Areas of Practice
Criminal Law
Clear, Strategic Defence When Your Future Is at Stake
Being charged with a criminal offence can affect your freedom, employment, relationships, and reputation. At Forrest Law Practice, we provide clear legal advice and practical, focused representation to help you understand the allegations against you, protect your rights, and make informed decisions at every stage of the process.
Every criminal matter is different. We take the time to understand your circumstances, review the evidence, explain your options in plain language, and develop a defence strategy suited to your case.
Criminal Defence Services
Advice After an Arrest or Charge
The decisions you make immediately after an arrest or criminal charge can have lasting consequences. We can explain your rights, the court process, your release conditions, and the steps you should take to protect your position.
Bail and Release Hearings
We assist clients seeking release from custody and provide guidance concerning bail plans, sureties, release conditions, and alleged breaches of those conditions.
Court Appearances and Case Management
Criminal proceedings can involve multiple appearances, disclosure reviews, discussions with the Crown, pre-trial proceedings, and other procedural requirements. We help clients understand what is happening and ensure their matter moves forward appropriately.
Negotiated Resolutions
When resolving a matter without a trial is in the client’s best interests, we engage with the Crown and explore available options. Any proposed resolution is carefully reviewed with the client so they understand its immediate and long-term implications.
Trials and Sentencing
When a matter proceeds to trial, we provide focused advocacy and challenge the prosecution’s case. We also represent clients during sentencing proceedings and present the circumstances and legal considerations relevant to a fair outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have been charged with a criminal offence?
Speak with a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. Keep all documents provided by the police or court, follow your release conditions carefully, and avoid discussing the allegations with anyone other than your lawyer.
Does being charged mean I will have a criminal record?
No. A charge is not the same as a conviction. The outcome will depend on the evidence, the applicable law, and the circumstances of your case.
What is disclosure?
Disclosure is the information and evidence the prosecution intends to rely upon. It can include police notes, witness statements, photographs, video, and other records. Reviewing disclosure is an important part of assessing the case and developing a defence strategy.
Can criminal charges be withdrawn?
Charges may be withdrawn or otherwise resolved in some circumstances, but this depends on the evidence, the nature of the allegations, and discussions with the Crown. A lawyer can assess the available options after reviewing your case.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your charging documents, release paperwork, upcoming court information, and any other relevant records. It is also helpful to prepare a brief timeline and a list of questions.
A Defence Strategy Built Around Your Circumstances
A criminal charge is an allegation—not a conviction. You have the right to understand the case against you and receive legal advice before making important decisions.
At Forrest Law Practice, our approach includes:
- Reviewing the allegations and available disclosure
- Identifying legal, factual, and procedural issues
- Explaining possible outcomes and next steps
- Developing a strategy based on your priorities
- Providing direct, responsive communication
- Advocating for your rights throughout the proceeding
Why Choose Forrest Law Practice?
Clear Legal Guidance
We explain the criminal process and your available options in straightforward language.
Individual Attention
Your defence is developed around the evidence, your circumstances, and the outcome you are seeking.
Practical Strategy
We provide honest advice and pursue a thoughtful, results-focused approach at every stage.
Local Representation
Based in Oshawa, Forrest Law Practice assists clients throughout Durham Region, Toronto, and surrounding Ontario communities.
Speak With a Criminal Lawyer
Criminal proceedings can move quickly, and early legal advice can help you avoid preventable mistakes. Contact Forrest Law Practice to discuss your situation, understand your options, and determine the next steps.
Our team
Meet our award-winning team
Sherine Forrest
Founder • Wills, Estates, Real Estate & Family Law
Sherine Forrest is a licensed Ontario lawyer with an international background and a client-first approach. She helps families and individuals make confident decisions in estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, and family law matters.
Specialties:
Wills & Estates
Real Estate Law
Family Law
Professional background:
Ontario legal education and licensing
International legal experience
Estate planning, probate, real estate, and family law focus
Client Care Team
Support • Intake, Scheduling & Client Communication
Our team keeps communication clear, files organized, and consultations running smoothly so clients can focus on what matters most.
Specialties:
Client onboarding
Document coordination
Matter tracking and follow-up
Professional background:
Legal administration experience
Client service and case coordination
Law office operations support
Sherine Forrest
Founder • Forrest Law Practice
Sherine brings a calm, practical, and compassionate approach to every file. She takes time to understand each client's goals and delivers clear advice they can rely on.
Specialties:
Wills & Estates
Real Estate Law
Family Law
Professional background:
Licensed Ontario lawyer
International background and client-centered practice
Serving Oshawa and the Durham/Toronto region
Property Team
Support • Real Estate Closings
Our real estate support helps buyers, sellers, and lenders move through transactions with confidence, from agreement review to closing day.
Specialties:
Residential purchases and sales
Mortgage refinances and title transfers
Closing support and document review
Professional background:
Real estate transaction support
Property law and closing coordination
Client service across Ontario closings
Family Law Team
Support • Family Law Intake
Family law matters are handled with care, clear communication, and a solutions-focused process that respects each client's circumstances.
Specialties:
Separation agreements
Child custody and parenting arrangements
Child support and spousal support
Professional background:
Family law client support
Case coordination and documents
Appointment scheduling and follow-up
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about our legal services
What legal services does Forrest Law Practice provide?
We focus on Wills & Estates, Real Estate Law, and Family Law, including estate planning, probate, powers of attorney, residential closings, separation agreements, and parenting arrangements.
Do you help clients across Oshawa and the Durham Region?
Yes. We assist clients in Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Toronto, Markham, and surrounding Ontario communities.
Can Sherine help with both straightforward and complex matters?
Absolutely. Sherine provides practical legal guidance tailored to your situation, whether you need a will, a property transfer, or advice on a family law issue.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any relevant documents, a list of questions, and a summary of your goals so we can offer clear next steps from the start.
How do I get started?
Call our office, email Sherine, or book a consultation to discuss your legal concern and how we can help.