I represent accused individuals, both youths and adults, on all types of criminal offences. I provide aggressive representation for my clients and will do my utmost to protect their rights and ensure that they are informed at all stages of the process so that they are able to make informed decisions. I practice in the Greater Toronto region, my office is in Oakville, Ontario. As a result of my experience in the Criminal Law courts I have been accepted as a member of the Legal Aid Ontario Extremely Serious Matters Panel, this panel consists of criminal lawyers who have been determined to have the required experience to conduct trials in the most serious of criminal matters. In addition, I have been recognized by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law.

I have represented individuals charged under most sections of the criminal code, youth criminal justice act, and the controlled drugs and substances act. I provide representation for all criminal offences. My cases include trials in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice both with a judge alone and judge and jury.

Generally, criminal matters in Canada stem from three pieces of legislation; the Criminal Code of Canada,and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. While there are other pieces of legislation that deal with criminal and quasi-criminal matters the vast majority deal with the above.

The Criminal Code of Canada deals with all adult criminal offences other than drug offences which are covered under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The Youth Criminal Justice Act is the first step for youth matters and ensures that extra precautions are maintained when youth are dealt with in the criminal justice system. Overriding all of these Acts is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which guarantees all individuals, in Canada, certain protections under the law and from the state. When facing an accusation of wrongdoing it is essential that you know your rights and retain an advocate (lawyer) with the experience to fight for you.

As a Criminal Defence lawyer it is not my role to judge individuals but rather to provide knowledgeable advice and representation based on the law of Canada. It is important that your unique circumstances are considered in any criminal defence in order to ensure that you end up with the best possible result for you. By maintaining a client focused practice I am able to fight for you with your best interests at the forefront.

Through my years of practice I have appeared in courts throughout Ontario and British Columbia. As my office is located in Oakville a considerable number of my clients are from the Oakville, Burlington, Georgetown, Halton Hills and Milton areas, however I do regularly appear on behalf of clients in Hamilton, Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener and Brampton. I provide services for all criminal matters including the following:

Below is a partial list of offences that I have successfully represented clients on:

Murder, Attempted Murder, Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Assault with a Weapon, Domestic Assault, Assault, Robbery, Theft, Break and Enter, Fraud, Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Trafficking, Mischief, Arson, Breach, Failure to Comply, Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm, Possession of Break and Enter Tools, Impaired Driving, Refuse to Provide a Breath Sample, Over 80, Pointing a Firearm, Possession of Restricted and Prohibited Weapons, Rape, Breach of Conditional Sentence, Careless Driving, Extortion, Possession of Counterfeit Money, Tax Evasion, Assault Police Officer, Obstruct Justice, Personation, Forcible Confinement, Using Explosives, Careless Use of a Firearm, Criminal Negligence, Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Commission of an Offence, Fabricating Evidence, Escape Lawful Custody, Fail to Appear, Indecent Act, Trespassing at Night, Keeping a Common Bawdy House, Uttering Threats, Uttering a Forged Document, Theft of Mail, etc.

In order to provide the most effective and efficient representation of my client's I commit significant time to attending continuing education programs in criminal law. I have also presented at criminal CLE programs as well as preparing papers on topics in criminal law.

Please visit the following links for additional information:

Your rights
The Criminal Justice Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Case Summaries

If you have been charged with an offence it is important that you speak with a criminal lawyer early in the process so that you are made aware of your rights and options. If you have been charged with a criminal offence contact counsel as soon as you are able. brendanneil@neillaw.ca or 905-338-0756. I am typically in court during business hours, however my case manager is usually able to reach me within an hour at any time of the day.

It has always been my practice and philosophy to commit a portion of my practice to legal aid certificates for criminal matters.