Criminal Defense Lawyers in London
With Western University and Fanshawe College, London has one of Ontario’s largest student populations. Every year, students are charged after nights on Richmond Row, large street gatherings near campus or disputes in shared housing. For a student, especially an international student, a criminal charge can put a degree, a study permit and a future career at risk.
Provident Law LLP defends students and other London residents charged by the London Police Service. Our partners work from Mississauga and handle early London court steps by video where the court allows, attending in person for trials and key hearings. We also speak with parents who are calling from out of town.
- 24/7 arrest and bail line: (647) 254-9617
- Free, confidential case review with a partner, not an assistant
- Courts we appear in: Brampton (Peel) and courts across the GTA
- Legal Aid Ontario certificates accepted
Criminal Case Evaluation
Complete the form below and one of our legal professionals will contact you shortly.
Charges Students Face in London
Situation | Possible charges |
|---|---|
A fight on Richmond Row | Assault, assault causing bodily harm |
A large street gathering near campus | Mischief, obstructing police, assaulting police |
A dispute with a roommate or partner | Domestic assault, threats, mischief to property |
Shoplifting or fraud | Theft under $5,000, fraud, possession of stolen property |
Driving home after drinking | Impaired driving, refusal |
Not listed?
Call us. A partner will tell you honestly whether we can help at your court location.
Street Gatherings, Mischief and Obstruction
Large unsanctioned gatherings near campus during events like Homecoming attract heavy police presence. Students can be charged with mischief for damaging property, with obstructing police for refusing to follow directions or giving a false name, and sometimes with assaulting police. Video from phones and body cameras is often the deciding evidence. We obtain it early and look closely at whether officers had lawful grounds for each direction and arrest.
International Students and Study Permits
International students are foreign nationals under immigration law. A conviction for many Criminal Code offences can make you inadmissible to Canada, threaten permit renewals and affect a future application for permanent residence. Our priority for international students is a result without a conviction, such as diversion, a withdrawal or a peace bond. We coordinate with immigration counsel where needed and advise you before you accept any resolution.
University and College Discipline
Universities and colleges have their own codes of conduct, and an incident that leads to criminal charges can also lead to a school disciplinary process. The two processes are separate, but what you say in one can affect the other. Speak to us before you attend a school interview or submit a written response. We help you plan so that your school process does not undermine your criminal defence.
Wherever you were charged, start with one call
A partner will tell you honestly how we can help with your court location.
Criminal Case Evaluation
Complete the form below and one of our legal professionals will contact you shortly.
What we offer
Why it matters for students
Student-focused defence
We plan around exams, placements and academic deadlines
Parents kept informed
With your consent, we update parents who live elsewhere
Immigration awareness
Every option is checked for its effect on study permits and future applications
Video for early dates
You do not need to miss class for routine appearances
The lawyers who will handle your case
Charnpreet Saini
Lawyer & Partner
As a founding partner at Provident Law LLP, Preet focuses on Criminal Defence law.
Armandeep Gill
Lawyer & Partner
As a founding partner at Provident Law LLP, Arman practices in the Criminal Defence Law.
London Criminal Lawyer FAQs
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Police do not automatically notify your school, but universities can learn about incidents, especially those on or near campus, involving other students or reported in the media. Some programs, such as nursing, education or law, may also ask about charges. We help you decide whether and how to disclose, and make sure anything you tell the school does not hurt your criminal case.
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Often yes, but check your release conditions first. Some conditions require you to live at a specific address or stay in Ontario. We can ask the Crown to vary conditions so you can travel home, and appear for you in London by designation or video for routine dates. International travel needs extra care, because leaving Canada may affect your ability to return.
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Yes. Parents can help find a lawyer, attend meetings by video and, in some cases, act as a surety if a bail hearing is needed. With your permission, we can keep them informed. Remember that conversations with parents are not protected by solicitor-client privilege, so discuss the facts of the case with your lawyer only.
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Using someone else's identification or a false ID to get into a bar or buy alcohol is usually dealt with as a provincial offence under Ontario's liquor laws. However, making, possessing or using a forged document can also be a Criminal Code offence in some situations, especially if it is used for other purposes. If police seized an ID from you, get advice before your court date.
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It might. Many co-op placements, clinical rotations and practicums require a police record check, and some, such as those in health care or education, require a vulnerable sector check. A pending charge or the outcome of your case may appear on some of these checks. We help you time and plan your case with your program requirements in mind.
Contact a London, Ontario Criminal Defence Lawyer
Call (647) 254-9617, 24/7, or book a free case review. Learn about our team.