Peterborough criminal defence — representation in the Kawartha region.
Spektor Law represents Peterborough and Kawartha-region clients facing criminal charges. 30 years of senior criminal trial experience, discreet and personal.
Legally reviewed by Aaron M. Spektor, Barrister & Solicitor (LSO #51731A) · Editorial policy
- 30 yearsCriminal defence practice in Ontario
- Called 1997Bar of Ontario
- LSO #51731AVerify on the LSO directory
- All courtsThrough the Court of Appeal for Ontario
- 24/7Personal intake · (416) 599-1900
Do I need a criminal lawyer in Peterborough?
If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Peterborough, retaining a criminal lawyer before your first court date is the safest course. Aaron M. Spektor, a Peterborough criminal defence lawyer called to the Bar in 1997, defends DUI, assault and drug charges arising in the city and the Kawarthas. He reviews police disclosure, deals with the Crown, and attends Peterborough court for every substantive date, while routine steps are handled remotely.
Answer by Aaron M. Spektor, criminal defence lawyer · LSO #51731A · called to the Bar of Ontario in 1997
- Court
- Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough
- Police service
- Peterborough Police Service · OPP in the county
- Lawyer
- Aaron M. Spektor · LSO #51731A · called 1997
- First step
- Free consultation · (416) 599-1900 · 24/7
Why retain a Peterborough criminal lawyer.
Peterborough is the urban centre of the Kawartha region in Central Ontario. Criminal matters arising in Peterborough are heard at the Peterborough courthouse at 70 Simcoe Street, which hosts the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice’s criminal matters for the city and the surrounding county.
Aaron M. Spektor defends Peterborough and Kawartha-region clients on the full range of criminal charges. With 30 years of trial experience, Aaron handles each file personally, and remote consultations make senior representation accessible regardless of distance.
From impaired-driving charges to assault, drug, and fraud matters in Peterborough, every file is prepared with the same discipline and handled by Aaron from first appearance through resolution or trial.
For a confidential consultation about a Peterborough criminal charge, contact Aaron M. Spektor or request an appointment online. We answer intake calls personally — after-hours and weekends included.
Criminal charges we defend across Peterborough County.
Aaron handles all 16 categories of criminal and quasi-criminal offences. Below are the charges that arise most often in Peterborough files.
Impaired Driving / DUI
Over 80, Refusal, Care or Control — and the Charter motions that win them.
Defence approach 02Assault
Simple assault, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon.
Defence approach 05Drug Offences
Possession, trafficking, and production under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Defence approach 03Domestic Assault
Charges where the complainant is a spouse, partner, or family member — and the bail conditions that follow.
Defence approach 07Fraud & Financial Crimes
Fraud under and over $5,000, identity fraud, insurance fraud, breach of trust.
Defence approach 12Youth Criminal Justice
Representation for clients aged 12–17 under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Defence approachCriminal Lawyer Peterborough: How a Kawartha Case Unfolds
From arrest to judicial pre-trial in Peterborough
A Peterborough charge usually begins one of two ways: release from the station on an undertaking with a future court date, or a hold for a bail hearing, which must happen without unreasonable delay. The first appearance is largely administrative — the Crown provides initial disclosure and the matter is adjourned so the defence can review it. A Crown pre-trial follows, then a judicial pre-trial, where a judge helps narrow the issues and tests whether the case can resolve or must be set down for trial. Serious indictable matters can later move to the Superior Court, which also sits in Peterborough, but most cases are resolved in the Ontario Court of Justice.
Policing in the city and the Kawarthas
Inside city limits, charges are typically laid by the Peterborough Police Service; in the surrounding townships and on provincial highways, the OPP is often the investigating service. RIDE checks are a familiar sight on Highway 115 and Highway 7, and in summer and winter enforcement moves onto the lakes and trails. Impaired operation under the Criminal Code covers any “conveyance” — a boat or snowmobile included — so a cottage-country stop can carry the same consequences as a road stop. Our impaired driving defence page explains how these cases are fought.
The first 24–48 hours after a Peterborough charge
Read every page you were given. Note the court date, the fingerprinting date and every condition — a no-contact or no-alcohol term binds you immediately, and a breach is a fresh charge. Do not discuss the allegation with anyone, including by text. If a family member is being held, a surety will usually be needed; our guide to what happens at a bail hearing explains what the court will ask of them. If the allegation involves a partner or family member, expect a no-contact term from the outset and arrange somewhere else to stay rather than testing it.
Handling a Peterborough file from North York
Aaron works from 1000 Finch Avenue West, a drive down Highway 115 and the 401, so most Peterborough clients begin with a phone or video consultation. Early appearances can often be handled by Aaron as counsel of record, or remotely, without the client taking time off work. For bail hearings, judicial pre-trials that need him in the room, and trial, Aaron attends in person. Clients charged closer to the lake, in Oshawa and the rest of Durham, receive the same approach.
Results in the charges we defend in Peterborough.
Selected, anonymized outcomes. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome — every matter is assessed on its own facts.
Over 80 — Charter motion successful
Breath readings excluded under s. 24(2) after a successful s. 8 and s. 10(b) Charter application at trial. Crown was unable to proceed; charges dismissed.
Impaired Driving defenceDomestic assault — PARS completion
Charges stayed following successful Partner Assault Response completion and a defence-led complainant communication plan through proper channels.
Domestic Assault defenceAssault causing bodily harm — self-defence
Acquittal at trial on a full self-defence claim under section 34. Crown's evidence on intent and proportionality did not displace reasonable doubt.
Assault defenceWhat Peterborough clients ask before retaining us.
Where is the Peterborough courthouse?
The Peterborough criminal courthouse is at 70 Simcoe Street. It hears Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court criminal matters for the City of Peterborough and the surrounding county (family matters are at 470 Water Street).
Is it worth retaining Toronto-area counsel for a Peterborough charge?
For serious matters, often yes. Aaron attends Peterborough for client files, and many clients value experienced, discreet representation from outside the immediate community.
How do I start?
Call (416) 599-1900 for a confidential consultation. Most Peterborough clients begin by phone or video, and after-hours calls are answered.
Charged in Peterborough? Speak with Aaron today.
Free consultation. After-hours and weekend calls answered personally.