I was just charged. What should I do first?

Do not discuss the facts with police, the complainant or on social media. Note your first court date and your release conditions, follow the conditions exactly, and speak to a criminal defence lawyer before your first appearance.

Can my charge be withdrawn?

Sometimes. Only the Crown can withdraw a charge. Weak evidence, a successful diversion program or new information from the defence can lead to a withdrawal, which is why the disclosure should be reviewed early.

Is it worth fighting a minor ticket?

Often yes. Paying is a guilty plea, and the conviction can affect your insurance for about three years. Contesting the ticket opens options such as a reduced charge, fewer demerit points or a withdrawal.

Do I need to attend traffic court myself?

In most cases no. A licensed paralegal can appear on your behalf for early resolution meetings and trials, so you do not need to miss work.

Can a landlord change the locks or remove my belongings?

No. Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can order an eviction, and only the Court Enforcement Office (the Sheriff) can enforce it. A tenant who is locked out can apply to the Board.

My tenant has stopped paying rent. How do I start?

The process usually begins with a properly completed N4 notice, followed by an L1 application if the arrears are not paid. Errors in the notice can delay your case, so it is worth having it reviewed.

My employer let me go without notice. Am I owed money?

Possibly. Unless you were dismissed for serious misconduct, the ESA requires notice or termination pay, and many employees are entitled to more than the ESA minimum. The amount depends on your contract, your length of service and other factors.

Is there a deadline to make a claim?

Yes. Ministry of Labour claims and most court claims must be started within two years. Contact us as soon as possible so that no options are lost.

What can I sue for in Small Claims Court?

Money or the return of personal property worth up to $50,000, not including interest and costs. Common examples are unpaid loans and invoices, unreturned deposits, poor workmanship and property damage.

What does it cost to bring a small claim?

Court filing fees are modest, and the successful party can often recover part of its costs. We will give you an upfront estimate of our fees at your case evaluation.

Legal Services: Criminal, Traffic, LTB & Small Claims

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How we can help

WP Legal Professional is a small GTA firm with offices in Markham and North York. Our team includes a criminal defence lawyer and a licensed paralegal, supported by multilingual staff. Every matter starts with a confidential case evaluation, where we listen to what happened, explain the process and the realistic outcomes, and give you an upfront fee estimate.

Below is a summary of each practice area, the questions clients ask us most often, and a link to a full guide. If you are not sure which area your problem falls under, call us at (905) 305-7077 and we will point you in the right direction.

Our practice areas

Criminal Defence

In short

Defence for people charged with criminal offences in GTA courts, including assault, theft, fraud, mischief, uttering threats, impaired driving and breach of conditions. We act from the bail hearing and first appearance through disclosure review, Crown pre-trials, diversion requests, guilty plea negotiations and trial.

Common questions

I was just charged. What should I do first?: Do not discuss the facts with police, the complainant or on social media. Note your first court date and your release conditions, follow the conditions exactly, and speak to a criminal defence lawyer before your first appearance.
Can my charge be withdrawn?: Sometimes. Only the Crown can withdraw a charge. Weak evidence, a successful diversion program or new information from the defence can lead to a withdrawal, which is why the disclosure should be reviewed early.

Read the full guide: Criminal Defence

Traffic Ticket Defense

In short

Defence for Highway Traffic Act tickets and summonses across the GTA, including speeding, careless driving, stunt driving, distracted driving, driving while suspended and driving without insurance. We review the evidence, request disclosure and work to protect your licence, demerit points and insurance rates.

Common questions

Is it worth fighting a minor ticket?: Often yes. Paying is a guilty plea, and the conviction can affect your insurance for about three years. Contesting the ticket opens options such as a reduced charge, fewer demerit points or a withdrawal.
Do I need to attend traffic court myself?: In most cases no. A licensed paralegal can appear on your behalf for early resolution meetings and trials, so you do not need to miss work.

Read the full guide: Traffic Ticket Defense

Landlord & Tenant Disputes

In short

Representation for landlords and tenants at the Landlord and Tenant Board. We prepare and review notices such as the N4 and N12, file applications, attend mediations and hearings, and advise on rent increases, repairs, deposits and evictions under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Common questions

Can a landlord change the locks or remove my belongings?: No. Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can order an eviction, and only the Court Enforcement Office (the Sheriff) can enforce it. A tenant who is locked out can apply to the Board.
My tenant has stopped paying rent. How do I start?: The process usually begins with a properly completed N4 notice, followed by an L1 application if the arrears are not paid. Errors in the notice can delay your case, so it is worth having it reviewed.

Read the full guide: Landlord & Tenant Disputes

Employment Standards

In short

Help for employees and employers with Ontario employment matters: unpaid wages and overtime, vacation and public holiday pay, termination and severance pay, wrongful and constructive dismissal, and Ministry of Labour claims under the Employment Standards Act.

Common questions

My employer let me go without notice. Am I owed money?: Possibly. Unless you were dismissed for serious misconduct, the ESA requires notice or termination pay, and many employees are entitled to more than the ESA minimum. The amount depends on your contract, your length of service and other factors.
Is there a deadline to make a claim?: Yes. Ministry of Labour claims and most court claims must be started within two years. Contact us as soon as possible so that no options are lost.

Read the full guide: Employment Standards

Small Claims Representation

In short

Representation in the Ontario Small Claims Court for claims up to $50,000, such as unpaid debts and invoices, deposits, property damage and contract disputes. We draft claims and defences, attend settlement conferences and trials, and help you enforce a judgment.

Common questions

What can I sue for in Small Claims Court?: Money or the return of personal property worth up to $50,000, not including interest and costs. Common examples are unpaid loans and invoices, unreturned deposits, poor workmanship and property damage.
What does it cost to bring a small claim?: Court filing fees are modest, and the successful party can often recover part of its costs. We will give you an upfront estimate of our fees at your case evaluation.

Read the full guide: Small Claims Representation

How we can help

Our practice areas