Andrew Bigioni

Niagara Falls Criminal Defence Lawyer

Are you or a loved one facing criminal charges in Niagara Falls or nearby communities like Chippawa, Thorold, or Niagara-on-the-Lake? Find general information about what you can expect here.

Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse

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There is no criminal courthouse in Niagara Falls. Charges laid by Niagara Regional Police in Niagara Falls are heard at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, 59 Church St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7N8, which houses both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice for the northern half of Niagara Region. Though with virtual case management, you may never need to make the trip.

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  • Case management court (adult): Courtroom 3, virtual by Zoom. Counsel matters at 9:00 a.m.; Legal Aid and self-represented matters at 10:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
  • Plea courts: In person unless a judicial official directs otherwise.
  • Bail: In-custody bail hearings are held at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, typically the day after arrest.
  • Superior Court of Justice: 74 Woolwich Street.
  • Check your court date: ontariocourtdates.ca, lists post after 4:00 p.m. the day before.
  • Courthouse: 905-988-6200
  • St. Catharines Crown Attorney's office: 905-685-4293
  • Duty counsel: 905-685-8695
  • Getting there from Niagara Falls: Church St at James St, downtown St. Catharines, about 20 minutes by car via the QEW or Highway 405. Paid parking nearby.

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Official page: Ontario Court of Justice, St. Catharines

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 Niagara Falls

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 Niagara Falls

1
Release from police custody.

Most people charged in Niagara Falls are released by police on an appearance notice or an undertaking, with a date to appear at the St. Catharines Courthouse. If police hold you instead, your bail hearing happens at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines, often the next day. A bail hearing is the single most important hearing to have a lawyer at.

2
First appearance.

Usually in Courtroom 3 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: Niagara Regional 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 Niagara 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 Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls, Chippawa, Stamford and the tourist district along Clifton Hill are policed by Niagara Regional Police and the Niagara Parks Police, and prosecuted by the St. Catharines Crown. Bigioni Law represents clients charged anywhere in northern Niagara — Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lincoln, Grimsby and West Lincoln — all of which proceed at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse. Charges laid by CBSA at the Rainbow Bridge or Queenston–Lewiston crossings also proceed in St. Catharines.

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 Niagara Falls?

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