Fraud & Financial Crime Services | Sanctuary Lawyers

Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future

Being accused of fraud or a financial crime can have devastating consequences—including the risk of jail time, financial penalties, and long-term damage to your reputation and career. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we provide strategic, discreet defence for individuals facing fraud, identity theft, and white-collar crime charges across Ontario.

Sanctuary Lawyers has successfully defended major fraud cases, including matters publicly reported in the media. With over a decade of fraud trial experience, our team is equipped to handle even the most complex allegations. Whether you're under police investigation, subject to a CRA audit, or already facing charges, we are here to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

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Understanding Fraud & Financial Crime Charges in Ontario

Fraud and financial crimes involve allegations of dishonesty for financial gain. These offences are prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada and often involve extensive investigations, digital evidence, and complex paper trails. Even a single charge can result in serious consequences—including imprisonment, asset forfeiture, and career disruption.


Common charges we defend include:

Financial crime charges often arise in the context of small businesses, employment disputes, online activity, or personal financial hardship. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we work with forensic accountants and financial analysts to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a compelling defence.

High-Profile Fraud Cases in Ontario

Fraud prosecutions in Ontario are often lengthy and complex, requiring careful navigation of evidence, procedure, and trial timelines. Recent cases in Sudbury demonstrate how these matters can unfold:


These examples underscore the stakes involved in financial crime cases and the need for meticulous preparation at every stage. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we bring the trial experience and strategic insight necessary to defend clients facing complex fraud allegations across Ontario.

Why Choose Sanctuary Lawyers for Financial Crime Defence

Deep Understanding of Financial Evidence

We routinely defend disclosure-heavy cases involving financial records, audit reports, and digital communications. Our team identifies inconsistencies and procedural errors that can lead to charges being withdrawn or reduced.

GTA Reach with Local Insight

From our office in Aurora, we offer strategic defence across Southern Ontario. Our knowledge of regional courthouses—including Newmarket, Toronto, Brampton, and Oshawa—ensures your case receives jurisdiction-specific attention.

Discreet, Professional Representation

We understand that fraud allegations can harm your livelihood, professional standing, and family life. Our team operates with discretion and respect for your privacy, protecting both your rights and reputation.

Negotiation & Trial Experience

Whether we’re negotiating an early withdrawal or preparing for trial, we take a proactive, thorough approach. We’re experienced litigators who leave no detail overlooked when defending complex charges.

Clear Communication & Personal Support

You’ll have direct access to your lawyer, receive regular case updates, and benefit from our 24-hour response policy for urgent matters. You’ll never feel like just another file.

Our Defence Process

Step 1: Free Consultation

We begin with a confidential meeting to learn about your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Step 2: Evidence & Disclosure Review

Our team reviews disclosure, financial documents, audit findings, and digital evidence to identify potential defences and Charter issues.

Step 3: Strategic Case Planning

We develop a tailored legal strategy—whether that involves Charter motions, forensic evidence challenges, or negotiated resolution.

Step 4: Negotiation or Trial Preparation

If early resolution isn’t possible, we prepare for trial with a meticulous, evidence-based approach designed to maximize your chances of success.

Step 5: Ongoing Client Support

We guide you through every stage of the process and assist with any related concerns—such as employment consequences or professional licensing issues.

Our Fees

Fraud and financial crime cases often involve extensive disclosure, forensic accounting, and lengthy proceedings. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we believe that financial stress should not prevent clients from receiving high-quality legal defence. That’s why we provide flexible and transparent fee options.

Block Fee Model

We typically use a block fee model that covers all stages of a financial crime case—from initial disclosure review through trial preparation and resolution. This gives you cost certainty with no hidden surprises, even in complex cases.

Payment Plans

Recognizing the financial strain that can come with fraud allegations, we offer structured payment plans to ensure that you can access experienced defence counsel without unnecessary hardship.

Specific Retainers

In some cases, you may only require representation for a particular stage, such as a Bail Hearing, a Charter motion, or sentencing. We offer targeted retainers to provide focused assistance where you need it most.

Areas We Service

Toronto

Mississauga

Hamilton

London

Niagara Falls

Kitchener

Brampton

Burlington

Windsor

Waterloo

St. Catharines

Oakville

Cambridge

Guelph

Richmond Hill

Oshawa

Barrie

Newmarket

North York

Cobourg

Markham

Orillia

Vaughan

Pickering

Ajax

Orangeville

Brantford

Belleville

Frequently Asked Questions

Facing fraud or financial crime charges can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with investigators, financial audits, or reputational damage—often before you’ve even had a chance to respond. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we believe in clear, accessible legal guidance. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients dealing with financial allegations.

Yes. You can be charged with fraud based on dishonest conduct or intent—even if no money was lost. The Crown must prove a deceptive act and an intent to defraud.

Fraud over $5,000 is more serious and is prosecuted as an indictable offence, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Fraud under $5,000 can be prosecuted summarily and carries lower penalties.

Financial crime cases are often complex and may take 6 to 18 months, depending on the volume of disclosure and whether a trial is required. For Ontario court of justice cases it is 18 months. For superior court of justice it is 30 months. Although cases can take much longer than this to get to trial, and is subject to crown delay, court delay, defence delay, and exceptional circumstances.

Yes. While jail is possible, especially in high-dollar cases, alternatives like conditional discharges, restitution, and suspended sentences are often available—especially for first-time offenders.

Potentially. Many clients face job loss or regulatory scrutiny. We can work with your employer or regulatory body (e.g. a college or licensing board) to mitigate the damage.

Contact Sanctuary Lawyers Today

If you’ve been charged with fraud, identity theft, or a financial crime, don’t wait. Contact Sanctuary Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll protect your rights, reputation, and future with experienced, compassionate defence.

At Sanctuary Lawyers, we don’t just defend cases—we protect futures.

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