Jeffrey Smart
Criminal Defence Lawyer · 17 Years Experience
Criminal Defence Lawyers · Oshawa & Durham Region
Protecting your rights in Durham Region
Smart Criminal Law provides disciplined criminal defence representation across Durham Region, led by a criminal defence lawyer with 17 years of experience. Clear advice, careful preparation, and a strategy built around evidence and procedure.
Free initial consultation · Available 24/7 · Serving all Durham Region courts
- 17 Years
- Criminal defence experience
- Durham Region
- Local court expertise, every day
- Free Consult
- No charge to speak with a lawyer
- 5 Person Team
- Lawyers, paralegals & law clerks
About the Firm
A team of criminal defence professionals
We are a team of criminal defence professionals with decades of experience practising criminal law. We are not only lawyers, paralegals, and law clerks — we are members of the community who thoroughly enjoy making the place we live better through hard work and service.
We exclusively offer legal services and representation to those who've been charged with criminal offences. We fight criminal allegations.
Our team works with you to gather important information, assess evidence, and provide you with legal advice you can rely on. Great communication is our biggest asset. We offer a modern approach by utilising digital client portals and the latest research tools, while drawing from our years of experience practising law the traditional way — with honesty and integrity.
Serving All of Durham Region
Oshawa, Ontario, L1G 1B2
Practice Areas
We fight criminal allegations
Smart Criminal Law offers legal services and representation exclusively to those charged with criminal offences across Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Bowmanville, Brooklin, and all of Durham Region.
Impaired Driving / DUI
DUI, Over 80, and Refuse Breath Test charges — among the most complex criminal files in Ontario. Preparation and early strategy matter.
Assault Charges
All assault matters from simple assault to aggravated charges. The strength of the Crown's disclosure often determines the path forward.
Domestic Assault
Domestic and spousal assault allegations carry strict release conditions and serious collateral consequences. Early legal advice is critical.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence files require careful management of conditions, evidence, and court appearances from the first appearance forward.
Drug Charges
Possession, trafficking, and production charges under the CDSA. Charter rights on search and seizure are often the decisive factor.
Sexual Offences
Sexual assault and related offences demand discreet, thorough preparation. Complainant evidence and disclosure must be challenged rigorously.
Theft & Fraud
Theft, fraud, and property crime files turn on identity, intent, and whether the Crown's evidence actually supports the allegation.
Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving under the Criminal Code is far more serious than a traffic offence and demands a tailored defence from day one.
Refuse Breath Test
A refusal charge carries the same penalties as impaired driving. The specific facts and officer conduct are key to the defence.
Charged with a criminal offence not listed above?
Call us for a free consultationWhy Choose Us
A defence built for your case
Responsive communication
Clients get timely updates and direct answers from a criminal justice lawyer who keeps the file organised and moving.
Local Durham Region expertise
Built for the realities of local courts and how cases move, with the focus expected from a criminal defence law firm that works in the region every day.
Personalised defence strategies
Each file gets a plan shaped by evidence, procedure, and risk — not a recycled script from a generic criminal lawyer playbook.
Transparent pricing
Fees are explained early, in plain language, so decisions are informed from the start.
Strong courtroom advocacy
Preparation is tailored to the court, so your lawyer for criminal cases in Durham is ready when it counts.
Free initial consultations
A first conversation gives clarity on next steps, process, and priorities before committing.
What's at Stake
A conviction changes everything
A criminal conviction can have serious consequences beyond fines or jail. That's why it's critical to have a strong defence lawyer on your side from the very beginning.
Get immediate legal help-
A permanent criminal record
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Difficulty crossing the U.S. border or travelling internationally
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Barriers to employment, licensing, or education
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Impact on immigration status or citizenship applications
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Driver's licence suspensions for driving-related offences
Our Team
Criminal defence professionals
We are a team of criminal defence professionals with decades of experience practising criminal law. We are not only lawyers, paralegals, and law clerks — we are members of the community.
Owner · Criminal Defence Lawyer
Jeffrey Smart
Born and raised in Ajax, Ontario, Jeff earned his Law degree from the University of Buckingham, England. His career began as a Provincial and Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Ministry of the Attorney General. With a decade of experience safeguarding our community against criminal allegations, Jeff is a Licensed Lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario, a Notary Public, and an active member of the Durham Region Law Association and the Criminal Lawyers Association.
Licensed Lawyer — Law Society of Ontario
Jade Roberts
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Born and raised in Courtice, Ontario, Jade earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and her Law degree at the University of Ottawa. During her undergraduate years she volunteered with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. She began her legal career at a large criminal defence firm in Toronto, gaining experience running bail hearings, preliminary inquiries, and trials. Jade is a Licensed Lawyer with the Law Society, a Notary Public, and a member of the Criminal Lawyers Association and Durham Region Law Association.
Licensed Lawyer — Law Society of Ontario
Chelsea White
Criminal Defence Paralegal · Office Manager
Born and raised in Oshawa, Ontario, Chelsea studied Criminal Justice at Nipissing University and received her Paralegal Diploma from Durham College. Her experience as both a defence paralegal and prosecutor gives her a distinct advantage for clients in Durham Region. She also volunteers as a youth leader for a local girls club and advocates for mental health organisations. Chelsea is a Licensed Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario and a Notary Public.
Licensed Paralegal — Law Society of Ontario
Jordan McMullan
Criminal Law Paralegal
Born in Montréal, Québec, Jordan studied Criminology at Toronto Metropolitan University and earned his Graduate Paralegal Diploma from Durham College. His bilingual fluency in French and English helps him serve a wider community across Durham Region, with a particular focus on Youth Criminal Justice charges. Jordan is a Licensed Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario and a Notary Public.
Licensed Paralegal — Law Society of Ontario
Christal Bandy-May
Law Clerk
Born and raised in North York, Ontario, Christal graduated with honours from Trillium College. She ensures every case moves through the courts efficiently — managing disclosure, drafting legal documents, and keeping clients informed. Her passion for the legal system grew from personal experience navigating the courts in defence of her own family, and she brings that same dedication and compassion to every client file.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can't find an answer? Reach us at jeff@durhamlawyer.com
Get Help Now
If you've been charged — don't wait
The earlier you involve a defence lawyer, the more options you have. Call us now for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
Contact Us
Speak with a criminal defence lawyer today
Call, email, or complete the form and our team will be in touch. Free initial consultations available. We're here when you need us.
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