About Doney Law Office

Doney Law Office is a sole-practitioner criminal defence practice in downtown Guelph, Ontario, run by David G. Doney. David Doney grew up in Guelph, attending John F. Ross CVI and then the University of Guelph, where the founder earned an honours B.A. in economic theory. A law degree from the University of Toronto followed in 1974, and David Doney was called to the Ontario bar in April 1976. After articling in Ottawa and a few years practising criminal law in Toronto, the founder returned to Guelph in 1979, joined the firm of Morrow, Nicholson and Doney, and from 1981 to 2008 was a partner in Nicholson and Doney. The practice has run as a solo office under the Doney Law Office name since 2008.

The firm takes criminal cases only. That covers impaired driving and other driving offences, theft and property crimes, fraud, assault and domestic assault, sexual offences, criminal harassment, young offender matters, bail hearings, and appeals. Since November 1994, David Doney has served as a standing agent for the Attorney General of Canada, and has also sat on the Superior Court of Justice Bench and Bar Committee and the local Criminal Court Liaison Committee. The office offers free initial consultations, payment plans, and evening appointment times.

Practice areas

Milestones & recognition

  • David G. Doney earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto in 1974 and was called to the Ontario bar in April 1976.
  • After practising criminal law in Toronto from 1976 to 1979, the founder returned to Guelph and was a partner in Nicholson and Doney from 1981 to 2008 before continuing as a solo practice under the Doney Law Office name in 2008.
  • David G. Doney has been a standing agent for the Attorney General of Canada since November 1994.
  • David G. Doney has served on the Superior Court of Justice Bench and Bar Committee and the Criminal Court Liaison Committee, and is a member of the Criminal Lawyers' Association.

In the community

  • David G. Doney's community involvement has included charitable board work, among them the YMCA.
  • The firm keeps a blog that explains criminal-law topics for a general audience, with posts on impaired driving, testing for drug impairment under the Cannabis Act, the difference between Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act driving offences, and how an impaired-driving conviction can affect immigration status.

Who handles what

The neighbourhood

The office sits at 20 Douglas Street, in the heart of downtown Guelph and near Wyndham Street, the city's main commercial spine. For a practice built entirely on criminal defence, that address is convenient. The Ontario Court of Justice at 36 Wyndham Street South, where Guelph's provincial criminal matters are heard, is a short walk away in the same downtown core. Doney Law Office has served clients in Guelph and the surrounding area for decades.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of cases does Doney Law Office take?
The firm handles criminal defence only. That includes impaired driving, over 80, and careless or dangerous driving charges, theft and property crimes, fraud, assault and domestic assault, sexual offences, criminal harassment, young offender matters, bail hearings, and appeals.
I've been charged with impaired driving in Guelph. Can the firm help?
Yes. Impaired driving and over 80 are a core part of the practice, and the firm's blog has covered impaired-driving and drug-impairment testing topics. You can book a free initial consultation to talk through your case.
Does the firm offer a free consultation, and are payment plans available?
Yes. Doney Law Office offers free initial consultations and payment plans, and it schedules flexible appointment times, including evenings.
How long has David G. Doney practised criminal law?
David G. Doney was called to the Ontario bar in 1976 and has practised criminal law in Guelph since 1979, first as a partner in Nicholson and Doney and, since 2008, as a sole practitioner at Doney Law Office.
Does the firm handle both youth and adult criminal charges?
Yes. Alongside adult matters, the firm represents young persons in youth criminal defence and takes bail hearings, criminal harassment charges, and conviction and sentence appeals.
Where is Doney Law Office located and how do I reach it?
The office is at 20 Douglas Street, Guelph, ON N1H 2S9, in the downtown core close to the Ontario Court of Justice. You can call 519-804-9829 to set up a consultation.

Where to find them

20 Douglas Street, Guelph, ON N1H 2S9 · 519-837-3265

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