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Hamilton's Premier

Criminal Defence Law Firm

We meet our clients when they're going through the most difficult time in their lives. We leave no stone unturned, expertly building a robust defence for them.  We get to know each client on a personal level, so we can advise them, and also humanize them in the eyes of the court. We are one of the fastest growing Criminal Law Firms in Ontario. Talent development is at the forefront of our mission statement, and we have assembled a supremely talented team with the expertise and passion to help you, no matter what you are facing.
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Our clients are people, not case numbers.

The Collett Read LLP law firm practices solely in the areas of criminal law, regulatory offences, and offences under the highway traffic act. Our office is located beside the John Sopinka courthouse in Hamilton, but we represent clients in courtrooms all over southern Ontario.

In cases that require proving our clients’ innocence, or protecting their rights at trial, we take pride in our preparedness and we are supremely confident in our abilities on our feet, making us fearless in the courtroom. Our range of experience covers the full spectrum of criminal cases, from simple theft to first degree murder.

While we are supremely skilled in the law, we also understand the importance of advocating for our clients. We are well versed in and connected to the programs available in the community to help people with whatever challenges they are facing in their personal lives, which is why we take the time to get to know our clients and their history and circumstances.

About our team

Our Process

Facing the full weight of the justice system can be a stressful and intimidating experience, but when you are with us you are not facing it alone. We are always available to our clients and we will be with you every step of the way. Our phones never go unanswered, 24 hours a day.

When you hire a lawyer from our firm, you get the full weight of our team behind you as there are always at least two members of our team available to fully review your file.

No stone left unturned

We have weekly round table discussions on every case that comes through our door. During those meetings we ensure that all strategies of defence are put on the table. We brainstorm through those strategies to make sure that we are leaving no stone unturned.

Our spacious office is not only state of the art, it is also configured for open access. While we conduct private consultations with clients in our closed board room, our individual offices include an open-door policy to encourage continuous collaboration in our work. It is our strong belief that by always “talking through” our cases, we are not only providing our clients with multiple sets of eyes to view their case, we are always engaging in critical discussions of facts and the law, without ego, to drill down on the essential elements of each client’s case. This team approach to our work ensures that each client is getting a robust legal defence.

Preparation prevents devastation

When preparing for a serious trial, we utilize the talent in our office to make sure we are supremely prepared. Defence witnesses go through a complete vetting to ensure they are prepared to take the stand. It would be impossible to eliminate nervousness of witnesses taking the stand in pressure filled courtroom, but nerves are often subdued through the repetition and familiarity we provide in the Mock trial scenarios we create in our office prior to trial.

The weight of the predicaments our clients come to us with is never lost on us, and we share that weight as a collective, all working together to achieve the best possible results.

Know your rights

Arm yourself with legal knowledge, directly from the experts at Collett Read LLP.
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What our clients say

We’re proud to have helped so many people through some of the most difficult events of their lives. Seeing words like these is what drives our team to succeed.

Read more testimonials

I was fortunate enough to have Jessica represent me in court. I was blown away with the amount of effort and time she put into my case and cannot thank her enough for her performance as a criminal defence lawyer. I would highly recommend her for her services!

Cassie Clayton
April 19, 2022

Strange to say about an experience with a lawyer but I had a fabulous one with Jessica Read, the judge even commended her on her knowledge and work with my case. Thank you again. I would definitely recommend this firm.

Randy Oliver
April 14, 2022

I was charged with a DUI and lawyer Jessica Read was able to bargain with the Crown and get my charge altered to careless driving with a few other conditions, resulting in no criminal charge on my behalf. They were able to appear for me in court meaning I didn’t have to miss work to sort things out, which meant a lot to me. Overall great, personable team of people here driven to help and solve matters. My case turned out in the best way I could have imagined. Thank you again for what you do.

Laurena J.
April 7, 2022

I had the pleasure and good fortune to retain Jessica Read for a serious traffic offense. From the minute I spoke with Annett and Jessica I knew I was in good hands. Jessica took my case 3 weeks before my trial and went above and beyond in every single aspect, she impressed me every single time we spoke and was available any time I had any questions or concerns.

Injury Institute
April 7, 2022

I don’t even know what to say. I have hired this team 3 times. They have saved my life over and over again dropping any charges I put in front of them. I completely changed my life , and was doing really well ! In a split second, one night again I’m in need of them for a fear that I’m going to lose everything. If anyone’s reading this worried about who they should hire, there is no one in this country I want by my side when my life is on the line. I don’t have a criminal record because of them.

Kirk Sharma
March 31, 2022

I cannot speak highly enough with the team over at Collett Read. I came to Jessica though Dean after another counsel told me I had to “take the deal” as there was no chance. Not only did Jessica create such a chance, but she had me fully acquitted on the charge. Absolutely amazing. Her and the staff
Thank you so much Jessica.

Lee Hampson
March 24, 2022