The initial consultation is always free.
Call 647-547-6734 any time, day or night. The first conversation costs you nothing. We will discuss your situation, what you're facing, and how I can help before any fee is discussed.
How It Works
Mostly flat fees, billed before your Judicial Pre-Trial.
Flat Fees
The majority of matters are handled on a flat fee basis. You pay a single agreed amount that covers representation up to and including your Judicial Pre-Trial (JPT). Many cases resolve before the JPT is even reached: early withdrawals, Crown negotiations, or pre-trial dispositions. Those outcomes are fully covered by the same flat fee. No surprise invoices, no hourly billing anxiety.
- One clear number before you retain
- Covers all communications with the Crown
- Covers all court appearances up to JPT
- Includes strategy, negotiation, and disclosure review
Hourly Retainers
For matters where a flat fee is not appropriate, typically due to exceptional complexity, voluminous disclosure, or a case that is clearly headed to a full trial, an hourly retainer structure may be used.
- Applicable where complexity demands it
- Retainer paid upfront, drawn down as work is done
- Full accounting of time billed
- Discussed openly before you sign anything
What determines the flat fee?
The fee depends on the nature and seriousness of the charge, the volume of disclosure, whether there are co-accused, and the work anticipated before the JPT. A straightforward first-offence matter is priced differently than a multi-count indictable with extensive Crown materials.
After the free consultation, you receive a clear quote before anything is agreed to.
Hourly billing: what gets charged
On an hourly retainer, time is recorded for all substantive work, including but not limited to: calls, emails, court appearances, preparation, research, Crown communications, and drafting. If it took real time, it goes on the ledger.
Exception: Very short check-in calls and brief text exchanges are not billed. The goal is honest accounting of actual work, not charging you for a two-sentence update.
If Your Case Goes to Trial
Trials are flat fee, with one important nuance.
When a matter proceeds to trial, a flat fee is agreed upon upfront for the full trial. However, if the case ultimately does not proceed to trial (a late guilty plea, a resolution at the courtroom door, or any other pre-trial disposition), the fee converts to an hourly bill for time actually spent. You will not be charged a full trial fee for a trial that never happened.
Case goes to trial
Flat fee applies in full. One agreed number, no hourly surprises mid-trial.
Case resolves before trial
Fee converts to hourly: you pay for time spent, not a trial that didn't happen.
"Roughly 90% of my cases are resolved before ever reaching a trial, through withdrawals, peace bonds, discharges, or negotiated resolutions. This outcome benefits everyone, and it is always the first goal."
Elias Rabinovitch
Questions about what resolution looks like for your charge? The FAQ page covers the most common questions clients ask before we speak, or read what past clients say about how their matters were handled.
Common Questions
Fee FAQ
Do I have to pay before you start working on my case?
Yes, the retainer is paid before work begins. This is standard practice in criminal defence. The free consultation happens first, then you decide whether to retain. There is never any pressure.
What payment methods do you accept?
E-transfer and cash are accepted. Payment is confirmed before work begins.
Will my fees increase after I retain you?
For flat fee matters: no, unless there is a material change in scope (such as new charges being added, or the matter proceeding to trial). For hourly matters, you will receive ongoing transparency on time billed against your retainer.
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plans are available for clients with demonstrated financial need. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If affordability is a genuine concern, raise it during the consultation. The goal is to make quality defence accessible where possible, and flexibility is available when it is warranted.
Do you accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Legal Aid certificates are accepted on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature of the charges and the specifics of the matter. If you have a certificate or believe you may qualify, raise it during the consultation and I can discuss whether it applies to your situation.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The first call or meeting is always free and confidential. No commitment, no fee.
Ready to discuss your situation?
The consultation is free. The fee will be clear. Call now and let's talk about what you're facing.