V. Singh Professional Corporation
St. Catharines Criminal Defence Lawyers
About Us
At V. Singh Professional Corporation, we attempt to bring a human element to criminal defence which starts with clear communication. We will take the time to hear your story, address your concerns and answer your questions. We will provide a candid assessment of what you can expect as we help you navigate the criminal justice system.
Our firm is proud of the fact that a large percentage of our clients have been referred by other individuals who we have represented in the past or by colleagues in the legal community. We hope that you will entrust us to handle your case.
We are equipped to handle your case at any stage from your arrest to its conclusion in either the Ontario Court of Justice or the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. This includes, but is not limited to, attending bail hearings, varying terms of your release, negotiating with the Crown for successful resolutions, advocating your Charter rights, and/or litigation at trial.
While we accept all Legal Aid certificates from those that qualify, we understand that many individuals may not receive the assistance of Legal Aid and may not have the financial resources available to provide a substantial private retainer upfront. Our office is happy to provide flexible payment arrangements to those who demonstrate financial need.
Services
We handle a full spectrum of cases from minor offences to serious and complex matters under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, as well as the Cannabis Act. This includes:
- Thefts and property offences
- Driving offences
- Drug offences
- Gun offences
- Violent offences
- Sexual offences
- And more...
Vijai Singh
PrincipalVijai graduated with a law degree from Queen’s University in 1993 and focused his legal expertise in criminal law. Since opening his practice in the Niagara Region, he has been a strong proponent of legal rights for Indigenous members of our community and a supporter of our local Native Centres.
Vijai has argued cases before the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Appeal. He is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association and is on the Ontario Legal Aid Panel for Criminal Law (including Gladue and Extremely Serious Matters).
In his spare time, Vijai is an avid enthusiast of the culinary arts leading him to create his own pepper sauce brand from locally grown peppers.
Scott Buchanan
Associate LawyerAfter completing a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Drama and Communication Studies at the University of Windsor, Scott Buchanan continued his studies and graduated with a dual Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. He was called to the bar in January 2015. Scott joined V. Singh Professional Corporation in March 2019. Before joining our firm, Scott worked as a general practicing lawyer for four years in Simcoe, Ontario.
Scott has been a volunteer with the Rotoract Club of Norfolk County, the Charter Project and a board member for the United Way of Haldimand and Norfolk. When not practicing law, he has been involved in several independent theatre productions in the Hamilton area.
Edward Booker
Bookkeeper / Law ClerkEd started working for our firm in 2000 as a co-op student. He graduated from Niagara College in 2001 with a Law Clerk diploma.
Ed is primarily responsibly for our financial and bookkeeping services but provides legal assistance when required. He often communicates with clients regarding financial and Legal Aid matters.
In his spare time he enjoys attending local markets.
Ashley Galbraith
Law Clerk / Executive AssistantAshley has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as an Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in Labour Studies from Brock University. She often focused her academic coursework on social justice and equality issues.
Ashley is an executive legal assistant and law clerk in our office. She has a combined ten years of legal assistant experience working for our firm, the local Niagara Crown Attorney’s Office, as well as the North Vancouver Crown Counsel office. Through this depth of experience, she is very adept in case management practices and communicating legal processes with clients.
Ashley enjoys travelling in her spare time.
Contact Us
Note that by using the form below does not establish a solicitor-client relationship. For urgent matters, please call our office instead of sending an email.
By Phone, Mail, or Email
Phone Number
Location
63 Church Street, Unit #401 St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 3C4
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COVID-19 Notice
To adhere to local, provincial, and federal health guidelines our office has taken certain precautions including limiting the number of people coming into our office. For the time being, our office is conducting telephone client meetings, unless an essential in-person meeting is required.
The Ontario courts have been constantly evolving to adapt to the current crisis. We strongly encourage all clients to contact the office by phone or email if they have concerns about how their case may be affected. All current COVID-19 directives issued by the courts can be found on the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice websites.
Please do not physically attend our office except for pre-arranged meetings.
Masks are required to be worn inside our office at all times.
Take the self-assessment prior to attending your scheduled appointment.