5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Winnipeg That Thrive in High-Pressure Moments
When my neighbor’s son faced minor criminal charges last year for shoplifting, it was a very stressful time for them. Heck, it was nerve-wracking even for me, who was just watching from the sidelines!
The difference came when they hired a top-tier counsel. Seeing how the case was expertly handled showed me how important it is to have the right legal support.
Since the city has some truly skilled attorneys, I really had to go over various offices with a fine-toothed comb. Based on my research, here are the top criminal defense lawyers in Winnipeg who win really tough cases.
How much do criminal defense lawyers charge in Winnipeg?
In Winnipeg, criminal defense lawyers charge $150 to $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case. Some lawyers offer flat fees for minor charges like shoplifting, which can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
More serious or complex cases, such as assault or fraud, can run much higher, sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars.
1. Joshua Rogala
Address: 155 Carlton St #1640
Phone: +1 204-770-6268
Business hours:
- Open 24/7 hours
With over 10 years of experience, Joshua Rogala doesn’t just know the law; he understands the people behind the cases.
Youth crimes are what he handles best, ranging from DUIs all the way to murder. His approach is to protect the future of charged teens, aged 12 to 17, while giving them a fair shot in the justice system.
In the courtroom, he has successfully argued and won numerous trials and motions in Manitoba’s Provincial Court of King’s Bench and the Manitoba Court of Appeal.
But we think it’s equally impressive that he can negotiate behind the scenes. Many of his clients have had their charges withdrawn altogether, even in cases involving multiple serious allegations.
If you’re considering reaching out, the good news is you can receive a free consultation. The only catch is that he’s in high demand—snagging a slot might be hard.
Charges against me were dropped entirely
“I contacted Joshua about my case, and he was professional, knowledgeable, and reassuring. What stood out most was his honesty and his ability to explain every step of the legal process clearly. He never overpromised, but he absolutely delivered. Thanks to Joshua’s experience and strategic approach, the charges against me were dropped entirely. If you’re looking for a lawyer, you’ll surely be in good hands. I’m beyond grateful for what he did for me.” — Vinay Shetty, Google Review
Convinced the prosecutor to withdraw charges
“I am extremely grateful to Joshua Rogala for his services. I had some serious domestic violence charges laid against me. Josh managed to navigate the case through the court diversion process and convince the prosecutor to withdraw charges without entering a stay of proceedings. Very professional and patient lawyer.” — Dmytro Tatur, Google Review
2. Mat Schwartz
Address: 155 Carlton St #1640
Phone: +1 204-815-8098
Business hours:
- Open 24/7 hours
Mat Schwartz exclusively practices criminal defense, garnering advocacy awards like the Archibald S. Dewar Prize along the way.
As you get to know his work, you’ll see why people trust him with complex cases. For example, he’s known for managing drug-related charges—from small possession cases to major trafficking operations.
His expertise also extends to domestic and violent offense cases. This is no small feat since these he-said-she-said matters typically require sensitivity and tact.
Unlike other lawyers, he offers emergency assistance. If you or someone you care about is taken into police custody, you can call his 24-hour line and speak with an on-call law student who can help guide the next steps.
Convenience aside, there’s a small caveat to consider. We came across isolated reports of unresolved paid cases.
Achieved the BEST RESULT possible
“Working with Mat Schwartz was an absolute pleasure. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of my case. I found him to be a master of communication with me as we went through the entire process, especially as this was my 1st and only criminal experience. I am very happy to be able to move forward with my life as Mat guaranteed this by achieving the BEST RESULT possible!!! Thank you, Mat Schwartz!!” — justin paddock, Google Review
My case had the best possible outcome
“I can’t thank Mat Schwartz enough for their help. They were professional, understanding, and truly cared about my situation. They guided me through every step with patience and skill, always making sure I understood what was happening. Thanks to their dedication, my case had the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Mat Schwartz to anyone in need of an honest and hardworking lawyer.” — Jacinto Guerra, Google Review
3. Jeffrey J. Gindin
Address: 386 Broadway #504
Phone: +1 204-985-8191
Business hours:
- Open 24/7 hours
Gindin Wiebe Segal Law is led by Jeff Gindin, one of Canada’s most experienced lawyers, with over five decades under his belt. He’s also a proud holder of the legal world’s version of a lifetime achievement badge: the King’s Counsel designation.
