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Céline Dostaler
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer in Ottawa
When you’re charged with a crime in Ontario, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom, livelihood, and reputation are all on the line. Whether you’re facing assault charges, impaired driving (DUI), domestic violence, drug offences, or theft, the most important decision you can make is to hire the right criminal defence lawyer in Ottawa.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why working with an experienced criminal defence lawyer like Céline Dostaler is critical, what makes criminal defence law so complex, and how early legal intervention can drastically improve your outcome.
Facing Criminal Charges in Ontario: What’s at Stake?
Being charged with a criminal offence is a life-changing event. In Canada, even a minor criminal conviction can carry serious consequences, including:
- A permanent criminal record, which may impact your ability to get a job, obtain housing, or volunteer in your community.
- Loss of travel rights, particularly to countries like the United States.
- Fines, probation, or jail time, depending on the nature of the offence.
- Immigration consequences, including possible deportation for non-citizens.
- Reputational harm in both personal and professional spheres.
In addition, the legal process is often complex, intimidating, and filled with procedures you might not understand. The Crown (prosecution) is backed by investigators, police, and legal teams working to secure a conviction. You deserve the same level of advocacy.
Why Hire a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Ottawa?
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence in Ontario, you might wonder whether you really need a lawyer—especially if you believe you’re innocent or if the charge seems minor.
Here’s why the answer is almost always “yes”:
1. You Need a Legal Expert Who Knows the Criminal Code
The Criminal Code of Canada is dense, technical, and constantly evolving. A defence lawyer who focuses exclusively on criminal law is up-to-date on recent changes, Supreme Court rulings, and Charter-based arguments that may help your case.
2. Every Charge Is Defensible—With the Right Strategy
Whether the evidence against you appears overwhelming or flimsy, a skilled lawyer can develop a tailored defence strategy. This may involve challenging how the evidence was obtained, questioning the reliability of witnesses, or negotiating with the Crown to have charges reduced or withdrawn.
3. Early Intervention Can Make or Break Your Case
The best time to contact a criminal lawyer is as soon as you become aware of the investigation or charge. A lawyer can:
- Protect your Charter rights (especially during police interviews or searches)
- Secure bail quickly and under favourable conditions
- Request full disclosure and review the Crown’s evidence
- Advise you on what to say—and more importantly, what not to say
Céline Dostaler: Trusted Criminal Defence Lawyer in Ottawa
When your freedom is at stake, you need more than just any lawyer. You need someone who:
- Focuses exclusively on criminal defence
- Handles every case personally, not passed off to juniors
- Has a proven track record in Ottawa courts
- Is respected by both judges and Crown attorneys
Céline Dostaler has been defending clients in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for over a decade. From minor charges to high-stakes criminal trials, she treats every case with the seriousness it deserves.
Her clients benefit from:
- Direct communication: You speak with Céline, not a case manager.
- Detailed preparation: Every motion, disclosure request, and legal argument is handled with care.
- Courtroom experience: Céline has appeared in Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court for trials, bail hearings, Charter motions, and sentencing.
Types of Criminal Charges Céline Defends
Céline regularly defends individuals charged with a wide range of offences, including:
Assault and Domestic Assault
These charges can arise from verbal disputes, family disagreements, or misunderstandings. Even if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges, the Crown can still proceed. Céline defends against simple assault, aggravated assault, and assault with a weapon.
Impaired Driving (DUI)
A DUI conviction can result in loss of your licence, fines, increased insurance rates, and even jail time. Céline examines every detail of the traffic stop, breathalyzer procedure, and police conduct to challenge unlawful arrests.
Drug Charges
Whether you’ve been charged with simple possession or trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Céline will ensure that your constitutional rights were respected and challenge illegal searches or detentions.
Theft, Fraud, and Property Offences
Property-related crimes often involve complicated evidence and financial records. Céline will explore every defence, including lack of intent, mistaken identity, and evidentiary issues.
Sexual Offences
Charges such as sexual assault or sexual interference carry not only prison sentences but also long-term sex offender registration. These cases require strategic cross-examination and careful handling of privacy-related evidence.
Why a Criminal Record Should Be Avoided at All Costs
Some people assume they can just “take a deal” or plead guilty to get the case over with. But here’s the reality:
- A criminal record is permanent and can show up in vulnerable sector checks.
- It can affect international travel for the rest of your life.
- It limits employment opportunities, especially in professions requiring background checks.
- It increases sentencing on future charges, even if unrelated.
Even when the evidence seems strong, a criminal defence lawyer may be able to secure a discharge, peace bond, or diversion program that avoids a formal conviction.
Your Rights Under the Canadian Charter
Everyone in Canada has constitutional rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure
- The right to counsel
- The right to be tried within a reasonable time
Céline Dostaler regularly challenges Charter breaches, which can lead to the exclusion of evidence—or even a dismissal of the charge.
Hiring a Criminal Lawyer vs. Representing Yourself
While you’re legally allowed to represent yourself in court, doing so is almost always a mistake. The legal system is adversarial, and the Crown prosecutor’s role is not to help you—they’re there to prove the case against you.
Without a criminal lawyer, you may:
- Miss key procedural deadlines
- Make incriminating statements
- Fail to object to improper evidence
- Be unaware of available defences
Hiring an experienced criminal defence lawyer levels the playing field.
Ready to Defend Your Rights? Contact Céline Today
If you’re searching for a criminal defence lawyer in Ottawa, contact Céline Dostaler for a confidential consultation. She’ll listen to your side of the story, explain your options, and fight to protect your future.
Don’t wait until your first court date to get legal advice—the sooner you act, the more options you may have. Serving Ottawa, Orleans, Nepean, Kanata, and Eastern Ontario
