One of the best possible outcomes in any criminal case is having your charges completely withdrawn or dismissed. This can occur when:

• The Crown lacks sufficient evidence to proceed
• Your Charter rights were violated (e.g., unlawful search, delay in trial)
• The complainant is unwilling or unable to testify
• There are credibility or procedural issues with the case

Our early intervention often leads to a resolution without trial, saving you time, stress, and a permanent record.

For first-time offenders or less serious charges, we may be able to negotiate participation in a diversion program or alternative measures. These can include:

• Community service
• Restitution or donations
• Educational or rehabilitation programs

Successful completion can result in the charge being withdrawn or stayed, leaving you without a conviction. Diversion is often used for charges like theft, minor assault, or mischief, and we fight to secure that opportunity when appropriate.

In certain cases, a Section 810 Peace Bond may be a suitable resolution. This is a non-criminal court order that requires you to agree to specific conditions, such as avoiding contact with a complainant, for up to 12 months. If you comply, the criminal charges are dropped, and you avoid a conviction.

Peace bonds are commonly used in domestic assault, threats, or harassment cases, especially when the prosecution has concerns about the strength of its case.

A discharge allows you to plead guilty to an offence without receiving a criminal record. There are two types:

• Absolute Discharge – No conditions, no record
• Conditional Discharge – Subject to probation and good behaviour for a set time

We seek discharge options in cases where there are mitigating factors, such as:

• No prior criminal history
• A minor or non-violent offence
• Evidence of remorse, rehabilitation, or hardship

When full withdrawal isn't possible, we may still negotiate with the Crown to reduce the severity of the charges. For example:

• Reducing an indictable assault charge to a summary conviction
• Downgrading impaired driving to a non-criminal highway traffic offence
• Resolving fraud cases with restitution instead of jail

When a case cannot be resolved outside of court, we’re fully prepared to take it to trial. If you are not guilty, we will:

• Challenge the Crown’s evidence
• Cross-examine witnesses effectively
• Present your version of events clearly and persuasively
• Raise legal and constitutional arguments to exclude or weaken evidence

If a conviction cannot be avoided, we shift focus to damage control. Our goal is to keep you out of jail and reduce penalties as much as possible. We advocate for:

• Suspended sentences
• Fines instead of incarceration
• House arrest or conditional sentences
• Shortened probation terms
• No-contact or behavioural conditions over custody

We build sentencing submissions around your personal background, employment, education, remorse, and rehabilitation, ensuring your story is heard and respected.

In criminal cases, it's not up to the complainant to drop the charges — that decision lies with the Crown Attorney’s Office. Even if the alleged victim no longer wants to proceed, the prosecution can still pursue the case if it believes there’s sufficient evidence. However, a complainant’s position may influence how the Crown approaches resolution. We work to engage in early discussions with the Crown to seek withdrawal, diversion, or other non-criminal outcomes wherever appropriate.

The timeline varies depending on the type of charge, the complexity of the case, and the court’s schedule. A straightforward case might resolve in a few months, while more serious or contested matters could take a year or longer. Delays in disclosure, scheduling of pre-trial motions, or trial availability can all affect the pace. At Sadro Law, we focus on keeping your case moving efficiently while protecting your rights at every stage.

Not necessarily. Whether or not you receive a criminal record depends on how your case is resolved. If your charge is withdrawn, stayed, diverted, or resolved through a peace bond or discharge, you may avoid a permanent record. If you're convicted, you will receive a criminal record unless a pardon is granted later. Our priority is always to seek a resolution that avoids a criminal record whenever possible.

Being charged with a criminal offence may affect your ability to travel, especially to countries like the United States, which may deny entry based on pending charges or convictions. If you are released on bail, your travel may also be restricted by court-imposed conditions. We can work to modify these conditions where appropriate, and we advise clients carefully on international travel risks during and after their case.

We understand that legal fees can feel daunting, especially when you're already under stress. At Sadro Law, we offer transparent, upfront pricing and, in many cases, flexible payment arrangements to accommodate our clients. We’ll explain all fees during your initial consultation so you can make an informed decision without pressure or confusion.

Your first appearance, often called a set date, is not a trial. It’s an administrative court date where you’ll receive disclosure (the evidence against you) and confirm your intention to retain legal counsel. If you're represented by Sadro Law, we appear on your behalf in most cases. From there, we begin engaging with the Crown, reviewing the evidence, and building your defence strategy.