About

Question: What should you do immediately after being charged with a crime?

Answer:   Engaging with David Oake, Barrister (o/a MuskokaCriminal.Law™), ensures that you have experienced counsel protecting your rights from the outset, guiding you through critical early decisions that can significantly impact your case's outcome.  With over 20 years of courtroom and negotiation experience, our criminal defence team is dedicated to providing effective representation tailored to your needs.

About Our Services

When you’re facing a criminal charge, the first decisions you make can affect everything that follows.  You need experienced defence counsel involved early—before conditions are set, statements are taken, or a case gains momentum.  Our criminal defence team brings 20+ years of courtroom and negotiation experience to your side, providing steady, practical representation from the first step (including bail) through to final resolution.  We focus on protecting your record, your reputation, and your future, while making sure you understand what’s happening at every stage.

Key general issues often encountered in the criminal law domain include:

• Immediate Rights Protection: What happens in the first hours and days matters.  We step in early to protect your rights and prevent avoidable damage to your case.
• Bail and Release Conditions: Early hearings shape your freedom, your job, and your daily life.  We prepare and argue for reasonable release terms from the outset.
• Disclosure and Evidence Risks: Cases often turn on what the Crown has, what was obtained properly, and what is missing.  We identify weaknesses and Charter concerns early.
• Process, Deadlines, and Court Strategy: Criminal procedure is unforgiving.  Knowing what comes next—and why—keeps your file on a controlled path.
• Real-World Consequences: A charge can affect employment, licensing, immigration, travel, family, and reputation.  Your defence must account for the life impact, not just the courtroom.

Effective Strategies in Criminal Law

Experience is only valuable when it’s applied with discipline, preparation, and strategy.  Our approach is direct, thorough, and focused on outcomes that actually protect your future.

• Early Case Triage and Risk Assessment: We quickly identify the legal issues, realistic outcomes, and the best path forward—so you’re not operating in the dark.
• Charter and Procedural Defence: We examine detention, search, statements, and disclosure for violations that can reduce or end a case.
• Evidence-Driven Negotiation: When resolution is appropriate, we negotiate from a position of strength grounded in the facts—not guesswork.
• Trial-Ready Preparation: We build every file as if it may proceed to trial, so your defence is never rushed or reactive.
• Continuity with Senior Counsel: Your matter isn’t passed around.  You get consistent, experienced advocacy from bail through verdict or resolution.

If you’re uncertain about what comes next, that’s normal.  What matters is getting the right defence team involved early.  Review the resources on this page, then contact us to discuss your situation and options.

Conclusion

Criminal charges are serious, but the right defence can change everything.  With a seasoned team beside you, you gain clarity, confidence, and strong advocacy at every stage.  We are here to protect your rights immediately, guide you through the process, and fight for the best possible resolution for your case.