Criminal Lawyer Winnipeg: Protecting Your Rights

Yes. Simmonds and Associates provides free, confidential consultations for anyone facing criminal charges or a police investigation in Winnipeg or across Manitoba. During your consultation we review the facts of your case, explain your legal rights, and outline every available option — with no obligation to retain us. Contact us to book your free consultation today.

A criminal lawyer in Winnipeg investigates the charges against you, reviews Crown disclosure, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and builds a tailored defence strategy. We represent you at bail hearings, pre-trial motions, negotiations, and trial. Our goal at every stage is to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. See our full range of practice areas here.

Look for a criminal lawyer in Winnipeg with direct experience in your specific type of charge, a proven courtroom record, and verifiable credentials. Ask about their experience before the Provincial Court and Court of King’s Bench. Simmonds and Associates includes two King’s Counsel a rare provincial designation for exceptional legal skill. Meet our team.

No the terms are used interchangeably in Canada. Both refer to a lawyer who defends individuals charged with criminal offences under the Criminal Code. At Simmonds and Associates, every member of our team focuses exclusively on criminal defence law — we do not practise civil or family law, ensuring your case receives undivided expertise and attention.

Yes. While our office is based in Winnipeg, our criminal defence lawyers regularly appear before courts across Manitoba, including the Provincial Court, the Court of King’s Bench, and the Court of Appeal. We understand local Crown practices and court expectations in communities throughout the province. Contact us regardless of where your charges were laid.

Immediately and before speaking to police. From the moment you are arrested, questioned, or believe you are under investigation, retaining a criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg protects your right to silence, prevents self-incrimination, and gives your counsel time to build the strongest possible case. The earlier you call, the more legal options remain available to you. Book a free consultation now.

Stay calm. Do not answer any questions and clearly say: “I want to speak with a lawyer.” You have the absolute right to remain silent under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms — exercise it immediately. Anything you say before speaking to counsel can be used against you. If you are held in custody you may be entitled to a bail hearing.

Yes, police can question you but you are never required to answer. Under s.10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay upon arrest or detention. Politely decline to answer any questions until you have spoken with a criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg. What you say before calling a lawyer can seriously damage your defence.

A judge decides whether you will be released from custody while your case proceeds. Your bail hearings lawyer presents a release plan — outlining supervision, sureties, and proposed conditions to satisfy the court that you will appear at trial and not reoffend. Under the Charter, you must have a bail hearing within 24 hours of arrest. Strong preparation by your lawyer is critical to securing early release.

Timelines vary significantly by charge type and court level. Minor matters in Provincial Court may resolve in a few months. Complex cases such as drug trafficking, sexual assault, or homicide can take one to three years. The Supreme Court’s Jordan decision sets legal time limits. Your Winnipeg criminal lawyer will work to advance your case efficiently without compromising your defence.

Contact a criminal lawyer in Winnipeg immediately and do not discuss the circumstances of the stop with anyone. Impaired driving charges in Canada are highly technical — breath test procedures, roadside demand protocols, and Charter rights all create grounds for defence. An experienced impaired driving lawyer can challenge the evidence, the testing process, and the legality of your stop before any plea is entered.

Yes. Drug charges in Canada range from simple possession to trafficking and importation — and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Our drug offences lawyers in Winnipeg challenge the legality of searches and seizures, attack warrant applications, and explore diversion programs such as drug treatment court where appropriate. Charter breaches are common in drug cases and can result in evidence being excluded or charges being withdrawn.

Domestic assault charges in Manitoba are prosecuted aggressively. Even if the complainant does not wish to proceed, the Crown will often continue the case independently. You need a domestic assault lawyer in Winnipeg who understands the dynamics of these cases, including false allegations, self-defence arguments, and the impact of relationship history. Bail conditions will likely be imposed immediately — legal advice from the outset is critical.

Absolutely. Domestic violence allegations are among the most serious and complex criminal matters in Manitoba. Our domestic violence lawyers in Winnipeg investigate the full history of the relationship, challenge inconsistencies in evidence, and work to achieve withdrawals, peace bonds, or acquittals depending on the facts. These cases often involve children and family court proceedings running simultaneously — coordinated legal strategy is essential.

Weapons offences in Canada carry serious penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences in some cases. Common charges include unsafe storage, unlawful possession, pointing a firearm, and use of a weapon in commission of an offence. A weapons offences lawyer in Winnipeg will examine the search, seizure, and chain of custody of any alleged weapon, and challenge the Crown’s evidence at every step.

Yes and retaining counsel immediately is critical. Sexual assault charges carry devastating consequences including registration on the national sex offender registry. Our sexual assault lawyers in Winnipeg conduct thorough evidence review, challenge complainant credibility where supported by the evidence, and apply for third-party records where permissible. These cases require experienced, discreet, and aggressive representation from the very first day.

White-collar charges such as fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and money laundering are taken extremely seriously by Canadian prosecutors. These cases often involve complex financial records, lengthy investigations, and significant prison exposure. Our white-collar and fraud lawyers in Winnipeg scrutinise Crown disclosure carefully, retain forensic experts where needed, and explore every opportunity to negotiate reduced charges or alternative outcomes before trial.

Yes. The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) governs criminal proceedings for persons aged 12 to 17 and prioritises rehabilitation over punishment. However, youth charges can still result in open court proceedings and adult sentences for serious offences. Our youth criminal justice lawyers in Winnipeg focus on protecting your child’s record and future while ensuring the full protection of their Charter rights throughout the process.

Yes, in many cases. Depending on the charge, evidence, and your background, our criminal defence lawyers may be able to negotiate a stay of proceedings, withdrawal, absolute or conditional discharge, diversion program, or peace bond — outcomes that prevent or limit a permanent criminal record. A criminal record can affect employment, travel, and licensing for years. The earlier you retain counsel, the more options remain available.

Not necessarily. Many cases handled by experienced criminal defence lawyers are resolved before trial through negotiations with the Crown, successful pre-trial applications, or alternative measures such as diversion or a peace bond. If trial is unavoidable, Simmonds and Associates prepares thoroughly — our lawyers have appeared at all court levels in Manitoba, including the Court of King’s Bench and the Court of Appeal.

Fees vary based on the charge type, complexity, and court level. Simmonds and Associates provides full fee transparency during your free consultation so you understand costs before making any commitment. If you are financially eligible, Legal Aid Manitoba may cover representation. We believe that financial circumstances should not prevent access to a strong criminal defence reach out to discuss your situation.

Simmonds and Associates is one of the few criminal defence firms in Winnipeg with two King’s Counsel — Saul B. Simmonds, K.C. and Katherine L. Bueti, K.C. — a designation awarded by the province for exceptional legal ability. Our team of six lawyers focuses exclusively on criminal defence, with appearances at all court levels including the Supreme Court of Canada. Meet the team.

We defend the full range of criminal and quasi-criminal matters, including impaired driving, drug offences, domestic assault, sexual assault, weapons offences, fraud, homicide, property crimes, youth offences, Highway Traffic Act matters, and regulatory offences. Visit our full practice areas page for the complete list.