Criminal Defence in Markham
Criminal charges in Markham are heard at the Newmarket courthouse, which serves all of York Region. York Regional Police patrols Markham and surrounding communities. Like neighbouring Richmond Hill, Markham has a large and diverse immigrant population, and immigration consequences of a criminal conviction — including inadmissibility, loss of permanent resident status, or deportation — are a critical factor in defence strategy for many clients facing charges.
Whether you are facing charges for impaired driving, domestic assault, sexual assault, drug offences, weapons offences, fraud, theft, or any other criminal matter, having an experienced defence lawyer who understands the local court system is essential. The difference between a conviction and having charges withdrawn or being acquitted at trial often comes down to the quality of the defence.
Where Your Markham Case Will Be Heard
Markham does not have its own criminal courthouse. Criminal charges laid in Markham by York Regional Police are heard at the Newmarket Courthouse, located at 50 Eagle St W, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6B1. This courthouse serves all of York Region.
This means your first court appearance, bail hearing, Crown pre-trial conferences, and trial will all take place in Newmarket, not Markham. Your release documents or court notice will specify the courthouse address and your next court date.
Common Criminal Charges in Markham
York Regional Police lays charges that are heard at the Newmarket Courthouse. The most common criminal charges for Markham residents include:
- Impaired driving (DUI) — charges under sections 320.14 and 320.15 of the Criminal Code, including driving while impaired, having a blood alcohol concentration over 80 mg, and refusing to provide a breath sample. A first-offence conviction carries a mandatory minimum $1,000 fine and a one-year driving prohibition.
- Domestic assault — assault charges under section 266 arising from a domestic relationship. These cases carry immediate consequences including no-contact orders and removal from the home, often before any finding of guilt.
- Sexual assault — charges under section 271, including historic allegations. Sexual assault convictions carry mandatory Sex Offender Registry requirements and can result in significant periods of incarceration.
- Drug offences — possession, trafficking, and production charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Penalties range from discharges for simple possession to mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking.
- Weapons offences — possession of prohibited or restricted firearms, carrying a concealed weapon, and assault with a weapon. Firearms offences carry mandatory minimum sentences.
- Fraud and theft — fraud over $5,000 carries a maximum sentence of 14 years. Convictions for dishonesty offences can end careers in regulated professions.
What to Expect After Being Charged
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offence in Markham, the process typically follows these steps:
- Arrest and release or bail hearing. You may be released at the scene with a promise to appear, or held for a bail hearing at the Newmarket Courthouse. For domestic assault and other serious charges, you will almost certainly be held for a bail hearing.
- First appearance. Your first court date is set on your release documents. At this appearance, your lawyer will receive the Crown’s disclosure — the evidence the Crown intends to rely on.
- Disclosure review and case assessment. Your lawyer reviews the disclosure and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the Crown’s case. This is when defence strategy is developed.
- Crown pre-trial or resolution discussions. Your lawyer meets with the Crown to discuss the case. Many charges are resolved at this stage through withdrawals, peace bonds, diversion, or agreed-upon sentences.
- Trial. If the case cannot be resolved, it proceeds to trial. Criminal trials in the Ontario Court of Justice are heard by a judge alone. For more serious indictable offences in the Superior Court, the accused may elect a trial by judge and jury.
Why Choose RH Criminal Defence
Ryan Handlarski has defended individuals charged with criminal offences across Ontario, from less serious charges such as domestic assault and impaired driving to very serious offences such as murder, trafficking cocaine, sexual assault, aggravated assault, and robbery. He regularly appears at the Newmarket Courthouse in Newmarket, where all Markham criminal cases are heard.
Ryan has appeared at every level of court in Ontario — the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Appeal. He is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, the Ontario Bar Association, and the Toronto Lawyers’ Association. He is on the Legal Aid Ontario panel for extremely serious matters and accepts Legal Aid in qualifying cases.
Ryan has a proven track record at the Newmarket Courthouse, including acquittals after trial in serious criminal matters. See the representative results below.