Phil Stiles | Oshawa Criminal Defense Lawyer

My unique combination of education and work experience is an asset when defending against criminal allegations.

After completing a two-year contract with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, I returned to Ontario to finish a Masters degree in Constitutional Law. As a Crown, I became accustomed to rigorous criminal litigation, often acting as lead counsel in cases involving expert witnesses and complex evidentiary issues. I have both prosecuted and defended a wide range of offences in various levels of court–from traffic court to jury trials. My courtroom experience includes cases involving:

Arson
Mischief
Break and enter
Robbery
Theft (over and under $5000)
Auto theft
Fraud
False pretense
Extortion
Assault (aggravated, assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon)
Sexual offences
Criminal harassment
Possession of prohibited weapons
Firearms offences
Dangerous driving causing death
Obstruction of justice

My work experience has left me with a thorough understanding of Crown protocol and the factors that must be considered in a decision to continue any prosecution, regardless of how serious the allegation. Understanding Crown discretion has helped me achieve terrific results for my clients at a very early stage. Also, being attuned to the Crown’s proof requirements in a wide variety of criminal prosecutions has proven to be an asset in criminal defence work. Knowing what makes for a successful prosecution is often the foundation for the most unshakable defences.

In addition to significant hands-on work experience, my academic background has also given me a competitive edge in the courtroom. Having recently completed an LL.M. in Constitutional Law, I am attuned to my clients’ Charter rights at every stage of the criminal process. This is particularly important in the context of impaired driving, where even the slightest breach of your rights can lead to an acquittal at trial.

What I have learned as defence counsel is that being a good lawyer is far more than legal knowledge and courtroom skills. One of the more important parts of my job is helping clients understand how the law and criminal process applies to their particular situation. Most clients I meet with have no criminal record and have never been charged before. My first goal is to make sure they have a thorough understanding of how the law applies to their situation so they can make clear and informed choices. There is, perhaps, nothing worse than fear of the unknown so I strive to make sure there is no concern left unaddressed or question unanswered after my first client meeting. From there, the work can begin on achieving a favourable early resolution or carefully preparing our defence for trial.

While my practice is now primarily in the Durham region, I often assist in the firm’s Lindsay and Peterborough offices.

From minimizing risk to vigorous litigation at trial, I strive to achieve the best results for all my clients. I look forward to being in your corner!

Position	Organization	Location	Duration
Attorney	Aitken Robertson, PC	Oshawa, ON	Present

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
Osgoode Hall L S York University	LL.M.	Law School	2018
University of Windsor	LL.B.		2011
Trent University	Bachelors	Political Science	2007

State / Court	Date
Alberta	2015
Ontario	2013

• Member | National College of DUI Defense (NCDD)
  Member | Peterborough Law Association
  Member | Lindsay Law Association
  Member | Durham Law Association
  Member | Ontario Bar Association

Sun.	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.	Sat.
	8:30 am - 5:00 pm	8:30 am - 5:00 pm	8:30 am - 5:00 pm	8:30 am - 5:00 pm	8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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