Nova Scotia directory

Criminal Defence Law Firms in Halifax County, Nova Scotia

32 law firms.

What does a criminal defence lawyer in Halifax do?

A criminal defence lawyer in Halifax represents people charged with a crime and protects their rights at every stage, from the first police contact through to trial. The charges come under the Criminal Code, which is federal law that applies across Canada (Criminal Code). A defence lawyer reviews the Crown's disclosure, advises you on how to respond, argues for release on bail, and then negotiates a resolution or runs the trial. In Halifax most charges are heard at the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia at 5250 Spring Garden Road, while the most serious cases move to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia at the Law Courts, 1815 Upper Water Street.

Which court will hear your case in Nova Scotia?

Where your case lands depends on the charge. Most criminal matters in the province are handled in the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia, which deals with bail hearings, first appearances, and the majority of trials. The most serious offences, along with any case you elect to try before a jury, move to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (the Courts of Nova Scotia). The Halifax and Dartmouth courts serve a wide area, so if you live in Bedford, Lower Sackville, or Fall River, your matter is generally heard there.

What if you can't afford a lawyer?

If cost is a worry, you may still have options. Nova Scotia Legal Aid provides criminal defence representation to people who qualify, based on the charge and on financial need (Nova Scotia Legal Aid). It offers legal information, a summary advice consultation, and, for eligible clients, a lawyer to carry the case. Even if you plan to hire a private firm, it helps to get advice early. A lawyer can guide you through your first appearance, protect you during questioning, and make sure bail conditions and deadlines are handled properly. Waiting until the court date to seek help tends to narrow your choices.

How do you choose a criminal defence firm in Halifax?

Start with a firm that regularly defends your type of charge, whether that's impaired driving, an assault, a drug offence, or a more serious matter headed for the Supreme Court. Ask who will actually appear for you, how the firm approaches bail and disclosure, and whether it's ready to run a trial rather than only seeking a plea. Fees vary, so get the retainer terms in writing, including what happens if the case runs long. Criminal defence firms serve clients across Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Lower Sackville, and Fall River, so there's usually one within reach.

You can confirm any lawyer's standing on the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society directory. Browse the criminal defence firms in Halifax below.

Allen Law Inc

1 lawyer

Allen Law Inc is a Dartmouth-based law firm handling personal injury and car accident claims, home insurance disputes, policing matters involving serious injury, insurance disputes, criminal defence, and employment di…

Personal InjuryPersonal InjuryInsurance LawInsurance LawCriminal DefenceCriminal DefenceEmployment & Labour LawEmployment & Labour Law

Aodhan Murphy Law is a sole criminal defence practice based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Aodhan P. Murphy handles criminal charges including impaired driving, assault, drug offences, theft, and sexual offences, and also o…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

Asaf Rashid Law

1 lawyer

Asaf Rashid Law is a Halifax, Nova Scotia practice focused on criminal defence, with related work in immigration, prison and human rights law. The practice takes on a high volume of legal aid certificates where they'r…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceImmigration LawImmigration LawAdministrative & Regulatory LawAdministrative & Regulatory LawLegal aidLegal Aid

Atherton Nicholson

6 lawyers · Est. 2013

Atherton Nicholson, Barristers and Solicitors, is a small trial-law firm in downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Formed as a partnership in 2013 by Patrick Atherton and Tanya Nicholson, who had previously practised togeth…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceFamily LawFamily LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Bailey and Associates

4 lawyers · Est. 1984

Bailey and Associates is a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia law firm founded in 1984 as Bailey and Black. It practises criminal law, family law, real estate and residential law, wills and estate planning, motor vehicle charges,…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceFamily LawFamily LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

BOYNECLARKE LLP

48 lawyers · Est. 1972

BOYNECLARKE LLP is a large full-service law firm based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, founded in 1972. It's grown into one of Atlantic Canada's largest firms, with more than 55 lawyers covering personal matters like real …

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsFamily LawFamily LawPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury

Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP (BWB) is a full-service law firm based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a history spanning well over a century. The firm advises businesses, institutions and individuals across litigation, co…

Indigenous LawIndigenous LawAdministrative & Regulatory LawAdministrative & Regulatory LawBankruptcy & InsolvencyBankruptcy & InsolvencyConstruction LawConstruction Law

Burnside Law Group

3 lawyers

Burnside Law Group is a small general practice firm based in the Burnside Industrial Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, serving individuals, families and small businesses. The firm handles business law, civil litigation,…

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCriminal DefenceCriminal DefenceEmployment & Labour LawEmployment & Labour Law

Carbo Kwan Criminal Law is a sole-practitioner criminal defence practice in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, offering summary legal advice consultations. The office is located in Purdy's Wharf, Tower 1, and operates by …

