Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Criminal Defence Team in Hamilton
Dean D Paquette & As is a dedicated criminal law firm serving clients in Hamilton and surrounding areas. With over 60 years of combined legal experience, our team specializes in defending individuals charged with criminal offences ranging from impaired driving to serious drug and weapons charges. Our lawyers, including former Crown Attorney Dean D. Paquette and former judicial law clerk Lauren M. Wilhelm, bring a collaborative approach to each case, combining strategic representation with candid advice. We prioritize protecting clients' rights at every stage of the legal process, from pre-charge consultations to appellate court representation. Recognized for our expertise, we maintain membership in The American College of Trial Lawyers, adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct.Our practice focuses on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough case preparation, creative legal arguments, and a deep understanding of criminal law procedures. We serve clients facing domestic violence allegations, drug offences, and other criminal charges, providing clear explanations of legal options while maintaining open communication throughout the process. Our commitment to excellence extends to appeals, where we apply scholarly analysis and innovative strategies to challenge unjust rulings. Located in Hamilton, we combine local knowledge with extensive courtroom experience to deliver professional, skillful representation tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Services
Criminal Defence
Appeals Representation
Drug Offences
Impaired Driving
Domestic Violence
Weapons Charges
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of combined criminal law experience
- Our lawyers include former Crown Attorney and judicial law clerk
- We provide 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters
- We maintain membership in The American College of Trial Lawyers
- We handle all stages of criminal proceedings from pre-charge to appeal
Associations and certifications
- The American College of Trial Lawyers
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence practice handles all offence categories from initial charges through trial. We protect clients' rights during police interactions, court proceedings, and negotiations. With extensive courtroom experience, we develop tailored defence strategies for charges including assault, fraud, and theft while maintaining open communication about case progress and options.
Appeals Representation
We specialize in appellate court representation for criminal cases requiring detailed legal analysis. Our approach combines scholarly research with creative argumentation to challenge unjust rulings. We identify procedural errors and legal misinterpretations while preparing comprehensive written submissions and delivering persuasive oral arguments before higher courts.
Drug Offences
Our drug offence defence covers possession, trafficking, and production charges. We challenge search warrant validity, evidence collection methods, and police surveillance practices. We help clients understand immigration consequences and develop strategies to minimize long-term impacts on employment and travel opportunities while protecting constitutional rights.
Impaired Driving
We defend clients facing impaired driving charges from initial consultation through court proceedings. Our practice addresses alcohol and drug-related impairment cases, including complex matters involving bodily harm or death. We explain plea incentives, challenge breathalyzer evidence, and work to minimize penalties like license suspension and ignition interlock requirements.
Domestic Violence
Our domestic violence defence focuses on understanding relationship dynamics and strategic implications. We handle charges arising from physical, sexual, or psychological abuse allegations while addressing family law intersections. We explore alternative dispositions and develop strategies to protect clients' rights during custody disputes and bail proceedings.
People
Dean D. Paquette
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Former Hamilton Crown Attorney with 35+ years criminal law experience. Specializes in complex defence cases and appellate advocacy. Member of The American College of Trial Lawyers since 1998. Focuses on protecting constitutional rights and developing innovative legal strategies.
Lauren M. Wilhelm
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Former judicial law clerk with exclusive criminal defence practice since 2012. Specializes in domestic violence cases and pre-charge consultations. Collaborates with Dean Paquette to provide comprehensive legal solutions. Committed to client education and transparent communication throughout legal proceedings.
Questions
What areas of criminal law do you specialize in?
We specialize in all criminal offence categories including impaired driving, drug offences, domestic violence, weapons charges, and appellate court representation.
How do you handle urgent legal matters?
We provide 24/7 availability for arrests and urgent legal needs, ensuring immediate legal guidance during critical early stages of criminal proceedings.
What experience does your firm have?
Our lawyers have over 60 combined years of criminal law experience, including former prosecutorial and judicial roles, with membership in The American College of Trial Lawyers.
Do you handle cases outside Hamilton?
We represent clients throughout Southern Ontario, handling criminal matters in various jurisdictions beyond Hamilton's city limits.
How do you communicate case progress?
We maintain open communication channels, providing regular updates about legal options, court proceedings, and case developments in plain language.
