Business Details
Expert Criminal Defense Lawyers in Stratford & Kitchener
Van Drunen Criminal Law has established itself as a dedicated legal practice specializing exclusively in criminal law. With decades of combined experience, our team represents clients facing serious charges including homicides, drug offenses, sexual assaults, DUIs, domestic violence, and youth matters. Our approach combines big-city legal expertise with small-town accessibility, ensuring clients receive personalized attention and aggressive defense strategies.We prioritize client dignity, offering services such as witness counsel for victims and legal aid eligibility assessments. Our lawyers have appeared in all levels of Ontario courts, including the Ontario Court of Appeal, and have successfully secured bail pending appeals and not-guilty verdicts in complex cases. We emphasize transparency, respect, and strategic advocacy throughout every stage of legal proceedings.
Services
Criminal Defense
Appeal Representation
Witness Counsel
DUI/Impaired Driving Defense
Youth Criminal Defense
Highlights and features
- We exclusively practice criminal law with 40+ years of combined experience.
- Our team has secured not-guilty verdicts in multiple murder trials.
- We offer specialized witness counsel for victims and sensitive cases.
- Our lawyers have appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
- We combine big-city legal skills with small-town accessibility.
Services
Criminal Defense
We provide comprehensive defense for criminal charges including homicides, drug offenses, sexual assaults, and impaired driving. Our team challenges evidence, protects Charter rights, and negotiates with Crown Attorneys to achieve optimal outcomes. With decades of courtroom experience, we represent clients at trials, pleas, and bail hearings.
Appeal Representation
Our firm specializes in appealing convictions and sentences at higher courts. We identify legal grounds for appeals, arrange bail pending appeals, and have successfully argued cases before the Ontario Court of Appeal. We guide clients through complex appellate processes while maintaining strategic advocacy.
Witness Counsel
We offer specialized legal support for victims and witnesses in sensitive cases. Our lawyers ensure privacy protection, explain court procedures, and advocate for client interests during proceedings. Services include personalized guidance, legal aid eligibility assessments, and courtroom representation for sensitive matters.
DUI/Impaired Driving Defense
We defend clients facing DUI, over-80 charges, and other driving offenses. Our strategies include challenging breathalyzer evidence, procedural compliance, and negotiating reduced penalties. We focus on minimizing license suspensions, fines, and long-term consequences for impaired driving convictions.
Youth Criminal Defense
Our team handles youth criminal matters with sensitivity to long-term consequences. We work within the Youth Criminal Justice Act framework to protect educational opportunities and future prospects. Services include court representation, record expungement guidance, and tailored defense strategies for young offenders.
People
Kirsten Van Drunen
Criminal Defense Lawyer
A 15-year criminal law veteran with expertise in jury trials and murder case defenses. Recognized for strong courtroom presence and negotiation skills. Successfully secured multiple not-guilty verdicts in serious criminal cases.
Erik Van Drunen
Appeals Lawyer
Specializes in appellate law with multiple appearances before the Ontario Court of Appeal. Former national law firm attorney with trial experience in Ontario's superior courts. Focuses on building client relationships and achieving favorable trial or plea outcomes.
Henry Van Drunen
Senior Defense Counsel
Former Crown prosecutor with 25+ years of legal system experience. Provides strategic defense for sexual assault, drug trafficking, and theft cases. Combines prosecutorial insight with 10+ years of defense practice to benefit clients.
Questions
What criminal charges do you handle?
We defend all criminal charges including homicides, drug offenses, sexual assaults, DUIs, domestic violence, thefts, and youth matters.
Do you handle appeals?
Yes, we specialize in appealing convictions and sentences at higher courts, including bail pending appeals and Ontario Court of Appeal representation.
Can you help victims/witnesses?
Yes, we provide witness counsel services for victims and witnesses in sensitive cases, focusing on privacy protection and procedural guidance.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Stratford, Kitchener, and surrounding Ontario regions with criminal defense and legal representation services.
