Ryan Handlarski and Steven Skurka have successfully defended hundreds of Ontarians charged with everything from DUI and assault to trafficking, murder, and sexual assault — at every level of court in Ontario.
(416) 837-4500 Free Consultation →Tell us about your situation. Ryan responds within 30 minutes.
Media Recognition
Ryan graduated cum laude from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and trained at one of Canada's most prestigious criminal law firms before founding RH Criminal Defence. He has defended clients charged with every form of assault - from simple assault to aggravated assault, domestic violence, and assault causing death - at every level of court in Ontario.
When you retain RH Criminal Defence, you deal with Ryan directly - not a junior associate. He attends every court appearance personally and is accessible to clients throughout their case.
RH Criminal Defence represents clients facing the full range of criminal charges - from first appearances through trial and appeal. Select your charge type below.
Over 80, refusal to blow, dangerous driving, DUID. We challenge breathalyzer evidence, Charter violations, and officer conduct.
Simple assault, aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm, domestic violence charges. Self-defence, credibility, and withdrawal defences.
Sexual assault is one of the most stigmatizing charges. We handle these cases with discretion, expertise, and an aggressive defence strategy.
Possession, trafficking, production. Charter searches, chain of custody, and officer conduct are frequently the path to acquittal or withdrawal.
Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, securities fraud. A conviction in regulated professions can end your career. We defend your livelihood.
Possession of prohibited firearms, carrying concealed weapons, weapons trafficking. Charter search defences frequently determine these outcomes.
Time-critical. Ryan attends bail hearings 24/7 and has argued numerous reviews to relax conditions and restore access to your home and family.
Robbery, armed robbery, break and enter, shoplifting, theft under and over $5,000. Identification evidence is frequently the key battleground.
First-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter. Steven Skurka has spent decades defending the most serious violent offences in Canada.
Principal · Criminal Defence Lawyer
Senior Counsel · Criminal Defence Lawyer
The following examples are successes that occurred after contested proceedings — not administrative withdrawals.
Client charged with first-degree murder in a shooting in Toronto. After a five-week trial by judge and jury, A.D. was found not guilty.
Ontario Superior Court of Justice · Toronto · 5-week jury trial
Client charged with sexual assault in Newmarket. After a one-week trial by judge and jury, the accused was found not guilty.
Ontario Superior Court of Justice · Newmarket · Jury trial
Client charged with trafficking 10 kilograms of cocaine in Toronto. Following a judge and jury trial, the accused was acquitted of all charges.
Ontario Superior Court of Justice · Toronto · Judge & jury trial
Client found not guilty following an 8-day trial in Milton. The judge found the identification evidence was not reliable.
Ontario Superior Court of Justice · Milton · 8-day trial
Client charged with possession of a loaded prohibited firearm. Following trial in the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto, he was found not guilty.
Ontario Court of Justice · Toronto
All charges were withdrawn in Newmarket on the day of trial after the defence obtained evidence that the complainant had been charged with a serious assault in a separate domestic incident.
Ontario Court of Justice · Newmarket · Day of trial withdrawal
All case names are anonymized. Past results are not indicative of future outcomes. Every case is different and results depend on the specific facts.
Here is exactly what working with RH Criminal Defence looks like from the moment you contact us to the outcome of your case.
Call Ryan directly or submit your information online. He reviews the facts of your charge, explains your rights, and outlines the defence options available - at no cost and with no obligation. Solicitor-client privilege applies from the first word of the first conversation.
Once retained, Ryan obtains full Crown disclosure - all police notes, video footage, 911 recordings, witness statements, and any scientific evidence. He reviews every document for Charter violations, procedural errors, inconsistencies, and evidence that can be challenged or excluded at trial.
Ryan attends all court dates on your behalf, handles all communications with the Crown attorney, and pursues every opportunity to have charges withdrawn, stayed, or significantly reduced before the expense and stress of a trial. You may never need to appear in court at the early stages.
