The question isn't whether you did it. It's what they can prove.
I'm Daniel Kayfetz. I've defended people charged with crimes in Toronto courts since 1970. I start with the Crown's evidence, not with a plea.
If you've been charged and haven't spoken to a lawyer yet, don't give the police a statement first. Call.
- In court since 1970 Over fifty years defending criminal charges
- A lawyer who goes to trial And prosecutors know it
- My full attention You deal with me directly, every step
- Rosedale, Toronto 99 South Drive
How I look at your case
In Canada the Crown has to prove it. A lot of people walk into my office convinced the case is hopeless because they know what happened. What happened is not the question. The proof is.
So the first thing I do is read the disclosure: the police notes, the statements, the video, the lab results. Then I tell you, plainly, which of two situations you're in.
If the proof has a flaw
And it often does. Then my job is to get the charges withdrawn before you ever risk a trial. I've done that many times. If the Crown won't withdraw, I take it to trial. I've defended people against evidence that was simply untrue, and I know how to show a court that.
If the proof holds
Then my job is to keep you out of jail. That means a plan from the start, not a scramble at sentencing: what the Crown will accept, what a judge needs to see from you, and what a record would do to your life. I do everything the law allows to reduce the penalty.
Either way, you'll know where you stand after the first meeting. No one should go to court guessing.
What's at stake if you wait
A criminal charge doesn't get better on its own. Every week you handle it alone, the Crown's case is being built and yours isn't.
- A criminal record follows you into job applications, apartment rentals and volunteer checks for years, often for life.
- Jail is on the table for more charges than people expect, including first offences.
- Travel to the United States can be refused on a conviction, sometimes for good.
- Immigration status can be lost. For a permanent resident, a conviction can mean removal from Canada.
- Your first words to the police and your first appearance in court can't be taken back. Most mistakes I see were made before anyone called a lawyer.
What happens when you call
We talk
Tell me what you're charged with and when your next court date is. If you've been released on conditions, bring them. You'll hear back from me within 24 hours, by phone or email.
You send me the disclosure
Disclosure is the Crown's evidence package. You get it from the Crown at or after your first appearance. Email it to me and I read all of it.
I tell you where you stand
Flaw in the proof, or proof that holds. A plan for either. And what it will cost: I bill by the hour at a rate that's fair for someone already under stress, and you'll know it before you hire me.
I handle the court
Appearances, Crown pre-trials, judicial pre-trials, negotiations, and the trial if it comes to that. You hear from me.
From people I've acted for
★★★★★
Daniel Kayfetz served as co-counsel and worked closely with our defense team to vigorously protect our interests. Throughout the process, Daniel was consistently accessible, professional, and demonstrated exceptional attention to detail. He was a thorough and committed advocate in a nuanced fraud case in which we were entirely innocent. Thanks to his dedication and expertise, the verdict came back as anticipated. We are beyond grateful to have had Daniel on our side.
Questions people ask before they call
Call me
The sooner I see the disclosure, the more I can do with it.
- Phone
- 416-364-8131
- dkayfetz@gmail.com
- Office
- 99 South Drive
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1R7 - Reply
- Within 24 hours, by phone or email
Know someone who's been charged? Give them this number. If I've acted for you, tell me how it went; it helps the next person decide.