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Your Trusted Criminal Law Team in Kitchener-Waterloo
At Ritter Harvey Law, our lawyers bring a wealth of experience, courtroom skill, and commitment to every client we represent. We specialize solely in criminal law, regulatory offences, and Highway Traffic Act violations, offering strategic defense in Kitchener-Waterloo and throughout southern Ontario. With over 55 years of combined experience, our team includes former Crown Attorney professionals who understand how prosecutions build cases. We pride ourselves on thorough preparation, precise legal analysis, and courtroom confidence, treating each client with respect while building personalized defenses.Our practice covers violent offences, sexual offences, drug charges, driving offences, property crimes, and administration of justice matters. We are respected in Ontario courtrooms from Kitchener to Toronto, providing compassionate advocacy that protects clients' rights, freedom, and future. Our approach combines technical expertise with discreet guidance, particularly for sensitive cases involving domestic violence, sexual allegations, or youth offences. Early legal intervention remains critical in all criminal matters, and we stand ready to begin building your defense immediately.
Services
Violent Offences Defense
Sexual Offences Defense
Drug Offences Defense
Driving Offences Defense
Property Crime Defense
Theft Charges Defense
Breach of Probation Defense
Weapons Charges Defense
Youth Offences Defense
Bail Hearings Representation
Highlights and features
- We have over 55 years of combined experience in criminal defense
- Our team includes former Crown Attorney professionals with prosecution insight
- We provide discreet, non-judgmental guidance for sensitive cases
- Our lawyers have extensive trial experience in judge and jury settings
- We offer compassionate, client-focused advocacy across all charges
What people say
Compassionate, non-judgmental guidance
Discreet, non-judgmental guidance
Strategic courtroom confidence
Thorough preparation
Successful outcomes
Services
Violent Offences Defense
We defend clients against violent crime charges including assault, domestic violence, robbery, and homicide. Our team employs thorough preparation and courtroom confidence to build customized legal strategies. With extensive trial experience, we challenge evidence and protect clients' rights in Kitchener-Waterloo and southern Ontario courtrooms.
Sexual Offences Defense
Our discreet legal representation addresses sexual assault, interference, and exploitation charges. We analyze technical evidence while providing non-judgmental guidance for sensitive cases. With former Crown Attorney insight, we challenge prosecution strategies and protect clients' privacy and reputation across southwestern Ontario.
Drug Offences Defense
We defend all drug-related charges from possession to trafficking and production. Our team challenges unlawful search and seizure while exploring diversion options for first-time offenders. With deep understanding of Charter breaches, we protect clients' rights in complex drug investigations throughout Ontario.
Driving Offences Defense
Our experienced representation addresses impaired driving, over 80 charges, and dangerous driving allegations. We analyze technical evidence including breathalyzer results while challenging procedural violations. We help clients protect driving privileges and minimize long-term consequences across Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Property Crime Defense
We defend theft, fraud, and mischief charges while exploring alternative resolutions for first-time offenders. Our team examines evidence collection processes and challenges intent requirements. We provide strategic defense for both low-level and complex property crime allegations throughout southern Ontario.
People
Bruce Ritter
Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer
With decades of criminal defense experience, Bruce Ritter provides strategic courtroom representation. His former Crown Attorney insight helps challenge prosecution cases effectively. He focuses on protecting clients' rights through thorough preparation and confident advocacy.
Sarah Harvey
Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer
Sarah Harvey offers compassionate legal representation with deep understanding of sensitive criminal matters. Her experience includes defending sexual offences and drug charges while maintaining client privacy. She provides non-judgmental guidance throughout legal proceedings.
Amanda Boughner
Law Clerk
Amanda Boughner supports legal proceedings with detailed case preparation and client communication. Her role ensures smooth case management while maintaining professional standards in all documentation and court procedures.
Taylor Levert
Summer Law Student
Taylor Levert assists with legal research and case preparation under senior lawyer supervision. Their emerging legal knowledge contributes to comprehensive defense strategies while gaining practical courtroom experience.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize exclusively in criminal law, including violent offences, sexual offences, drug charges, driving violations, property crimes, and administration of justice matters.
Do you handle cases outside Kitchener-Waterloo?
Yes, we represent clients throughout southern Ontario in cities including Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Woodstock, and Hamilton.
How do you handle sensitive cases?
We provide discreet, non-judgmental representation for all charges, maintaining client privacy while building effective defense strategies tailored to individual circumstances.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept various payment methods which you can discuss directly with our office staff when scheduling your initial consultation.
Can first-time offenders get charges dismissed?
We explore diversion programs, conditional discharges, and evidence challenges to help first-time offenders avoid criminal records when possible.
Reviews (4)
Becky Gavin
Jan 14, 2021
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Critical:Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Did not have a positive experience at all with Sarah Harvey. I will never use her services again. I did not feel well represented and the communication was poor for the cost.
Did not have a positive experience at all with Sarah Harvey. I will never use her services again. I did not feel well represented and the communication was poor for the cost.
Cf Cf
Jun 10, 2019
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After a 6 year criminal trial process and 2 very highly recommended lawyers (one from Hamilton and the other from Toronto), both asked me to take the easy way out and plead out. I didnt commit the crime I was charged for and refused to plea to something I absolutely did not do. With a trial date set and not having a lawyer, I met with a few different lawyers before meeting Bruce. Once I met Bruce, he thoroughly explained his trial experience and never once suggested I take a plea and he never doubted my innocence. Even though there were hills to climb, we worked together to prepare my defence
Frank Osz
Jan 18, 2019
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A great lawyer! Well prepared and will work hard on your behalf! Takes the time to explain everything that needs to be known in terms of court proceedings. I am happy I chose him for my case! He is reasonably priced, very good and very well prepared! The best you can find!
Dan Clarke
Jan 05, 2019
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Friendly and down to earth personality. Willing to patiently explain to you the court workings and procedures. Will provide maximum effort on your behalf. Is known by judges and Crown prosecutors because of his years of service which is also advantageous. Reasonably priced.
