Practice Areas
Criminal Defence Practice Areas
Shikhman Barristers represents individuals at every stage of the criminal process, from a police investigation or arrest through bail, trial, sentencing and appeal.
The charge identifies the allegation. It does not determine the defence. Each matter requires its own assessment of the evidence, the governing law and the circumstances of the person involved.
Bail Hearings and Release Proceedings
Representation at bail hearings, bail reviews and proceedings involving release conditions, sureties and proposed plans of supervision.
Assault and Weapons Offences
Defence of allegations involving assault, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and related weapons or firearms offences.
Domestic Assault and Intimate Partner Allegations
Representation in matters involving current or former partners, family members, conditions prohibiting contact and related court orders.
Sexual Assault and Criminal Harassment
Defence of sexual assault allegations, criminal harassment, repeated communication, threats and related digital evidence.
Impaired and Dangerous Driving
Representation in impaired driving, refusal, dangerous operation, failure to remain and related driving proceedings.
Drug, Property and Financial Offences
Defence of drug allegations, theft, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and other property or financial offences.
Homicide and Serious Criminal Allegations
Representation in murder, manslaughter and other serious matters involving questions of intent, causation, identification and the admissibility of evidence.
Youth Criminal Justice and Related Proceedings
Representation under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, in criminal appeals and in professional or regulatory proceedings connected to criminal allegations.
Available 24/7 for Your Call
Legal issues do not always happen during business hours. Shikhman Barristers is available 24/7 to take your call, answer your initial questions, and discuss your next steps.
MEET OUR LAWYERS
Criminal Defence Built on Preparation and Judgment
Our lawyers represent clients facing serious criminal allegations across Ontario. Every defence is built through careful analysis of the evidence, the law and the issues that matter.
Sonya Shikhman
FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER | BARRISTER
Sonya Shikhman is the founder and managing partner of Shikhman Barristers and an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer whose practice is devoted to criminal defence. She represents individuals facing serious criminal allegations and is known for her strategic judgment, meticulous preparation and commitment to protecting due process.
Beyond her private practice, Sonya serves as Duty Counsel at the Ontario Court of Appeal through the Pro Bono Inmate Appeals Program and has taught trial advocacy at Osgoode Hall Law School. She is also regularly invited to provide legal commentary that helps Canadians understand criminal law, evidence and the broader principles at stake within the justice system.
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Criminal Defence in the 2024, 2025 and 2027 editions, Sonya has built her career around a principle that extends beyond any single case: criminal defence is not only about defending an individual; it is also about protecting the integrity of the justice system by challenging the state’s conduct in every case.
FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER | BARRISTER
Sonya Shikhman LL.B.
Sonya Shikhman is the founder and managing partner of Shikhman Barristers and an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer whose practice is devoted to criminal defence. She represents individuals facing serious criminal allegations and is known for her strategic judgment, meticulous preparation and commitment to protecting due process.
Beyond her private practice, Sonya serves as Duty Counsel at the Ontario Court of Appeal through the Pro Bono Inmate Appeals Program and has taught trial advocacy at Osgoode Hall Law School. She is also regularly invited to provide legal commentary that helps Canadians understand criminal law, evidence and the broader principles at stake within the justice system.
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Criminal Defence in the 2024, 2025 and 2027 editions, Sonya has built her career around a principle that extends beyond any single case: criminal defence is not only about defending an individual; it is also about protecting the integrity of the justice system by challenging the state’s conduct in every case.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Safiya Dossa J.D.
Safiya’s practice includes sexual offence allegations, domestic assault matters and youth criminal justice proceedings.
Her Canadian and American legal training and legislative experience inform her careful approach to statutory interpretation and criminal litigation.
ASSOCIATE
Kito Romero J.D.
Kito is particularly interested in defending individuals charged with weapons and drug-related offences.
His background includes legal research across various areas of criminal law, public policy and international negotiations, which continue to inform his approach.
ASSOCIATE
Rav Gill J.D.
Rav defends people charged with criminal offences. Her academic work has examined the criminal justice system and systemic bias within it.
She brings that research background to a practice grounded in the record, the governing law and access to justice.
ASSOCIATE
Daniel Anselmo J.D.
Daniel’s practice involves appellate writing and advocacy, as well as the preparation and argument of complex pre-trial applications.
His published commentary has addressed sentencing, DNA orders and the privacy consequences that can follow decisions made in criminal proceedings.
LAW STUDENT
Hansoo Shin
During his summer position, Hansoo supported the firm through legal research, disclosure review and other supervised work. He will return to the firm for his articling term beginning in September 2027.
During his final year of law school, he may assist the firm with urgent inquiries under supervision.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Safiya Dossa J.D.
Safiya’s practice includes sexual offence allegations, domestic assault matters and youth criminal justice proceedings.
Her Canadian and American legal training and legislative experience inform her careful approach to statutory interpretation and criminal litigation.
ASSOCIATE
Kito Romero J.D.
Kito is particularly interested in defending individuals charged with weapons and drug-related offences.
His background includes legal research across various areas of criminal law, public policy and international negotiations, which continue to inform his approach.
ASSOCIATE
Rav Gill J.D.
Rav defends people charged with criminal offences. Her academic work has examined the criminal justice system and systemic bias within it.
She brings that research background to a practice grounded in the record, the governing law and access to justice.
ASSOCIATE
Daniel Anselmo J.D.
Daniel’s practice involves appellate writing and advocacy, as well as the preparation and argument of complex pre-trial applications.
His published commentary has addressed sentencing, DNA orders and the privacy consequences that can follow decisions made in criminal proceedings.
LAW STUDENT
Hansoo Shin
During his summer position, Hansoo supported the firm through legal research, disclosure review and other supervised work. He will return to the firm for his articling term beginning in September 2027.
During his final year of law school, he may assist the firm with urgent inquiries under supervision.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Safiya Dossa J.D.
Safiya’s practice includes sexual offence allegations, domestic assault matters and youth criminal justice proceedings.
Her Canadian and American legal training and legislative experience inform her careful approach to statutory interpretation and criminal litigation.
ASSOCIATE
Kito Romero J.D.
Kito is particularly interested in defending individuals charged with weapons and drug-related offences.
His background includes legal research across various areas of criminal law, public policy and international negotiations, which continue to inform his approach.
ASSOCIATE
Rav Gill J.D.
Rav defends people charged with criminal offences. Her academic work has examined the criminal justice system and systemic bias within it.
She brings that research background to a practice grounded in the record, the governing law and access to justice.
ASSOCIATE
Daniel Anselmo J.D.
Daniel’s practice involves appellate writing and advocacy, as well as the preparation and argument of complex pre-trial applications.
His published commentary has addressed sentencing, DNA orders and the privacy consequences that can follow decisions made in criminal proceedings.
LAW STUDENT
Hansoo Shin
During his summer position, Hansoo supported the firm through legal research, disclosure review and other supervised work. He will return to the firm for his articling term beginning in September 2027.
During his final year of law school, he may assist the firm with urgent inquiries under supervision.
SPEAK WITH OUR FIRM
Request a Confidential Consultation
If you are under investigation, have been arrested or are facing a criminal charge, bail hearing, trial or appeal, contact Shikhman Barristers to discuss your circumstances and understand the next step. If you have been detained or arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the allegation.
416-365-3151
Toll-free: 1-888-508-9178
Available 24/7
Email: info@crimlawcanada.com
*Submitting this form does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Please do not include confidential or time-sensitive information. Shikhman Barristers must confirm that it is able to act before a lawyer-client relationship is established.