Law Office of Brian Snell

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire the Law Office of Brian Snell for an appeal?

Fees vary with the length of the original trial and the type of appeal, and the cost of obtaining trial transcripts is often the largest expense. The firm says its fees are transparent, offers payment plans, and won't incur a major cost without the client's approval first.

Does the firm accept Legal Aid clients?

Yes. Legal Aid Ontario typically issues a certificate for an opinion on the merits of an appeal before deciding on full funding, and the firm advises clients to file their Notice of Appeal without waiting for that funding decision.

I filed an inmate appeal on my own. Can I still hire a lawyer?

Yes. Once a lawyer is retained, either privately or through Legal Aid, an inmate appeal can be converted into a solicitor appeal, which removes the requirement for the client to appear in court personally.

How long does a criminal appeal take?

It depends on the complexity of the issues, the length of the original trial, the court level, and whether fresh evidence needs to be introduced. A straightforward appeal can be resolved in a few months, while a more complex case, such as a murder appeal, may take a few years.

What types of appeals does the firm handle?

The practice covers conviction appeals, sentence appeals, and Crown appeals, along with bail pending appeal and applications to admit fresh evidence, in cases involving charges such as murder, manslaughter, fraud, robbery, sexual offences, driving offences, and firearms offences.

Does the Law Office of Brian Snell only take clients from Toronto?

No. The practice takes appeals from clients across Ontario, not only the Toronto area, and appears at the Superior Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada.