The Defence Group
1 lawyer · Established 2003 · City of Toronto
One of 2,345 law firms listed in Toronto, and one of 455 handling Criminal Defence.
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Virtual appointments
Free consultationVirtual appointmentsAbout The Defence Group
The Defence Group is a solo criminal defence practice founded in 2003 by Arun S. Maini, a barrister and solicitor who has practised criminal law since 1995. Maini is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Dalhousie University Law School. After articling at a Bay Street law firm, Maini joined the federal Department of Justice as a prosecutor of drug trafficking, tax evasion, and immigration fraud cases in Toronto, Brampton, and Vancouver. In 1999, Maini moved to the provincial Crown attorney's office in Brampton, prosecuting offences ranging from theft to murder, before leaving government in 2003 to start the firm.
The firm is based in downtown Toronto, with client convenience offices in Oakville and Vaughan; the firm describes both as there for the convenience of clients in those areas rather than as separate full locations. As a solo practice, Maini personally handles each case, from the initial consultation through negotiation and, if needed, trial, and assembles a defence team, which can include forensic toxicologists, psychologists, or private investigators, based on what a case requires. The practice covers the full range of criminal charges, including domestic assault, sexual assault, drug and weapons offences, driving under the influence, fraud, white collar crime, and murder, with extensive jury trial experience.
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- The Defence Group was founded in 2003 by Arun S. Maini, after several years prosecuting for the federal and then the provincial government.
- Maini has practised criminal law since 1995 and is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Dalhousie University Law School.
- Before entering private practice, Maini prosecuted drug trafficking, tax evasion, and immigration fraud cases for the federal Department of Justice, then moved to the Crown attorney's office in Brampton in 1999, prosecuting offences from theft to murder.
- Maini has been quoted on criminal law matters by the CBC, the Toronto Star, and the National Post.
In the community
- Maini has lectured at The Advocates' Society and taught advocacy at the Law Society of Ontario and Osgoode Hall Law School's Intensive Trial Advocacy program.
- The firm publishes a blog on criminal law topics, court process, and notable cases, with posts and archives dating back several years.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Virtual appointments
By appointmentFees & payment
Free consultationWho handles what
The neighbourhood
The Defence Group's Toronto office is on King Street East, close to the downtown core where most of the city's criminal matters are heard. The firm's own materials walk through the specific courthouses it works in: Old City Hall, College Park, 311 Jarvis Street (youth and domestic violence court), and 361 University Avenue, the address for the Superior Court. Toronto's criminal caseload is split across several courthouses by neighbourhood rather than run out of one building, so a downtown King Street address keeps a solo practice within reach of most of them.
Frequently asked questions
- I've been charged with domestic assault in the Toronto area. Can The Defence Group help?
- Yes. Domestic assault is one of the firm's practice areas. It notes that zero-tolerance domestic violence policies call for a thorough, detailed criminal defence.
- I'm facing a DUI or over 80 charge and I'm worried about losing my licence. Does the firm handle that?
- Yes. The firm's DUI and over 80 practice focuses on the technical side of these cases, since a conviction carries automatic minimum penalties, and looks for weaknesses in how the evidence against you was gathered.
- My teenager has been charged with an offence. Does The Defence Group take youth cases?
- Yes. The firm handles cases under the Youth Criminal Justice Act for people between 12 and 17, where the process and the emphasis on rehabilitation differ from adult court.
- If I hire The Defence Group, will I be dealing directly with the lawyer or with an associate?
- As a solo practice, Arun S. Maini personally handles every file, from the initial consultation through negotiation and, if it goes that far, trial, rather than passing the case to a junior lawyer.
- Where is the firm located, and how do I book a free consultation?
- The Defence Group is based in downtown Toronto at 144 King Street East, with client convenience offices in Oakville and Vaughan. It offers a free initial consultation and says it's available 24/7.
- Does the firm handle fraud or white collar crime charges, or only violent offences?
- Both. Alongside domestic assault, sexual assault, and weapons cases, the firm's practice areas include fraud and white collar crime, which it describes as cases that turn on close attention to financial detail.
Where to find them
144 King Street East, Toronto · 877-295-2830
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