Criminal DefenceCriminal Defence

The practice of Donald C. Murray, K.C. is based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. After more than 40 years providing defence services for criminal and regulatory offence matters, Murray has closed his intake of new criminal …

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionAdministrative & Regulatory LawAdministrative & Regulatory Law

Elizabeth Cooper Barrister & Solicitor is a solo criminal defence practice serving Dartmouth and Halifax. The firm represents and counsels clients on charges under the Criminal Code, including DUI, assault, drug and w…

Criminal DefenceCriminal Defence

Enterprise Law Group is a boutique law firm based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, serving individuals and businesses across the province. Its three lawyers cover tax law, family law, corporate transactions, civil and comme…

Tax LawTax LawFamily LawFamily LawEmployment & Labour LawEmployment & Labour LawTechnology & StartupsTechnology & Startups

Fellows Law

1 lawyer

Fellows Law is a general practice law firm in Halifax, Nova Scotia, led by Noel Fellows, offering services in criminal law, family law, wills and estates, property law, and personal injury. The firm also operates Atla…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsFamily LawFamily LawReal Estate LawReal Estate Law

Fitch Violande

4 lawyers · Est. 2015

Fitch Violande is an association of independent legal practitioners in Halifax, Nova Scotia, founded by Nicholaus Fitch and James Violande in October 2015. The firm offers legal help in corporate and commercial law, c…

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawCriminal DefenceCriminal DefenceFamily LawFamily LawPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury

Fownes Law Offices

2 lawyers · Est. 1985

Fownes Law Offices is a general-practice firm founded in 1985 by Allen Fownes, with offices in Halifax, Liverpool (South Shore) and Barrington (Shelburne County). It serves the Queens, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Halifax…

Wills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsReal Estate LawReal Estate LawCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate Law

Godfred T. Chongatera is a solo law practice based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, serving clients across the province including Truro, Kentville, Bridgewater and New Glasgow. The practice covers immigration law, criminal de…

Immigration LawImmigration LawCriminal DefenceCriminal DefenceBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawFamily LawFamily Law

Halifax DUI Lawyer is a dedicated impaired driving defence practice serving the Halifax Regional Municipality, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville and Truro. The site focuses exclusively on defending DUI and impaired drivin…

Criminal DefenceCriminal Defence

Kimball Law

7 lawyers · Est. 1978

Kimball Law is a general practice firm serving clients across Nova Scotia, with offices in Wolfville, Bedford and Coldbrook to cover the Annapolis Valley and Halifax areas. Founded in 1978 as Kimball & Associates, the…

Personal InjuryPersonal InjuryFamily LawFamily LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsReal Estate LawReal Estate Law

Knox Law

1 lawyer

Knox Law is a Nova Scotia criminal defence and civil litigation firm founded and led by Mark Knox, K.C., who has practised for more than three decades. The small team, including an articled clerk and legal assistant, …

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionPersonal InjuryPersonal InjuryAdministrative & Regulatory LawAdministrative & Regulatory Law

Landry McGillivray

5 lawyers · Est. 1976

Landry McGillivray is a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia law firm founded in 1976 by Peter Landry and Maurice McGillivray. It serves individuals, small businesses, financial institutions, and land developers across the Halifax …

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawPersonal InjuryPersonal InjuryBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawFamily LawFamily Law

Linh Law Inc.

2 lawyers

Linh Law Inc. is a Halifax, Nova Scotia general practice offering criminal law, immigration law, business incorporations, commercial and corporate law, wills and estates, and real estate services. The firm serves clie…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceImmigration LawImmigration LawBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawReal Estate LawReal Estate Law

MacKillop Pictou Law Group

3 lawyers · Est. 2018

MacKillop Pictou Law Group is a Halifax, Nova Scotia law firm that has served the Nova Scotia and Halifax area since 2018. It offers a general practice with a focus on criminal law, along with corporate, commercial, a…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate Law

McCarthy Kuszelewski Law

3 lawyers · Est. 2014

McCarthy Kuszelewski Law is a full-service Halifax law firm practising in criminal law, family law, civil law and immigration law. The firm was opened by Laura McCarthy in June 2014, after she articled with Cox & Palm…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceFamily LawFamily LawImmigration LawImmigration LawCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Mike Murphy Law Group is a personal injury and criminal defence litigation firm serving clients across Atlantic Canada, with offices in Moncton and Saint John, New Brunswick, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Charlottetown, Princ…

Personal InjuryPersonal InjuryCriminal DefenceCriminal DefenceInsurance LawInsurance LawEmployment & Labour LawEmployment & Labour Law