Appeals

A criminal conviction or an overly harsh sentence does not have to be the end of the road. If you have been wrongfully convicted or received a disproportionate sentence, you have the right to challenge the trial judge's decision.

Grounds for a Criminal Appeal in Ontario

Appeals are highly complex, technical legal proceedings. They are not a "do-over" of your trial, but rather a targeted challenge to identify legal errors made by the trial judge or jury. Successful appeals generally fall into two categories:

• Conviction Appeals: Challenging the guilty verdict based on errors of law (e.g., admitting evidence that violated your Charter rights, misapplying legal standards, or giving incorrect instructions to a jury), a misapprehension of the evidence, or an unreasonable verdict.
• Sentence Appeals: Arguing that the punishment imposed by the trial judge was demonstrably unfit, excessive, or failed to properly consider mitigating factors.

Why Choose TL Criminal Defence for Your Appeal?

Appellate law requires a distinct set of skills compared to trial law—it demands exhaustive research, meticulous analysis of trial transcripts, and highly persuasive written and oral advocacy. Trevor Lau possesses the rigorous academic background and courtroom experience required to construct persuasive appellate arguments.

Trevor has a proven track record of successfully overturning convictions on appeal, including notable cases featured in the Toronto Star. He will aggressively identify trial errors and fight to secure a new trial, an acquittal, or a reduced sentence on your behalf.

Time is of the Essence

In Ontario, there are strict deadlines to file a Notice of Appeal—typically 30 days from the date of your sentencing. Do not delay in seeking legal counsel. Contact TL Criminal Defence immediately to review your case and assess the viability of your appeal.

None of the information contained on this website is legal advice, and is meant for educational purposes only. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, only the lawyer you retain can provide you with legal advice specific to your case.