Held in Custody?
Your Toronto Bail Hearing
May Be the Most Important Day.
Losing a bail hearing can mean weeks or months in custody before your case is even resolved. Legal Solutions Law Firm moves immediately to secure your release with fair, workable conditions.
Toronto Bail Hearing Representation
Toronto Bail Hearings: Every Hour in Custody Is an Hour Too Many
A bail hearing under Criminal Code s.515 determines whether you will be released while your case proceeds, or held in custody until trial. The Crown must generally justify detention, though for certain serious offences the burden shifts to the accused to justify release.
A bail review — challenging a lost bail hearing in a higher court — is significantly more complex, slower, and expensive than getting the first hearing right. Having skilled representation from the very first appearance is critical.
Legal Solutions Law Firm treats every bail hearing with the urgency it demands, working to secure release with conditions that are fair and workable for your life. Call or text 416-274-2222 for a free, confidential consultation.
We help identify and prepare a suitable surety — a critical factor in many successful bail hearings.
We build a comprehensive release plan addressing the court's specific concerns in your case.
For certain charges, the burden shifts to you to justify release. We know exactly how to meet that burden.
Know your total cost upfront. No hourly billing, with flexible payment options available.
Real-World Scenarios
Common Bail Hearing Situations We Handle
Bail hearings arise in a wide range of circumstances. Here are common situations we see across Toronto.
First-Time Arrest
Someone with no prior record facing their first bail hearing, often unsure of what to expect.
Reverse Onus Situation
A case where the law requires the accused to justify their own release, rather than the Crown justifying detention.
Breach-Related Bail Hearing
A fresh bail hearing required after a new breach charge puts an existing release at risk.
Bail Review After a Lost Hearing
Challenging a detention order in a higher court after an unsuccessful first bail hearing.
Out-of-Town or Non-Resident Accused
Building a workable release plan for someone without an established surety or residence in the GTA.
What We Handle
Bail Hearing Matters We Handle
We represent clients at bail hearings across every type of criminal charge and circumstance.
Our Approach
How We Defend Your Case
Call us the moment you or a loved one is arrested — 24/7. We move immediately to prepare for the hearing.
We help identify a suitable surety and prepare them to testify about the proposed release plan and conditions.
We build a release plan tailored to the court's specific concerns, addressing risk of flight, public safety, and confidence in the administration of justice.
We advocate forcefully for your release, presenting the strongest possible case to the presiding justice.
If bail is denied, we can bring a bail review application to a higher court to challenge that decision.
We remain available to address any bail variation needs or issues that arise while your case proceeds.
Plain Language Legal Guide
Bail Hearings — What You Need to Know
Bail Hearings Move Fast
You are generally entitled to a bail hearing within 24 hours of arrest (or as soon as a justice is available). This leaves very little time to prepare a strong release plan.
Call a lawyer the moment an arrest occurs — every hour matters in preparing for this hearing.
The Role of a Surety
A surety is someone who agrees to supervise you and pledge money if you breach your conditions. Having a suitable, well-prepared surety significantly improves the odds of release.
We help identify who would make an effective surety and prepare them thoroughly for their role.
Understanding "Reverse Onus"
For certain offences — including some involving firearms, breaches while already on release, or specific repeat circumstances — the burden shifts to you to justify your own release.
These hearings require particularly strong preparation, and we know exactly what the court needs to see.
Reasonable, Workable Conditions
Release conditions should protect public safety and the administration of justice without being needlessly disruptive to your work, family, and daily life.
We advocate for conditions that are fair and realistic given your specific circumstances.
If Bail Is Denied — A Review Is Possible
If your bail hearing is unsuccessful, a bail review can be brought before a higher court, though this process is more complex and time-consuming than the original hearing.
This underscores why getting the first hearing right is so important.
Avoiding Breach Charges
Once released, strict compliance with your bail conditions is essential — even a minor, unintentional breach can result in additional charges and jeopardize your release entirely.
We make sure you fully understand every condition before you leave the courthouse.
Know the Process
Where Your Case Is Heard — Toronto Courts
Bail hearings for Toronto matters are held at the Ontario Court of Justice, usually within 24 hours of arrest, before a Justice of the Peace or judge.
Ontario Court of Justice — 10 Armoury Street
Toronto's criminal matters — including first appearances, bail hearings, and trials for summary and many indictable offences — are heard at 10 Armoury Street. This purpose-built courthouse opened in 2023, consolidating the criminal courts formerly split across Old City Hall and College Park into one 17-storey building, the largest courthouse in Ontario.
Superior Court of Justice — 361 University Avenue
More serious indictable matters and jury trials are heard at the Superior Court of Justice at 361 University Avenue, which houses both the Criminal and Family branches. This is a separate courthouse from 330 and 393 University Avenue, which handle Superior Court civil matters.
Understanding Your Options
Possible Case Outcomes — Best to Worst
Every criminal case can result in a range of outcomes. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible result — and in the vast majority of cases, that means no jail and no permanent criminal record.
Facing a Bail Hearing? Every Hour Counts.
A strong release plan and a properly prepared surety can be the difference between going home and weeks in custody. Legal Solutions Law Firm is available 24/7.
Why Legal Solutions
Why Choose Our Toronto Bail Hearing Lawyers
Bail hearings require speed, preparation, and a clear understanding of what each court is looking for. Ryan Manilla has represented clients at bail hearings across the GTA for over 15 years.
We move immediately whenever a client is arrested, understanding exactly what is at stake if the hearing is lost.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
I had a very positive experience with Legal Solutions Law Firm. Ryan represented me in a family court matter and provided excellent guidance and support throughout the entire process. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to answer my questions and explain everything clearly. Family court matters can be stressful, but Ryan helped make the process much easier and gave me confidence every step of the way. I truly appreciated his dedication, responsiveness, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Legal Solutions Law Firm and Ryan to anyone looking for a compassionate and experienced family lawyer.
We tried to defend ourselves in civil court, but ultimately decided to hire Ryan — and it was the wisest decision we have made in the last two years of hell with our condo managers. Ryan and his team have been exceptional: swift, sharp, on the ball, and always asking the right questions while making the right arguments to move our case forward to the Superior Court.
Ryan did an outstanding job on my case. He was clear, professional, and always kept me informed. Thanks to his hard work, my charges were dropped. I’m very grateful and highly recommend him.
I wish I could add five more stars to show how happy we are with the legal services of Ryan J. Manilla and his team. They took charge of our legal matters, worked tirelessly on short notice, and delivered outstanding legal documents on time. Their teamwork, professionalism, patience, and understanding of our situation gave us tremendous peace of mind. Most importantly, we sleep better at night knowing that we are in good hands, with a legal team that has the expertise and compassion to handle sensitive matters with care.
I had a great experience working with Ryan at Legal Solutions. He is professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable. Any time I had questions, he got back to me quickly and provided practical advice. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again.
I was going through anxiety not knowing what to expect with my case. Ryan explained everything simply and stood up for me at my hearing. I’m really thankful for his help!
I had such a stressful time trying to find legal help. I felt lost and hopeless when I got a notice to appear at the LTB. When I found Ryan, he stepped up and defended me. He’s knowledgeable about both the LTB and criminal law, and most importantly he’s tough! Exactly what I was looking for. I’m so glad I found him.
Ryan is a tough lawyer who defended us during a very difficult time. He helped me with a Landlord and Tenant Board issue. People told me to get a paralegal, but the ones I contacted either wouldn’t help or couldn’t communicate well in English. When I found Ryan, he explained the situation clearly and told me what to do. He showed up to the hearing tough and ready to go. I’m so glad I found him!
One of the best. Well poised, smart articulate. Know his stuff and one of the best lawyer out there to work with.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Defending Clients Across Toronto and the GTA
Our Reach
Serving Every Toronto Neighbourhood
From bail hearings charges arising downtown to cases across the inner suburbs, Legal Solutions Law Firm defends clients throughout Toronto.
From My Experience: Bail Hearings Are Won Before You Ever Walk Into Court
By the time a bail hearing actually starts, the outcome is often already largely decided by the preparation that went into it. Families sometimes call me thinking there's nothing to do but wait for the hearing — that's exactly the wrong instinct.
What Makes a Release Plan Actually Work
A good surety isn't just someone willing to show up — it's someone who can speak clearly and credibly about how they'll supervise the accused and what steps they'll take if problems arise. I spend real time preparing sureties, because a nervous or unclear surety can undermine an otherwise strong case for release.
Reverse onus cases are where preparation matters most of all. When the law puts the burden on you to justify your own release, a generic plan won't cut it — it needs to speak directly to the court's specific concerns about the charge. If someone you know has been arrested, call me immediately, even before the hearing is scheduled: 416-274-2222.
Free Resources
Tools & Guides
Trying to understand how bail actually works, or what happens right after an arrest? These free tools and guides can help:
Speak With a Bail Hearing Lawyer Immediately
Has someone you know been arrested? Contact Legal Solutions Law Firm immediately for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.