ABOUT MATTHEWS LAW

At Matthews Law we offer clients in Northwestern Ontario a dedicated focus on criminal and regulatory defence, appeals of indictable and summary conviction offences, and all types of quasi-criminal defence.

We are trusted professional advisors. Drawing on years of courtroom experience, we guide our clients through the legal process with care and skill.

We are dedicated advocates. We approach each step in our clients’ cases, each court appearance, and each legal argument with exceptional preparation and diligence.

We are committed to Northwestern Ontario. We chose to practise law in Thunder Bay, the heart of the north, after years of training and working alongside talented litigators from all over Canada.

It is our privilege to serve the diverse people and communities of the Northwest.

Kevin and Sherry are independent lawyers who practise in association, not in partnership.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Defence to Criminal Charges

We represent people facing all types of criminal charges, including assaults, driving charges, drug charges, customs charges, and fraud. We conduct bail hearings, guilty pleas, trials and sentencing in all courts. We defend young people charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. We offer advice at all stages of criminal proceedings, including during an investigation and before charges are laid. We are guided in our practice by the conviction that everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to the best defence.

Defence to Regulatory Charges

We represent individuals charged with regulatory offences under any legislation, including offences under the Highway Traffic Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. We have experience advising, advocating for, and guiding people charged with a variety of offences through the process in pursuit of a positive result.

Appeals

We take on appeals for people already convicted of offences, including summary conviction appeals to the Superior Court of Justice, and indictable appeals to the Ontario Court of Appeal. We can seek bail pending appeal for individuals convicted of criminal offences and sentenced to custody, and we can ask appeal courts to stay other punishments imposed by sentencing courts. Appeals are time-sensitive, so it is best to contact us as soon as possible after conviction to discuss your options.

Professional Discipline

With our background in criminal trials and administrative law, we are well positioned to assist professionals facing college investigations or hearings for allegations of misconduct or unethical behaviour. We understand the importance of skilled and attentive counsel when your reputation and ability to practise your profession is at stake.