Liam SmithNavigating the complexities of criminal charges is no walk in the park, and having the right legal counsel can make all the difference. Thankfully, Ottawa is home to some highly skilled criminal defence lawyers known for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to their clients.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the top criminal defence lawyers in Ottawa—to help you find skilled legal support when you need it most. So, without further ado, here are the top criminal defence lawyers in Ottawa to consider when facing legal challenges.
How Much Do Criminal Defence Lawyers Charge in Ottawa?
Criminal defence lawyers charge anywhere from $250 to $700 per hour in Ottawa, depending on the complexity of the case.
For common offences like DUIs, flat fees typically range from $1,500 to $10,000. More serious cases, such as assault or fraud trials, can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
1. James Coulter Law
Address: 141 Laurier Ave W Floor 6,
Contact Number: [email protected] | 613-371-3884
Operating Hours: By appointment
When it comes to criminal defence in Ottawa, James Coulter Law provides services focused on cases such as impaired driving, sexual assaults, and internet-based offences against children.
We particularly admire his ability to approach cases from both prosecution and defence angles. His background gives him the insight to craft strategic and tailored defence plans that leave no stone unturned.
With James Coulter, you won’t face the dreaded “mystery fees” that so often plague legal services. His reasonable pricing and flexible options make high-quality legal representation accessible, even for those who might find it daunting.
It’s worth noting that his practice doesn’t offer discounts, which might deter clients working within particularly tight budgets. That said, his focus on delivering premium, client-focused service more than makes up for it.
Even his office space reflects his professionalism. Sleek, modern, and built for confidentiality, it offers clients the comfort and reassurance they need during stressful legal battles.
Amazing
“James Coutler was an amazing lawyer and helped me win my case! He explained everything clearly, kept me informed, and made sure I felt comfortable every step of the way.”
-Draz, Google Review
Straightforward
“He is straight forward and direct. He is no push over.”
-R C, Google Review
2. Nikolas Lust
Address: 331 Somerset St W
Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Office: 613-233-2542
- Cellular: 613-857-1911
- Fax: 613-564-0400
Operating Hours: Check their booking calendar here
When navigating the labyrinth of criminal law, we’ve found Nikolas Lust to be a reliable guide.
From drinking and driving to white-collar crimes, Nikolas has a finger in almost every criminal law pie. His specialisation in sensitive areas like sexual assault and domestic violence is where he truly shines, demonstrating a level of empathy and attention to detail that’s hard to come by.
What sets Nikolas apart, in our eyes, is his communication style. He’s the kind of lawyer who always keeps you in the loop. Frequent updates, clear explanations, and honest advice? You bet.
One thing to remember is that walk-ins aren’t usually accommodated; we’d recommend booking ahead to ensure you have the time and attention you deserve. After all, with someone as sought-after as Nikolas, planning is key.
Lastly, his affordable rates are a welcome surprise in a field where legal fees can often feel like a punch to the gut. Nikolas doesn’t believe in putting profits above people; that ethos shines through in how he runs his practice.
First-rate
“Nikolas Lust is a first-rate lawyer and helped my son out of a difficult situation. He was easy to work with and explained what the procedures and expected outcomes of our case should be.”
-Angelique Jahn, Google Review
Outstanding
“Nikolas Lust was an outstanding lawyer who is not only great in court but amazing to deal with outside, couldn’t recommend anyone better to deal with legal issues.”
-Damian, Google Review
3. Céline Dostaler
Address: 200 Elgin St, Suite 901
Contact Number: 613-695-8595 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
If you’ve ever wanted to bypass the usual runaround of retelling your story to a small army of assistants and junior lawyers, Céline is your lawyer.
We couldn’t help but appreciate how Céline handles every client personally, ensuring that no big or small detail gets lost in translation. In fact, with her bilingual fluency in French and English, there’s no room for miscommunication.
Her Cases page is like a highlight reel of dropped charges and withdrawn cases, which speaks volumes about her skill. We found it reassuring that Céline’s track record isn’t just talk—real results back it.
The cherry on top? Céline offers a free 30-minute initial consultation. It’s a great opportunity to discuss your case without worrying about clocking fees immediately.
One potential drawback is that Céline doesn’t offer a base fee for legal services. While this might initially leave you wondering about costs, her clear explanation of block fees during consultations helps clarify.
Best!
“Celine Dostaler is the best lawyer I’ve ever had hands down!”
-Liam Scharf, Google Review
Amazing!
“If your looking for a good lawyer who’ll actually fight for YOU, look no further! Celine is absolutely amazing!”
-Ashley Goyer, Google Review
4. David Anber’s Law Office
Address: 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 2300
Contact Number: 613-755-4008 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: By appointment only (24-hour email or phone inquiry available)
If you require a lawyer who seems to operate like a 24/7 problem-solving machine, David Anber’s Law Office might just be the legal firm you’re looking for.
What struck us most was David Anber’s sheer breadth of experience. The guy doesn’t just dabble in criminal defence—he lives and breathes it; his expertise spans DUI offences, serious driving offences, crimes of violence, drug-related charges, and more.
One thing we love? The accessibility. The team offers a free initial consultation and operates a 24-hour email and phone inquiry service. That means whether it’s 3 PM or 3 AM, you can reach out for guidance; it’s the kind of flexibility that makes you feel like they’ve truly got your back.
Remember that walk-ins aren’t entertaining, so if you’re more of a “drop by unannounced” person, you’ll need to adjust your approach. We recommend scheduling an appointment to make the most of their attentive, personalised service.
Delivered results
“I came into the office looking for a dog that was willing to fight and what I got was a wolf… Mr. Wolfson! He exceeded all my expectations and delivered results beyond what I could have imagined.”
-T A, Google Review
Reliable
“David is easy to communicate with, reliable, and responds quickly to all the questions I had. He made the experience less stressful.”
-Emma Rotondo, Google Review
5. Michael Edelson (Edelson Law)
Address: 141 Laurier Ave W Suite 402
Contact Number: (613) 237-2290 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
When it comes to heavyweight names in Ottawa’s legal scene, Michael Edelson is undoubtedly in our list. Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law since 1989 by the Law Society of Ontario, Michael’s credentials are practically bulletproof.
We couldn’t help but be drawn to his firm’s combined 75 years of criminal defence experience, which speaks to a depth of knowledge that’s hard to rival. What stands out to us is Edelson’s ability to handle a dizzying variety of cases, from DUI charges to constitutional challenges.
His expertise is also about guiding clients through a maze of legal challenges with well-reasoned strategies. We found it particularly reassuring that Edelson provides free initial consultations, which can be a lifeline for clients navigating both legal and financial pressures.
His office being closed on weekends might be a hiccup for those juggling hectic schedules. And while the lack of a base fee might leave clients wondering about costs at first, the clarity provided during consultations goes a long way in addressing these concerns.
Super smart!
“Super smart guy, knowledgeable and tells it how it is.”
-Ali Kangarloo, Google Review
Ethical
“Ethical and willing to take a stand.”
-John Turek, Google Review
