cases where detention continues, alternative proposals such as house arrest or other negotiated conditions may be explored to provide the accused with a chance to remain in the community while awaiting trial. Without a successful bail review, the accused may have to wait in custody until trial, which can take months. Having an experienced bail lawyer is crucial to ensuring that every available legal avenue is pursued to secure release as quickly as possible.
We offer reasonable and transparent fee structures. During a free initial consultation, we assess your file, provide initial advice, and determine the appropriate legal fees. We typically provide block fee payment structures, ensuring that when you pay Sanctuary Lawyers, you are fully covered without additional costs—even if your case becomes complex or time-consuming. This sets us apart from competitors and helps clients plan their finances with confidence.
For individuals facing financial hardship, we offer payment plans to ensure that legal representation remains accessible. Being charged with a crime is often a terrifying experience, and our priority is ensuring that both you and your lawyer are focused on winning your case, not on financial concerns. If you only require legal assistance for a specific step in your case, we offer specific retainers to provide the advocacy you need at a fair cost.
Toronto
Mississauga
Hamilton
London
Niagara Falls
Kitchener
Brampton
Burlington
Windsor
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St. Catharines
Oakville
Cambridge
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Oshawa
Barrie
Newmarket
North York
Cobourg
Markham
Orillia
Vaughan
Pickering
Ajax
Orangeville
Brantford
Belleville
If you or someone you know needs immediate bail assistance, contact Sanctuary Lawyers now. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to provide the support and representation you need.
At Sanctuary Lawyers, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for your freedom.