About the Firm

 

Newman Barristers is a leading criminal defence firm. We exclusively practice criminal and quasi-criminal defence law. We do not prosecute or sue for damages. We do not engage in corporate, commercial, civil, contracts, or real estate work. We believe in doing one thing, and doing it exceptionally well. This is why we restrict our practice to criminal trial work, involving all offences prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada. This includes murder, firearm and weapon offences, drug-related offences, assaults, sexual assaults, child pornography, fraud, robbery, harassment, white collar crimes, drinking and driving, and youths charged with any of the above under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. 

 

Formerly Bernstein, Newman & Associates, the firm was re-configured as Newman Barristers following Justice Stephen R. Bernstein’s appointment to the bench as a judge in the Ontario Court of Justice in 2022. Adam Newman then took the reins, carrying on the practice with the same principles and attitudes that had made the 17-year partnership so successful.

 

The lawyers at our firm truly work as a team to make sure we approach every case from every possible angle. We are not afraid to raise novel legal arguments, to question the police’s conduct, and to refuse to accept the status quo. We regularly challenge search warrants, wiretap authorizations, and bring Charter applications. We have successfully defended all types of criminal cases.

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We endeavour to always keep you informed, so that you know what is happening at each step in your case and know what to expect next. We can also, in many cases, attend court for you so that you don’t have to miss work or school. This kind of attention is often not possible with a smaller or one-person firm. Our lawyers have the staff and the resources needed to treat your case with the attention and care you deserve to achieve excellent results and to put you at ease, regardless of your charges. We work collaboratively with you at every stage, from arrest to trial. Your understanding of this process is of the utmost importance to us. Let us do the worrying so you don’t have to.

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Don’t just take our word for it. We are so confident in what we do that we encourage you to ask anyone you know about us, our lawyers, and our reputation. We expect that the feedback you get will be enough encouragement to give us a call and ask how we can help you.  

 

Guiding Principles

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The lawyers at Newman Barristers are all, individually and as a team, committed to the following legal principles:

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1.    You are innocent until proven guilty. “Innocent” and “guilty” are legal terms and have nothing to do with whether or not you actually committed a crime. It is the Crown who has to prove that you are guilty of an offence, after applying the rules of evidence and the law. 

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2.    The Crown carries the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is not enough to be possibly, or even probably, guilty. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is a strict standard, and a much higher standard than the civil ‘balance of probabilities.’ This is why you can be found liable in civil court, and not guilty in criminal court for the same matter.

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If you are facing criminal charges, it is vital that you to hire a competent criminal defense lawyer with the knowledge and experience needed to help you navigate the law and the courts. At Newman Barristers, we make it our commitment to respect these fundamental principles and to fight for your rights from the earliest stages of preparation to the end of your trial. Call us now for professional and confidential counsel on your case.