Andrew Bigioni

Hamilton Criminal Defence Lawyer

Are you or a loved one facing criminal charges in Hamilton or nearby communities like Stoney Creek, Dundas, or Ancaster? Find general information about what you can expect here.

John Sopinka Courthouse

The John Sopinka Courthouse at 45 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 2B7 houses both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice for Hamilton. Adult criminal matters from Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Hamilton Mountain are heard here.

  • First appearances: Courtroom 204, typically 9:00 a.m. Most are virtual by Zoom.
  • Case management court (adult): Courtroom 204, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
  • Domestic matters: Courtroom 204 on Fridays; Courtroom 300 on Friday mornings.
  • Bail and overnight arrests: Courtroom 326, Monday to Friday.
  • Check your court date: ontariocourtdates.ca, lists post after 4:00 p.m. the day before.
  • Courthouse (criminal office): 905-645-5252
  • Hamilton Crown Attorney's office: 905-645-5262
  • Duty counsel: 905-528-0387 ext. 12
  • Legal Aid Ontario, Hamilton: 905-522-5963
  • Getting there: Main St E at John St, downtown Hamilton. Paid parking nearby; Hamilton GO Centre is a 10-minute walk.

Official page: Ontario Court of Justice, Hamilton (John Sopinka)

About Us

Andrew Bigioni

Personal Commitment to Every Client.

Andrew Bigioni founded Bigioni Law on the belief that every person accused of a crime is entitled to both an expert defence and caring, compassionate treatment from their lawyer.

To that end, Andrew has achieved successes for clients at all levels of court in Ontario, including trials and appeals, via a rare combination of exceptional written and oral advocacy. Andrew’s notable cases include allegations of sexual assault, drug offences, firearms offences, and other criminal charges. Andrew is most proud of achieving leading results while preserving ironclad client care, including fair billing.

If you choose Bigioni Law, you can rest assured that Andrew will personally handle your case - and uphold these values.

Our track record speaks for itself.

10+

Years Experience

Over a decade of wins in pre-trial, trials, and appeals.

100+

Trials and Motions Argued

An established reputation for commanding a jury’s attention.

225+

Cases Solved Pre-Trial

Skilled in quickly resolving cases without requiring a trial.

75+

Sexual Assault Cases Won

Sought out by clients and other lawyers for expertise.

Charges we defend in Hamilton

Bigioni Law Logo Seal White
Here to defend you.

If you or one of your loved ones are facing criminal charges, reach out to us for help.

1
Assault & Domestic Assault

Including charges involving family, intimate partners, and others.

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2
Armed Robbery

Representations in cases alleging the involvement of weapons or violence.

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3
Sexual Assault

Defending clients charged under s. 271 of the Criminal Code, among others.

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4
Trafficking & P4P Narcotics

Charges under CDSA for trafficking and related allegations.

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5
Importing Narcotics

Detail-oriented representation against charges of cross-border drug importation.

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6
Aggravated Assault

Allegations involving wounding, maiming, or other factors.

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7
Homicide

Defence in first-degree, second-degree, and manslaughter homicide charges.

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8
Complex Litigation

Our expertise includes Charter challenges, multi-accused trials, and other areas.

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9
Aggravated Sexual Assault

Cases alleging serious bodily harm, the use of weapons, or other factors.

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10
Kidnapping

Counsel on allegations of abduction, forcible confinement, and more.

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11
Impaired Driving

Allegations of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

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What happens after you're charged in Hamilton

1
Release from police custody.

Most people charged in Hamilton are released by police on an appearance notice or an undertaking, with a date to appear at the John Sopinka Courthouse. If police hold you instead, your bail hearing happens in Courtroom 326, often the next day. A bail hearing is the single most important hearing to have a lawyer at.

2
First appearance.

Usually in Courtroom 204 at 9:00 a.m., by Zoom. Nothing is decided at this appearance; the Crown typically provides initial disclosure and the case is adjourned. If you've retained counsel, you generally don't need to attend: Andrew Bigioni appears on behalf of his clients. If you haven't, you must attend yourself.

3
Disclosure review.

Your lawyer's first real look at the Crown's case against you: Hamilton Police reports, witness statements, video, and more. The Crown must hand over its relevant evidence, whether it helps or hurts their case. We review every file for Charter breaches and evidentiary weaknesses.

4
Crown pre-trial.

A meeting between your lawyer and the Hamilton Crown to discuss your case. This is where many charges are withdrawn, diverted, or reduced. Bigioni Law prepares for this meeting as seriously as for trial, because a strong position here can end a case without an extended public trial.

5
Judicial pre-trial.

If your case is heading toward trial, a judge-led conference known as a judicial pre-trial comes first, to narrow the issues and set the trial time. Even at this stage, your case may still be resolved on terms you accept, before any trial begins. Bigioni Law advises clients of all available options throughout the process.

6
Trial or resolution.

Most criminal cases in Hamilton end without a trial, through withdrawn charges, a peace bond, diversion, or a negotiated plea. If yours doesn’t, it proceeds to a trial, where the Crown must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Either way, your defence counsel will be there to support you.

Bigioni Law represents clients charged anywhere in the City of Hamilton and its amalgamated communities: Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster, Waterdown and Flamborough, Binbrook and Glanbrook, and the Hamilton Mountain. Charges laid by Hamilton Police Service, the OPP in Hamilton, or by federal agencies at the Port of Hamilton all proceed at the John Sopinka Courthouse.

The Bigioni
Difference

Bigioni Law is led by Andrew Bigioni, a top Ontario criminal lawyer. Andrew handles all cases personally, so you can get the care and expertise you deserve.

Charged in Hamilton?

Talk to Andrew today. Call (647) 526-9850 or submit our contact form for a confidential consultation.