Charlotte CampbellNothing’s worse than being accused of a crime when you’re innocent. That’s exactly what happened to a family friend, who turned to us for help.
Knowing a few folks who’ve been well-represented, I asked around and did some digging of my own as well.
Soon enough, I compiled a list of the top defence lawyers and sent it over to our friend. Thankfully, they found a great lawyer in time who suited their needs perfectly.
So, if you’re searching for the best criminal defence lawyers in Halifax, this list might just save you or someone you know!
| How much do criminal defence lawyers charge in Halifax? Criminal defence lawyers in Halifax usually charge a flat fee of $1,500 to $10,000 for cases settled out of court. For cases that go to trial, fees typically range from $4,000 to $50,000. The amount may not cover consultation charges and other initial fees. |
How We Chose the Best Defence Lawyers in Halifax
Jennifer L. MacDonald
Website: https://www.jlml.ca/
Address: 5475 Spring Garden Rd Suite 304
Contact Details: +1 902-475-5565
Operating Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Jennifer MacDonald provides expert legal services for criminal and quasi-criminal cases.
This includes handling charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Cannabis Act. On top of these, she’s used to assisting with applications to change release conditions.
Before taking on a case, she checks for conflicts of interest. If there are none, she sends a Retainer Agreement that explains the fees and responsibilities.
Once hired, she obtains the police file and relevant information, then has a quick call with the client to address urgent issues. Clients can then discuss release conditions or wait for more details during this time.
It’s this meticulous, step-by-step process that keeps Jennifer busy.
Clients value her attention to detail, which bolsters their cases. We’re told she and her team communicate clearly, keep clients informed, and answer questions promptly, often resulting in charge dismissals.
However, some clients have noted occasional issues with her responsiveness stemming from indecision to take on cases.
Pros
- Comprehensive criminal and quasi-criminal representation
- Thorough conflict of interest checks
- Detailed Retainer Agreement
- Meticulous preparation and document review
- Clear and consistent communication
Cons
- Occasional indecision about taking on clients
- Periodic lapses in responsiveness
Professional, knowledgeable, and responsive
“I ran afoul of the law a few months ago. Having never been in trouble with the police before at 55 years of age, the process seemed daunting. I contacted Jennifer. Her professional as well as kind demeanor made a very stressful situation that much less stressful in what was a life altering situation. She answered my questions clearly & returned my e-mails in a expeditious manner. I hope I never meet Jennifer again, unless I run into her at the supermarket, but If I ever find myself in more legal trouble I would not hesitate to give her a call. 🙂”
Shawn Richardson, Google Reviews
Kind, professional, and knowledgeable
“Jennifer is very professional, kind and compassionate. Extremely knowledgeable, helpful and quick to respond to messages. She is honest as well as fair. Her receptionist Emma was also responsive and polite. Great experience working with Jennifer’s firm.X”
Gorreti S, Google Reviews
Ian Hutchison
Website: https://www.hutchisonlaw.ca/
Address: 1809 Barrington St #1003
Contact Details: +1 902-818-9184
Operating Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–5 PM
For over 20 years, Ian Hutchison has defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges from assault to financial crimes, child pornography, and domestic violence. It’s noteworthy that he has a firm grasp of immigration-related offences as well.
He’s a respected member of several Canadian, Nova Scotian, and British legal associations. He also serves as Vice President of the Criminal Section of the Canadian Bar Association’s Nova Scotia Branch.
When it comes to taking care of clients, Ian enjoys high regard. Clients we spoke with mentioned his thorough and speedy help in dropping their charges, including impaired driving, murder, firearm possession, and drug offences.
They also praise Ian for being strategically thorough while making sure his clients understand the law in the simplest terms. This comes in handy for clients who have issues making sense of complex legal jargon.
However, some clients have noted issues with his communication style, especially when it comes to getting back to client calls.
Pros
- Extensive criminal law experience and specialisation
- Active member of various legal organisations
- Handles immigration-related offences
- Thorough, speedy, and strategic
- Explains complex legal jargon in simple terms
Cons
- Communication issues
Supportive, responsive, and helpful
“Moving forward to my trial Mr. Ian has been extraordinary helpful. He support me and motivate me prior to each court date and after. He make sure I’m doing alright. He answers my phone calls and emails. he has been nothing else than professional all along. It’s quite shameful what some individuals write here.”
Moha (Mohammed alabdullatif), Google Reviews
Professional, competent, and highly skilled
“Ian is the best lawyer in Halifax. He is extremely professional and competent in all facets of the law. He helped me immensely and I would highly recommend him to other clients. If you’re looking for a legit attorney who is fair and highly skilled, speak to Mr. Ian Hutchison.”
Allen Lu, Google Reviews
Thomas Singleton
Website: https://singleton.ns.ca/
Address: 1809 Barrington St #1100
Contact Details: +1 902-492-7000
Operating Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thomas Singleton offers legal defence for clients facing drug charges, sexual crimes, motor vehicle violations, and weapon-related crimes.
One of his specializations is defending against motor vehicle violations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or the Motor Vehicle Act. If you’re facing such charges, Thomas is your best defence.
Clients looking for expertise in weapon-related defence will also find him experienced. However, he doesn’t take on cases involving murder charges.
Despite his somewhat limited scope, past clients value his expertise.
According to them, Thomas easily explained complex legal terms in simple language. His dedication and focus on their cases have also earned praise, with some even commenting on how he sometimes checks up on them after their cases.
