Mark Halfyard

Mark Halfyard is the senior appellate lawyer at Daniel Brown Law LLP, based in Toronto, Ontario. With extensive experience in the legal field, Mark focuses on Appellate Practice and Criminal Defence.

He earned his B.A. in legal studies and political science from Carleton University in 2001, graduating with honors. Mark subsequently received his LL.B. cum laude from the University of Ottawa, where he completed a clerkship with the Regional Senior Judge of the Ontario Superior Court.

The Law Society of Ontario has recognized Mark for his proficiency in criminal law. With fewer than 100 certified criminal practitioners in Ontario, this certification highlights his deep understanding and dedication to maintaining high standards of professional practice.

Mark is well-known for his appellate work, having represented clients in over 200 appeals at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. His practice also extends to the Superior Court of Justice, Federal courts, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Mark has managed appeals concerning serious charges like murder, drug offences, impaired driving, sexual offences, fraud, firearms, and abduction, among others.

With a keen interest in cases involving racial bias and Charter violations, Mark is committed to upholding procedural fairness within the criminal justice system. He is a strong advocate for protecting individual rights throughout the appeal process.

At the Supreme Court of Canada, Mark has argued on critical issues such as the role of drug recognition experts (DREs), the right to trial within a reasonable time, mandatory minimum sentences, improper Crown practices in jury selection, and the presumption of innocence. Additionally, Mark defends in-custody clients' rights to adequate food, full and fair disclosure, and challenges against false confessions.

Mark co-authored "Criminal Appeals: A Practitioner’s Handbook" (Emond Publishing) and contributes regularly to discussions on criminal law and appellate issues through published articles. He is frequently consulted by media outlets for his insights.

Mark is the Toronto Director of the Criminal Lawyers' Association (CLA) and contributes to committees such as Professional Regulation, Media Relations, and the Litigation Committee, which engages in interventions at the Supreme Court of Canada. He is also a board member of the Pro bono Inmate Appeal Program, assisting unrepresented appellants at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and volunteers with Innocence Canada.

As an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, Mark teaches criminal law within the Masters in Law Program (LL.M.). He has taught courses on organized crime, constitutional law, evidence, and oral advocacy at institutions, including the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Mark frequently participates as a guest lecturer at legal conferences.

Mark is committed to diligent representation in appellate matters before the Superior Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada. His dedication offers hope that a criminal conviction does not have to be the end of the road.