Celine Dostaler is a bilingual criminal defence lawyer in Ottawa, trusted for her expertise in assault, DUI, and drug cases. Book your free consultation today.
"Thank you for all your hard work and patience. We appreciate everything you've done for our family. We would highly recommend your services."
- DH
Proactive Defence. Clear Communication. No Hidden Fees.
Céline Dostaler will be your first and only point of contact - in French or English
Recognized as one of Ottawa's top-reviewed defence lawyers, explore Céline's client testimonials and review her past criminal cases.
Your voice is heard from the very start. Céline personally manages all calls, voicemails, emails, and texts, taking great care to preserve every detail of your case. Her availability extends beyond typical office hours, providing accessibility round-the-clock, seven days a week. Connect today with a seasoned defence lawyer to discuss charges related to domestic assault, sexual assault, impaired driving, or other criminal matters.
Practice Areas
Since beginning her legal career, Céline Dostaler has practiced exclusively as a criminal defence lawyer in practice areas that include:
Sexual Assault
If you're facing charges of sexual assault in Ontario, you could be dealing with severe repercussions, including up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of probation, inclusion in the national sex offender registry, and restrictions on international travel, among other penalties.
Assault
If you're facing assault charges in Ontario, it's crucial to understand the gravity of the situation. Assault can range from the application or threat of force without consent to aggravated assault resulting in long-term injuries. The consequences of a conviction can be severe.
Domestic Assault
If you are charged with domestic assault in Ontario, you could face significant consequences, such as restrictions in family contact, inability to see your children, financial and emotional strains, potential implications in family court proceedings, and burdensome bail conditions.
Drug Offence
Facing drug-related charges in Ontario, such as production, possession, or trafficking of controlled substances, can lead to severe consequences, including heavy fines and extended jail time. Even minor offences could result in a criminal record, affecting future employment opportunities.
White Collar Crime
White-collar crimes refer to non-violent offences aimed at financial gain, often through deception. Typically committed by individuals in the business world with access to large sums of money, these crimes can include identity theft, fraud, embezzlement of funds, tax evasion, and more.
Police Obstruction
Facing charges of police obstruction in Ontario can lead to serious consequences. Police obstruction involves restricting law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties, including resisting or preventing an arrest, physically eluding the police and other activities that aim to obstruct justice.
Search and Seizure
In Ontario, your rights as a Canadian citizen, including protection from unreasonable or arbitrary police actions like illegal searches, are safeguarded by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Any evidence obtained via violating these rights can be excluded from trial. If you're faced with charges based on evidence obtained potentially in violation of your Charter rights, it's crucial to have expert legal assistance.
Weapons Possession
Being charged with possession of weapons with the intent to endanger public peace or commit a crime is a serious offence in Ontario. This covers a broad range of items, from restricted ones like crossbows and firearms to any item used with the intent to intimidate, threaten, or cause harm. Penalties for these charges can be severe, with a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment if indicted.
Impaired Driving (DUI) & Over .80
If you are charged with impaired driving or driving over the legal limit of .80 in Ontario, you could face severe consequences, including an immediate 90-day licence suspension, fines, mandatory courses, installation of an interlock device, and increased insurance costs.
Homicide
Homicide, the act of taking another person's life, is a severe criminal offence in Ontario, categorized into three types: manslaughter, first-degree murder, and second-degree murder. These distinctions primarily depend on the responsibility the accused had for causing the death. Defences may include provocation or a drug-induced mental state that can reduce charges to manslaughter. If you're facing homicide or murder charges, seeking legal help is crucial.
Fraud
If you're charged with fraud or property offences in Ontario, you're dealing with accusations of "dishonest conduct," which broadly falls into three categories: dishonest acts, losses suffered by another party (or the risk of such loss), and the knowledge that the act could result in loss. Given the complexity of defining fraud as a crime, it is vital to have experienced legal guidance.
Theft and Shoplifting
If you are charged with theft in Ontario, it's important to understand the potentially severe consequences, including a criminal record, reduced employment opportunities, travel restrictions, restitution to the victim, and, for non-residents, possible deportation. Navigating these cases can be complex, and it's crucial to have expert legal advice.
Mischief
If you've been charged with the crime of mischief in Ontario, such as intentionally damaging another person's property without intent to steal, you face potential consequences, including a criminal record and possible jail time. Even minor property damage is taken seriously, with penalties increasing based on the level of damage caused.
Child Pornography
If you're facing charges related to child pornography in Ontario, such as possession, creation, access, or distribution, your reputation, family life, and livelihood are at risk. These offences carry severe penalties, ranging from a minimum of 6 months in jail for possession up to 10 years for creation or distribution. A robust defence can help mitigate these impacts, potentially avoiding conviction or negotiating a lesser charge.
Young Offender
If you or someone you know under 18 has been charged with a crime in Ontario, remember that as a youth, you're not tried as an adult and are instead handled under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This Act aims at rehabilitation more than punishment, with sentences often less severe than those for adult offenders and may include measures like restitution, counselling, or community service.
Bail Hearings and Bail Reviews
If you or a loved one are facing a bail hearing in Ontario, it's critical to have experienced legal counsel to navigate this crucial stage of the justice system. Bail hearings are the Crown's first opportunity to present evidence against you, and if detained, you're limited to short meetings with your lawyer at the jail.
Testimonials
Contact Céline Dostaler to schedule a free & confidential 30-minute consultation.
Blog
Admissibility of Digital Evidence: Lessons from the Hockey Canada Trial
In the digital era, electronic communications like text messages, emails, and social media posts have become integral to criminal investigations and trials. However, their admissibility in court is governed by stringent legal standards to ensure fairness and reliability. The recent Hockey Canada sexual assault trial serves as a pertinent case study, highlighting the complexities involved in admitting digital evidence.
What Happens After You’re Charged with a Crime in Ontario?
Being charged with a criminal offence in Ontario can be frightening and overwhelming. For many people, it’s their first time dealing with the justice system—and panic, confusion, and fear are common responses. You may not know what happens next, what your rights are, or how to protect yourself from the long-term consequences of a criminal record.
The Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial: Legal Implications of Judge-Only Proceedings
The high-profile sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—has taken a significant turn. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia dismissed the jury after allegations surfaced that defense attorneys were mocking jurors, leading to concerns about impartiality. As a result, the trial will proceed as a judge-alone proceeding.
FAQs
Navigating the legal landscape of criminal law can feel intimidating and complex, especially when dealing with law enforcement. Whether it's knowing your rights when being approached by the police, understanding the circumstances that warrant an arrest, having accurate information at your fingertips can be essential.
