Bail Hearings

Strong, strategic defence designed to get you home.

Arrested? Bail Matters

a room with a window
a room with a window
a room with a window

Understanding the Bail Process

If you or someone you care about has just been arrested, securing release is your first—and most urgent—priority. The bail hearing is one of the most important stages in any criminal case—it determines whether you will wait for your trial at home or in jail.

At Wilson Defence, we understand how urgent this is. We act quickly and strategically to secure your release under the best possible conditions. If you’ve already been denied bail, we can help you appeal that decision through a bail review.

Bail isn’t just about freedom—it’s about protecting your job, your family, and your ability to work on your defence while your case moves through the court system.

What Happens at a Bail Hearing?

After being charged, most people are entitled to a bail hearing within 24 hours. This is your opportunity to argue why you should be released while awaiting trial. A person may be held in custody only if it's considered necessary for one or more of the following reasons: to ensure they appear in court, to protect public safety, or to uphold public confidence in the justice system.

The Crown can oppose your release entirely or seek strict conditions—like house arrest, curfews, surety supervision, or no-contact orders—that can deeply affect your daily life.

person in orange long sleeve shirt writing on white paper
person in orange long sleeve shirt writing on white paper
person in orange long sleeve shirt writing on white paper

Bail Information

Bail Information

What Is a Surety?

A surety is someone who agrees to supervise you while you’re on bail. They must take the role seriously, understand their obligations, and be financially responsible (though they don’t always need to hand over money upfront). A surety could be a family member, close friend, or employer.

We work closely with your potential sureties to ensure they are fully prepared and able to meet the court’s expectations.


What if you've been denied bail?

If you were denied bail at your initial hearing, you still have options. You may be eligible to apply for a bail review in the Superior Court of Justice. This is essentially an appeal of the original decision, based on:

  • A material error of law or fact at the original hearing, or

  • A material change in circumstances (e.g., new surety, improved plan, or additional supports)

Bail reviews are technical and document-heavy—having a lawyer who knows how to structure and argue these applications can make the difference between continued detention and release.


We Handle All Bail-Related Matters Including:

  • Bail hearings

  • Bail Reviews

  • Bail Variations

  • Consent Release Negotiations

First Offence:
• Minimum 1-year licence suspension
• Ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
• Fines

Second Offence:
• Minimum 3-year licence suspension
• Ignition interlock device for at least 3 years
• Increased fines and potential jail time

Third Offence (or more):

• Lifetime licence suspension, with limited eligibility for reinstatement after 10 years
• Increased fines and likely jail time

In addition to losing your licence, you could face travel restrictions, immigration complications, and lasting effects on your employment. The penalties grow more severe with each conviction—making a strong defence essential.

At Wilson Defence, we don’t just handle bail hearings — we fight for your release

We know how to navigate tight timelines, present persuasive bail plans, and argue forcefully for your release. We’re fast, experienced, and proactive. Whether we’re negotiating a consent release with the Crown or litigating a bail review in Superior Court, we bring the same intensity and strategic focus to every case.

We also offer:

  • Flat-rate legal fees

  • Flexible payment plans

  • Service in English and French

  • Representation across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Hamilton, Milton, Brampton, and beyond

Call Wilson Defence now. Your defence—and your freedom—start the moment we get involved.

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Faq

Your questions, answered effortlessly with us

What cities do you serve?

Toronto, Hamilton, Brampton, St. Catharines, Halton, Milton, Barrie, Newmarket, Orangeville, Guelph, Kitchener, Collingwood, Brantford, Bradford, Sudbury, London, Sault St Marie and more.

What types of cases do you handle?

We handle a broad range of criminal matters, including assaults, drug-related charges, impaired driving, and firearm offences. For a complete overview of the cases we take on, please see our Services page.

What should I do after being charged?

Contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately. Getting legal advice early helps protect your rights and prevents you from making decisions that could harm your case.

What does it cost?

Legal fees are tailored to your case and depend on factors such as the nature of the charge, how complex the issues are, and how time-sensitive the matter may be. Once we have an opportunity to learn more about your situation, we’ll provide a clear and transparent quote. We operate on a block fee basis, so you’ll know the full cost upfront — with no hidden fees.

What cities do you serve?

Toronto, Hamilton, Brampton, St. Catharines, Halton, Milton, Barrie, Newmarket, Orangeville, Guelph, Kitchener, Collingwood, Brantford, Bradford, Sudbury, London, Sault St Marie and more.

What types of cases do you handle?

We handle a broad range of criminal matters, including assaults, drug-related charges, impaired driving, and firearm offences. For a complete overview of the cases we take on, please see our Services page.

What should I do after being charged?

Contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately. Getting legal advice early helps protect your rights and prevents you from making decisions that could harm your case.

What does it cost?

Legal fees are tailored to your case and depend on factors such as the nature of the charge, how complex the issues are, and how time-sensitive the matter may be. Once we have an opportunity to learn more about your situation, we’ll provide a clear and transparent quote. We operate on a block fee basis, so you’ll know the full cost upfront — with no hidden fees.