He handles both criminal defense and immigration law. That combination is especially valuable for non-citizens facing criminal charges.
One offense his team typically manages is impaired driving. Since these are often won on police errors, they look at tiny technicalities that can have the case dismissed.
Assault charges are another forte—they aim to protect not just your rights but also your criminal records, since they understand how much that can affect your future.
As polished as their defense work is, we’ve heard that Jeff rarely answers calls.
Excellent criminal defence lawyer
“Jeffrey Gindin is an excellent criminal defence lawyer in the city of Winnipeg. He looked after my matter with complete professionalism and care. We ended up going to trial, and Mr. Gindin was able to articulate the important points of my case to the judge. In the end I was acquitted and could not be happier with the representation I received. Thanks again Mr. Gindin!” — Russell Douglas, Google Review
He is very detailed and thorough
“Jeffrey Gindin is an exceptional defence lawyer. He is very detailed and thorough. He solved my problem very fast ty so much 👍”— Irit Kahalon, Google Review
4. Jessie S. Brar
Address: 444 St Mary Ave #1450
Phone: +1 204-996-8080
Business hours:
- Open 24/7 hours
As a partner at Steigerwald Hodge Pinx & Brar, Jessie S. Brar specializes in criminal defense and can serve clients in Punjabi, English, and Hindi. He also has a strong appellate practice, with wins before the Manitoba Court of Appeal.
What makes his skill set more impressive is his expertise in pre-trial applications for sexual assault cases. He knows how to navigate these with precision, making sure the process is fair.
To build on that, his knowledge covers search warrants and wiretaps, where technical missteps by the police can change the case’s direction. Still, for some clients, his analytical approach might feel a bit intense compared to a hand-holding style.
He even accepts Legal Aid certificates on a case-by-case basis. For us, he’s a practical choice, especially for clients with varying budgets.
Worked very hard to prove our innocence
“We are very thankful to Mr. Jessie Brar, the lawyer who fought for us against the false allegations against our name. He did an amazing job and worked very hard to prove our innocence. Within just 3 months, he found the real criminal and resolved our case successfully. His professionalism, dedication, and knowledge are truly impressive. We highly recommend Mr. Jessie Brar to anyone looking for a trustworthy and skilled lawyer.” — Jasmeen Kaur, Google Review
Always had my best interests in mind
“I had a great experience with Jessie S. Brar, Criminal Defence Lawyer. He handled my case amazingly and showed incredible professionalism throughout. Jessie always replied to my calls and messages, making sure I felt supported and informed every step of the way. He took the time to explain everything clearly and always had my best interests in mind. His dedication, responsiveness, and expertise make him someone I would strongly recommend to anyone in need of legal representation.” — Kapil, Google Review
5. Saul Simmonds
Address: 363 Broadway
Phone: +1 204-560-5000
Business hours:
- Open 24/7 hours
Simmonds and Associates was founded by Saul Simmonds, who has been around for four decades. His firm has gained a solid rep, even receiving the Award of Merit for Excellence in the Practice of Criminal Defence Law.
That reputation carries over to defending complex drug cases, including his recent work under Canada’s 2018 Cannabis Act. He knows how to navigate the tricky terrain of modern drug law, whether it’s possession or trafficking.
Beyond drug offenses, he has carved a niche in Internet crimes. His team represents clients with a wide assortment of digital offenses, like identity theft or hacking.
If you want to take the plunge, they offer a free initial consultation. But their services can be pricey, given Saul’s experience and accolades.
Worth every penny for his counsel
“Mr. Simmonds is a great man running a great firm. Worth every penny for his counsel.” — Andrew G, Google Review
The caliber of this team is simply unmatched
“The caliber of this team is simply unmatched. The humanity and dedication that I saw from them felt like they were fighting for one of their own. Saul, Jessie, and the rest of their team are the people you want fighting alongside you.” — Jeremiah Soriano, Google Review