How we can help
At Van Drunen Criminal Defence, we offer a wide variety of criminal law services, with specializations in the following areas:
Vigorous defence if you've been charged with a crime
Being charged with a criminal offence is very serious, but you don't have to face your charges alone. We can help.
We can appeal convictions to higher court
If you have been convicted at trial or sentenced after a plea and you want to appeal, we can advise you on the grounds for appeal and take your case to a higher court.
We offer witness counsel
Are you involved as a victim or witness in a sensitive or serious case? Are you feeling overwhelmed or having trouble getting answers? We can help.
About our services
We provide vigorous defence if you've been charged with a crime
You don't have to face your charges alone. We can help.
We assist our clients beginning when they're charged, right up until their case is completed. If someone you care about has been arrested but not released by police, we can connect with them in jail and appear in bail court with them. If you've been charged and have a court date coming up, we can go to court for you so that you don't have to miss work.
We'll review all the evidence the police gathered and find any holes in the case against you. Did police do everything they were supposed to do when they arrested and searched you or your home? If not, your Charter rights may have been breached. Are there inconsistencies and contradictions in a statement that someone made to police about you? We can use this to our advantage during a trial or when negotiating with the Crown Attorney. Should your case be heard by a jury, instead of just a judge? We will outline your options and make a recommendation.
We help with pleas and trials
If you decide to plead guilty, we'll fight for a fair sentence and tell you what you need to do to make a sentencing go smoothly.
If you decide to take your case to trial, we'll identify any witnesses that will help your case, and help you decide whether you want to testify or not.
Throughout the whole process, the lawyers at Van Drunen Criminal Defence treat you with respect and handle your case with passion and integrity. You can learn more about the lawyers at Van Drunen Criminal Defence by visiting the Our Team page.
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The lawyers at Van Drunen Criminal Defence treat you with respect and handle your case with passion and integrity.
Whichever court your case needs be appealed to, we've been there before and can guide you through the process.
We can appeal convictions to higher court
Appeals for both convictions and sentences
If you took your case to trial and were convicted, but you think the judge made a mistake, you may want to appeal your conviction. And if you pleaded guilty or were found guilty, but you think the judge sentenced you more harshly than they should have, you may want to appeal your sentence. Either way, we can help.
Determining grounds for appeal
In order to appeal a conviction or a sentence, there must be legal "grounds" to appeal. Determining if there are grounds to appeal can be complicated. If you're thinking about appealing, get in touch right away, or ask the lawyer that was helping you to reach out to us.
At a trial, sometimes judges make mistakes and apply the wrong law, or sometimes judges give the wrong instructions to a jury. Other times judges might misinterpret the trial evidence or fail to consider a certain witness's testimony. At a sentencing, a judge might impose a sentence that is well outside the range of appropriate sentences for the crime in question. If any of these things happened, there is likely a very good reason to appeal your case to a higher court.
Decisions made in the Ontario Court of Justice are appealed to the Superior Court of Justice, while decisions made in the Superior Court of Justice are appealed to the Ontario Court of Appeal in Toronto. Whichever court your case needs be appealed to, we've been there before and can guide you through the process. And if you expect to be sentenced to jail time and want to appeal, get in touch with Van Drunen Criminal Defence right away. It's often possible for us to arrange "bail pending appeal," which allows you to stay out of jail until your appeal has been completed.
Questions? Reach out to Erik
Erik Van Drunen handles most of the appeal work at Van Drunen Criminal Defence. Feel free to reach out to him if you have any questions. You can learn more about Erik, or contact him at erik@vandrunenlaw.com or 519-508-7676.
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We offer witness counsel
Do you need counsel as a witness? We can help.
Are you involved as a victim or witness in a sensitive or serious case? Are you feeling overwhelmed or having trouble getting answers? Kirsten Van Drunen can assist you to negotiate the criminal court process and give you personalized support and guidance at every step.
No matter what the situation, lawyer Kirsten Van Drunen will handle your case with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality. Your rights are very important. Kirsten will meet with you in a calm and private place. She will listen to your goals, explain the options, and make a plan with you. She will explain how things work, and what to prepare for. In some cases, she will go to court and fight for what you want, keeping you updated all the way. In other cases, she can work discreetly behind the scenes to advise you.
Eligibility for Legal Aid
You may even be eligible for Legal Aid. You can receive Legal Aid funding if you are a victim of a sexual crime and the other side plans to bring up personal things from your past, like text message conversations, parts of your journal or counselling records, or your past sexual relationships.
Let Kirsten's years of experience in criminal cases work for you. You will feel relieved and confident knowing that Kirsten is in your corner.
Contact Kirsten by email at kirsten@vandrunenlaw.com or by calling 519-508-7676.
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No matter what the situation, lawyer Kirsten Van Drunen will handle your case with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality.