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info@heightonlaw.ca
704-30 Duke St W; Kitchener, ON
519.744.6551
Heighton Law
COVID-19 UPDATE
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COVID-19, Criminal Defence, Life of a Lawyer

Six Strange Weeks… and Congratulations to Melanie!

May 3, 2020May 3, 2020Ryancovid, covid19, criminal defence, criminal lawLeave a comment

Stray Pandemic Thoughts… I have not yet blogged about the COVID-19 crisis, in part because it is all so surreal. These are truly unprecedented times, particularly for modern Western society. For our economy to effectively grind to a halt in the way
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Criminal Case, Criminal Defence, Defence, Ethics, Life of a Lawyer

How Can You Defend Those People?!

April 10, 2020April 10, 2020Ryancharter, constitution, criminal defence, criminal law, ethics, law, lawyer, lawyer lifeLeave a comment

Doing this work, one universal truth is that it is a mistake to paint anyone with a broad brush. The vast majority of people who find themselves at the mercy of the criminal justice system are complicated, interesting people with a story to tell.

Criminal Case, Legal Aid

Hasty Legal Aid Cuts are Compromising Civil Liberties for the Illusion of Cost-Effectiveness

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019Ryan1 Comment

Legal Aid Ontario announced drastic cuts to their certificate program today. While these cuts were focused on a number of areas of law, my focus as criminal defence counsel is on the impact to the criminal justice system. Certificates and an Overview
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Uncategorized

Welcome to Our Blog

May 26, 2019RyanLeave a comment

This is a space where we will periodically post about the state of the law, the legal profession, and anything else that may inspire us. Nothing posted here should be taken as legal advice, but it may provide some insight into how
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About Us

We tirelessly advocate for our clients with criminal matters in Ontario (with a particular focus on matters in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and the Ontario Court of Appeal).


We treat all clients with dignity and respect, and will explore every aspect of your case to be sure that every option is properly considered. We understand that facing criminal charges is an overwhelming time in someone’s life, and that everyone in that situation needs someone to fight for them.


We accept most forms of payment, and proudly accept Legal Aid certificates.


We acknowledge that our office is on the traditional land of the Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas of the First Nation.

Contact Info

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW LOCATION!

704-30 Duke Street West Kitchener, ON N2H 3W5


EMAIL US
info@heightonlaw.ca

PHONE

T: 519.744.6551
TF: 855.747.7338

© 2019 Heighton Law -

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COVID-19 Update

(Information current as of July 14, 2020)

The novel coronavirus has created unprecedented circumstances, worldwide. This has unsurprisingly meant that we have had to adjust our services, out of safety to ourselves, our staff, and the public. This is also in cooperation with the courts and directives from the government.

During the pandemic, we have been available via telephone and email, as usual. Appointments have been set up by phone or video conference, as needed.

Effective July 1, 2020, we have moved to 704-30 Duke Street West (across the street from our old offices at 30 Queen Street North). We are still in the process of getting things set up, but are in a position to offer in person meetings on an as needed basis.

With respect to in-court services, the priority for the courts is ensuring that people do not remain in custody unnecessarily, and trying to prevent an unmanageable backlog. The following directives have been issued by the courts in Ontario:

  • Court of Appeal: in-person appearances have been cancelled indefinitely, with appeals being ‘heard’ either in writing or by video conference.

  • Superior Court of Justice: all courts are closed through the end of August 2020, with limited exceptions for trial matters. The next round of ‘assignment courts’ will be in September 2020, for matters previously adjourned. Bail reviews and other matters are being held by remote hearing.

  • Ontario Court of Justice: all out-of-custody remand matters through the end of July 2020 are currently being remanded administratively for 10 weeks (unless otherwise arranged. Previously scheduled trials and preliminary hearings resumed in person with strict restrictions, as of July 6, 2020. Remote bail and guilty plea courts are continuing to run.

We are continuing to keep the lines of communication open with our clients, both in and out of custody. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time with questions or concerns about anything. This has been a stressful time for everyone, and we are continuing to do everything in our power to help.