Where a trial is required, Ryan prepares exhaustively - subpoenaing records, identifying expert witnesses, developing cross-examination strategies, and filing Charter motions. He has conducted trials ranging from 1-day summary matters to 5-week jury trials for first-degree murder.
The goal is always the best outcome for you - charges withdrawn, acquittal, or where necessary, the most favourable resolution that protects your record and your future. Ryan has achieved acquittals on charges from impaired driving to first-degree murder.
When your future, reputation, and freedom are at stake, you need a criminal defence team that is experienced, strategic, and relentless in protecting your rights. At RH Criminal Defence, we provide strong legal representation for clients facing criminal charges across Ontario.
Our team has successfully defended hundreds of clients charged with offences ranging from impaired driving and domestic assault to drug trafficking, firearms offences, sexual assault, robbery, and homicide. We have represented clients at every level of court in Ontario.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. Our team remains accessible throughout the process, keeping clients informed and supported every step of the way. We believe every person deserves a thorough and vigorous defence.
Our lawyers have been featured in major media outlets including CBC, CTV News, Toronto Star, Law Times, and Canadian Lawyer. We are frequently called upon to provide legal commentary on important criminal law issues in Ontario.
At RH Criminal Defence, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, we are prepared to stand by your side and aggressively defend your case.
Yes - absolutely. "Thinking you're guilty" is not the same as the Crown being able to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Many cases that appear straightforward have Charter violations, unreliable witnesses, inadmissible evidence, or technical defences that a criminal lawyer identifies during disclosure review. You may be entitled to a conditional discharge that avoids a criminal record. Never plead guilty before speaking to a lawyer.
Exercise your right to silence immediately - you are not required to answer police questions beyond providing your name and address. Do not try to explain your side of events. Do not contact the complainant or any witnesses. Do not post anything on social media about the incident. Contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you get legal advice, the more options are available for your defence.
Yes - many criminal charges are withdrawn before trial. The Crown Attorney has discretion to withdraw charges where the evidence is weak, where there is a public interest reason not to proceed, or where the defence raises issues that undermine the likelihood of conviction. An experienced criminal lawyer can identify these opportunities and make representations to the Crown. Many of Ryan's successes have been charge withdrawals without the need for a trial.
Legal fees vary significantly depending on the charge type, complexity, whether a trial is required, and the level of court. During your free consultation Ryan will review your situation and provide a transparent, clear fee structure with no obligation. Ryan also accepts Legal Aid certificates in some cases and is on the Extremely Serious Matters panel. The cost of a criminal record - lost employment, travel restrictions, professional licence issues — typically far exceeds the cost of proper legal representation.
Ryan regularly appears in courts throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario - including Old City Hall, College Park, Brampton Courthouse, Newmarket, Oshawa, Scarborough, and Milton. RH Criminal Defence has successfully represented clients at every level of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Yes - even after serious charges including murder, assault, or drug trafficking, most accused persons are entitled to a bail hearing. The preparation of a strong release plan, identification of suitable sureties, and experienced representation at the bail hearing significantly increases the chance of release. Ryan has obtained bail for clients facing fierce Crown opposition and has argued numerous bail reviews to relax conditions that were making life impossible.
Munnaa 2x
"Ryan Handlarski is the truth when it comes to the presumption of innocence. An amazing lawyer who is sincerely dedicated to defending you to the highest. You want fairness, you want the best results — Ryan is the truth."
A. R.
"Ryan became a ray of light in the darkness. From our first conversation, the difference in his approach was immediately clear. He is diligent and meticulous. He leaves no stone unturned."
Guy B.
"Ryan Handlarski is nothing but professional. He goes above and beyond for his clients. He is one of the top tier lawyers in the city. He never gives up when he is in battle in the courtroom."
Colleague & Client
"Ryan Handlarski is simply a phenomenal lawyer. He is diligent and meticulous. He leaves no stone unturned. I would recommend him as counsel without a doubt. Ryan has been my friend and colleague for many years. You cannot go wrong by retaining him."
