Homicide & Death-Related Offences Lawyer in Toronto
Protecting Your Rights, Your Freedom, and Your Future
Charged With Homicide or a Death-Related Offence in Toronto?
Few charges are as serious or as life-altering as those involving the death of another person. A conviction can mean decades in prison — and the life-long stigma of a criminal record. If you’re facing a homicide or death-related allegation, it’s essential to have a lawyer with the skill, experience, and determination to protect your future.
At Robert Geurts Law, we defend clients against the most serious criminal charges in Toronto and the GTA. With over 35 years of criminal law experience — including 12 years as an Assistant Crown Attorney — Robert understands how prosecutors build homicide cases and knows how to challenge them with precision and strategy.
Homicide Cases Won
Homicide Clients Represented
Years of Experience
Understanding Homicide & Death-Related Charges
What Are Homicide and Death-Related Offences?
Homicide offences are among the most complex and high-stakes cases in Canadian criminal law. They include both intentional and unintentional acts that cause the death of another person. Even allegations short of murder can carry extremely serious consequences.
Common charges include:
First-Degree Murder
Planned and deliberate killing.
Second-Degree Murder
Intentional killing that is not planned.
Manslaughter
Causing death through unlawful acts or criminal negligence, without intent to kill.
Criminal Negligence Causing Death
Failing to take reasonable care where it results in death.
Infanticide
Causing the death of a newborn under specific legal circumstances.
Dangerous Driving Causing Death
Operating a vehicle in a manner that results in a fatality.
What Are The Consequences?
What Are the Penalties for a Homicide or Death-Related Conviction?
Penalties for homicide-related offences are the most severe in Canadian law:
First-Degree Murder:
Automatic life sentence
No parole eligibility for 25 years
Second-Degree Murder:
Life sentence
Parole eligibility after 10–25 years, depending on the circumstances
Manslaughter:
Maximum penalty: life in prison
No minimum sentence unless a firearm was used (minimum 4 years)
Criminal Negligence Causing Death:
Maximum penalty: life in prison
Dangerous Driving Causing Death:
Up to life imprisonment, depending on aggravating factors
Aggravating factors that can increase sentencing include prior convictions, multiple victims, and circumstances involving extreme violence.
How We Defend Homicide and Death-Related Charges
How Robert Geurts Builds a Homicide Defence
Homicide cases require meticulous preparation, deep legal knowledge, and the ability to challenge the prosecution at every turn. As a former Crown, Robert knows how the state investigates, prepares, and prosecutes these cases — and uses that knowledge to create powerful defences.
Common defence strategies include:
Challenging forensic and scientific evidence
Exposing flaws or gaps in witness testimony
Arguing self-defence or defence of others
Establishing a lack of intent or planning
Demonstrating that police violated Charter rights
Presenting alternative theories of events
Every case is unique, and our approach is tailored to the specific evidence, circumstances, and needs of each client.
What To Do If You’ve Been Charged
Act Immediately — Your Freedom Depends on It
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a homicide or death-related offence, you must seek legal help immediately. Do not speak to police or investigators without your lawyer present. Contact Robert Geurts Law for a confidential consultation. We will explain your rights, review the evidence, and develop a clear strategy to protect your future.
1-866-402-4666
Other High-Stakes Criminal Cases in Ontario
In addition to homicide cases, Robert Geurts represents clients facing other serious criminal allegations, including:
Attempted Murder
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Kidnapping and Forcible Confinement
Firearms and Weapons Offences
Arson
Serious Drug Trafficking Cases
These charges can carry lengthy prison sentences and devastating personal consequences. We help clients navigate the legal process with a strong, informed defence.