The Jeffrey Reisman Criminal Defence Podcast

Jeffrey Reisman
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Clear, practical information about criminal charges, legal rights, and the Ontario court process. Each episode explains topics such as impaired driving, assault allegations, bail hearings, fraud, theft, drug charges, probation violations, and other criminal-law matters. Presented for general education by Jeffrey I. Reisman Criminal Defence Lawyer.

Episodes

  1. Oct 2

    What Happens at a Bail Hearing in Toronto Release Plans, Conditions and Sureties Explained

    What actually happens when someone is held for a bail hearing in Toronto, and what does the court consider before deciding whether that person will be released? In this episode, we provide a practical introduction to bail hearings in Ontario, also known as judicial interim release hearings. The discussion explains the purpose of a bail hearing, the factors a court may consider, the role of a proposed release plan, and why bail conditions and sureties need to be understood carefully. A bail hearing is different from a criminal trial. It does not determine whether an accused person is guilty or innocent. Instead, a judge or justice of the peace decides whether the individual should remain in custody while the case proceeds or whether release can occur under an appropriate form of release. The episode discusses the three commonly identified grounds for detention under Canadian bail law. These include concerns about whether an accused will attend court as required, concerns involving public safety or the administration of justice, and circumstances in which detention may be considered necessary to maintain confidence in the administration of justice. We also explain the importance of the release plan. Depending on the circumstances of a case, a release proposal may address where an accused person will live, how court-ordered conditions can be followed, and whether another person will assist with supervision. The episode also looks at the role of a surety. A surety is not automatically required in every case. Canadian bail law generally requires courts to consider less restrictive forms of release before moving to more onerous ones. When a surety is proposed, however, the individual may have important responsibilities connected with the accused person's compliance with the release order. Another topic covered is bail conditions. Conditions imposed by a court can have significant practical consequences. Depending on the particular case, they may deal with communication with specified individuals, attending certain locations, possession of weapons, reporting obligations or other restrictions. Anyone released on bail needs to understand the exact order that applies to them and comply with its terms. The episode also reflects current Ontario procedure. A province-wide Ontario Court of Justice Practice Direction concerning bail hearings took effect on June 1, 2026. Among other things, it emphasizes focused bail proceedings, identification of the issues at the start of the hearing, preparation of release plans and efficient handling of routine hearings. For additional Toronto bail hearing information, visit Jeffrey I. Reisman's Toronto bail hearing resource. Jeffrey I. Reisman practises criminal defence in the Toronto area and represents individuals dealing with criminal charges and bail proceedings. Every bail matter depends on its own facts. The charges, an individual's circumstances, applicable Criminal Code provisions, existing court orders and the proposed release plan can all affect how a hearing proceeds. This episode is intended to provide general information about bail proceedings in Canada and Ontario. It does not provide legal advice, predict the result of a bail hearing or create a lawyer-client relationship. Anyone dealing with an actual arrest or bail proceeding should obtain legal advice based on their individual circumstances.

    What Happens at a Bail Hearing in Toronto Release Plans, Conditions and Sureties Explained

  2. Aug 23

    Bail Hearings in Toronto: What Happens, What Courts Consider, and How to Prepare

    A bail hearing can be one of the first major court steps after an arrest in Toronto. This episode explains what happens when a person is held for a bail hearing in Ontario, what a justice may consider, and why a prepared release plan can matter. Under Canada’s Criminal Code, when a person is arrested and not released by police, they must be taken before a justice without unreasonable delay. If a justice is available within 24 hours, the person must be brought before the justice within that period; if no justice is available, it must happen as soon as possible. A bail hearing does not decide whether the accused is guilty. Its purpose is to determine whether the person should be released while the criminal case continues and, if so, on what conditions. We discuss the three main legal grounds that can justify detention: ensuring attendance in court, protecting public safety—including the safety of victims and witnesses—and maintaining confidence in the administration of justice. We also explain that the Criminal Code generally requires consideration of release on appropriate terms, while certain cases involve a reverse onus where the accused must show why detention is not justified. Listeners will also hear about practical issues that may form part of bail preparation, such as identifying a suitable place to live, understanding proposed conditions, arranging a surety where one is genuinely necessary, and making sure a release plan addresses the concerns raised by the allegations and the person’s circumstances. A surety is not automatically required in every case. For more general information about bail hearings and legal representation in Toronto, see this resource from a Toronto bail hearing lawyer for Ontario bail hearings on Jeffrey I. Reisman’s website. Jeffrey I. Reisman has practised criminal law since 2001, including three years as a prosecutor before moving into criminal defence. His practice serves people facing criminal charges in Toronto, North York and other Ontario communities. For legal context, this episode draws on sections 503 and 515 of the Criminal Code and the Supreme Court of Canada’s bail principles in R. v. Antic. This episode provides general legal information for Ontario and is not legal advice. Bail decisions depend on the facts, the charges, the applicable onus and the evidence before the court. Anyone dealing with an arrest or upcoming bail hearing should speak directly with a qualified criminal defence lawyer about their individual circumstances.

    Bail Hearings in Toronto: What Happens, What Courts Consider, and How to Prepare

  3. Jul 17

    Dangerous Operation Charges in Ontario What Drivers Should Know

    A dangerous-operation charge can arise from much more than simply driving above the speed limit. Under Canada’s Criminal Code, the central issue is whether a person operated a vehicle—or another legally defined conveyance—in a manner that was dangerous to the public after all surrounding circumstances are considered. In this episode of The Jeffrey Reisman Criminal Defence Podcast, we explain what a dangerous-operation allegation may involve in Ontario, how it differs from an ordinary traffic ticket, and why the details of the incident matter. The discussion covers factors that may be examined, including speed, road and weather conditions, traffic, visibility, the duration of the driving conduct, witness accounts, police observations, video footage, and whether anyone suffered bodily harm or death. We also discuss the serious consequences that may follow a conviction. The basic offence can be prosecuted by indictment or summary conviction, while cases involving bodily harm or death carry substantially greater exposure. A conviction can also affect a person’s ability to drive, employment, insurance, travel, and criminal record. However, being charged is not the same as being convicted, and every case depends on its own evidence and circumstances. Listeners will learn why it is important to preserve relevant information, avoid discussing the allegation publicly, comply with release or driving conditions, and obtain advice from a criminal defence lawyer as early as possible. A lawyer may review disclosure, examine how the police investigation was conducted, assess witness and video evidence, identify legal or factual issues, and explain the available options. Jeffrey I. Reisman focuses exclusively on criminal defence and represents clients in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area, and other Ontario communities. His practice includes dangerous-operation and impaired-driving matters, bail hearings, assault allegations, drug charges, theft, fraud, property offences, and probation violations. This episode provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Anyone facing an investigation or charge should obtain advice based on their specific circumstances.

    Dangerous Operation Charges in Ontario What Drivers Should Know
  • 3 Episodes

About

Clear, practical information about criminal charges, legal rights, and the Ontario court process. Each episode explains topics such as impaired driving, assault allegations, bail hearings, fraud, theft, drug charges, probation violations, and other criminal-law matters. Presented for general education by Jeffrey I. Reisman Criminal Defence Lawyer.

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