Despite his focus on clients, some weren’t satisfied with his customer service and document-handling skills.
Some former clients mentioned he was unresponsive and curt. Others noted misplaced or missing legal documents, which the clients had previously submitted.
Pros
- Specialisation in drug charges, sexual crimes, motor vehicle violations, and weapon-related crimes
- Easily explains complex legal terms
- Post-case follow-up on clients
Cons
- Unresponsive and curt communication
- Disorganised systems
- Doesn’t accept murder cases
Professional and responsive
“Mr. Singleton was very professional and knew exactly what to do to help me every step of the way during my legal process. He was always available when I needed him either through an email or a phone call. I always felt like my case was his only case. I would highly recommend you hire him as your lawyer if you are in need. I couldn’t be more happy with the out come definitely 5 stars.”
angela morris, Google Reviews
Helpful and supportive
“Mr. Singleton and Ms. Lawson really supported me in my matter. They appeared at court on my behalf many times and provided me legal assistance. They are very helpful to achieve your goal and answer all your legal questions in timely manner. I definitely recommend them to retain if you seek a legal support and defence lawyer. I would like to thank them and show my highest gratitude for their support. Ms. Lawson, thank you so much for appearing at my conclusion today and assisted me. I will continue to work on being a better person.”
Masato Asanuma, Google Reviews
Alexander Mackillop
Website: http://www.mplawgroup.ca/
Address: 5121 Sackville St
Contact Details: +1 902-405-1350
Operating Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–5 PM
Alexander Mackillop established his own law firm, Mackillop Pictou Law Group, in 2018. Before this, he held positions as the vice-president of the Nova Scotian Chapter of the John Howard Society and served on the board of the Marguerite Centre.
He handles various types of cases, with one of his specialties being criminal law. When it comes to taking on clients, he accepts only those charged with driving, drug, assault, and weapon offences.
If your case falls outside his expertise, like murder, he might not be the best fit for you.
On the bright side, for the criminal cases he’s handled, Alexander’s clients value his counsel.
Past clients found him to be responsive and meticulous with their cases. They appreciated his thorough strategies, which led to a high success rate of charges being dropped.
They also appreciate his continued involvement despite handling numerous cases, with many of them getting a quick follow-up call on how they were doing after being cleared of their offences.
Pros
- Experienced and responsive lawyers
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Client-focused service and after-service care
Cons
- Does not accept clients charged with murder
Considerate, involved, and supportive
“Alex and his team are absolutely incredible to work with . The amount of consideration and involvement they took to help me and teaching and sharing experiences their business experiences was just unmatched. I am absolutely blessed to have a Lawyer who is consistently behind you and get your things get done . They definitely make you feel very welcome and give their genuine support. I am just so blessed to be in touch with Alex from day1 . Cheers”
Dhruval Patel, Google Reviews
Responsive, informative, and goes the extra mile
“Alexander MacKillop is the best lawyer I’ve ever had. He worked above and beyond what any lawyer has ever done for us and I would 100% hire him again with complete confidence. He responds quickly and explains everything ensuring I know what is being said. He is an amazing lawyer and extremely nice person and easy to get along with. He works hard for you so you the can recieve the best possible outcome on your case. So stop looking for a lawyer, you’ve found the lawyer you need in Alexander MacKillop, you won’t regret your decision to hire him.”
Kelsey Smith, Google Reviews
James Giacomantonio
Website: https://www.macmcgiac.ca/
Address: 5475 Spring Garden Rd suite 603
Contact Details: +1 902-425-5252
Operating Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
James Giacomantonio focuses on criminal, regulatory, and disciplinary litigation, handling cases at both the trial and appellate levels.
His specialisations include impaired driving and motor vehicle offences. He handles heavier charges as well, such as drug offences, sexual offences, assault and violent crime, and weapon offences.
While his recent cases mostly involve defending clients accused of assault, James is known to take on clients facing murder charges.
Beyond that, he has extensive experience in appeals, youth criminal justice, bail release, and professional discipline. The latter involves representing professionals such as doctors and other lawyers accused of behaving with impropriety.
Past clients love James for his relentless pursuit of positive results. They appreciate his honesty about their cases, options, and possible outcomes without making any unrealistic promises. Another plus is his responsiveness throughout the case process.
That said, James can be hard to meet up with sometimes due to his caseload. He often handles the paperwork himself, so he’s not always physically in the office for meetings that require personal appearances.
Pros
- Expertise in various criminal cases
- Strong track record in appeals and professional discipline
- Straightforward and realistic approach
- Highly responsive
Cons
- Limited office availability
Responsive and understanding
“James handled my son’s court case and I was extremely impressed with the way he handled it. He was always in constant communication with us about all that was happening. I know it was not just about the money because he was very understanding of my financial status. At one point the retainer fee ran out being the case took longer than we had anticipated, which was not any fault of his, however, he still showed up to court to defend my son. Today I thank God my son is free. I would recommend James to everyone because his service is excellent. Thank you, James McEwan McGuigan, Giacomantono.”
Trecia Cain-Harriott, Google Reviews
Hardworking and result-oriented
“MMG Law is by far the best experience I’ve had James did an incredible job getting my charges thrown out accuited he worked hard and it really showed when it came time for trial by far super organized. Takes the stress right out of the whole process glad I found MMG Law and to have James as my Lawyer. Once again James thank you muchly. Highly recommend James to anyone needing a criminal lawyer.”
Ryan Lively, Google Reviews
