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Criminal - Appeals - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel. R. v. M.Z.
In R. v. M.Z. (Ont CA, 2026) the Ontario Court of Appeal allowed an appeal, this brought against "two counts of sexual assault, and one count of forcible confinement".
The court considers 'right to silence' tactical decisions, here in an ineffective assistance of counsel context:(2) The Choice to Testify
[40] The appellant’s second complaint is that trial counsel failed to advise him of his right not to testify.
[41] Trial counsel must clearly inform the client that they may choose whether or not to testify. This, too, is a fundamental decision about the conduct of the defence: G.D.B., at para. 34.
[42] Effective representation by counsel includes advice as to whether or not to testify and a review of the advantages and disadvantages of testifying in language that the accused person understands: R. v. D.A., 2020 ONCA 738, 396 C.C.C. (3d) 151, at paras. 32-33. Defence counsel are ethically bound to discuss the decision to testify and must obtain instructions from their clients about the client’s choice: Archer, at para. 139; G.D.B., at para. 34.
[43] A client cannot make an informed decision to testify unless they understand what is at stake: D.A., at para. 33. Counsel should document that discussion: D.A., at para. 33.
[44] In most cases, the accused must also demonstrate that there is a “reasonable possibility” the accused would have acted differently: White, at paras. 7 to 8; and Zock, at para. 61. This can be established by showing subjective prejudice.
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[51] The appellant has established the factual and performance components of his allegations of ineffective assistance. He has also met the prejudice component: since the accused was not advised of the advantages and disadvantages of testifying, this is a case where the circumstances raise sufficient concerns about trial fairness as to lead to a miscarriage of justice: G.D.B., at para. 34; White, at para. 7. Trial fairness was undermined here, resulting in a miscarriage of justice because trial counsel provided no advice or advice that was deficient such that the appellant was effectively precluded from making an informed choice about a fundamental decision affecting his defence: R. v. J.N.N., 2025 YKCA 11, at para. 61; R. v. Mehl, 2021 BCCA 264, at para. 145; K.K.M., at para. 91; Stark, at para. 20. . R. v. M.Z.
In R. v. M.Z. (Ont CA, 2026) the Ontario Court of Appeal allowed an appeal, this brought against "two counts of sexual assault, and one count of forcible confinement".
Here the court considers 'ineffective assistance from counsel' issues:[2] He appeals his conviction pursuant to ss. 686 (1)(a)(iii), (2)(b) and (5)(a) of the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, on the basis that he received ineffective assistance from counsel. He also seeks an order admitting fresh evidence on his appeal against conviction.
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[4] On this appeal, the appellant claims that his trial counsel failed to explain, advise, or obtain his instructions regarding (i) his right to a trial by jury; (ii) his right not to testify, knowing that no adverse inference could be drawn should he decide not to testify; and (iii) his right to appear at trial in person rather than remotely. He also claims that his trial counsel failed to develop a trial strategy or conduct a proper cross-examination of the complainant on important issues, and had he done so, the verdict may have been different.
[5] The appellant therefore claims that these failures on the part of his trial counsel denied him a fair trial, resulting in a miscarriage of justice. Trial fairness may be undermined where an appellant has been denied the right to make fundamental and important decisions about his defence: R. v. G.D.B., 2000 SCC 22, [2000] 1 S.C.R. 520, at para. 34; R. v. White, 2022 SCC 7, [2022] 1 S.C.R. 64, at para. 7. These decisions include the rights in issue on this appeal: the right to a trial by jury; the right not to testify; and the right to appear in person at trial.
[6] He seeks to set aside his convictions and obtain an order for a new trial before judge and jury.
[7] It is clear from the record that trial counsel did not follow best practices in the following ways:a) Trial counsel never entered into a written retainer agreement with the appellant, and accepted several cash payments from the appellant over a period of two and one half years but seldom provided the appellant with contemporaneous receipts. He continued to do so even after being cautioned by Schreck J. for similar conduct in a separate legal proceeding in June 2023[2];
b) Trial counsel acknowledged that his “recordkeeping in this case was poor”. There was no written record, dockets or work product to confirm his review of the disclosure, discussions and advice to the appellant, or instructions received from the appellant; and
c) Trial counsel acknowledged on cross-examination that the appellant was unfamiliar with Canadian law and was “often confused” when asked basic questions throughout the retainer. There was therefore an enhanced need to explain, communicate and receive instructions. ....
II. THE TEST TO ESTABLISH INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
[14] The right to effective assistance of counsel is constitutionally protected. It is a principle of fundamental justice, and part of the right to a fair trial: G.D.B., at para. 24; Joanisse at p. 57.
[15] In addressing allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel, an appellant must establish: (i) the facts on which the claim of incompetence is based, on a balance of probabilities (the factual component); (ii) trial counsel’s representation fell below the standard of reasonableness expected of a lawyer (the performance component); and (iii) a miscarriage of justice resulted from the incompetence (the prejudice component): R. v. Zock, 2025 ONCA 483, 450 C.C.C. (3d) 459, at para. 4; R. v. Fiorilli, 2021 ONCA 461, 156 O.R. (3d) 582, at para. 48; R. v. K.K.M., 2020 ONCA 736, at para. 55; and Joanisse, at p. 59.
[16] Allegations of incompetence must be assessed in light of the strong presumption that trial counsel was competent: Fiorilli, at para. 51. This is because “the confidential nature of the relationship between a lawyer and [their] client can make it easy for the client to make all kinds of unfounded allegations against [their] former lawyer”: R. v. Archer, (2005), 2005 CanLII 36444 (ON CA), 202 C.C.C. (3d) 60 (Ont. C.A.), at para. 141.
[17] However, the absence of written instructions is “in tension with ‘the strong presumption of competence in favour of counsel’”: R. v. Kaczmarek, 2021 ONCA 771, 407 C.C.C. (3d) 34, at para. 54.
[18] Written instructions may resolve competing claims on appeal: see e.g. Archer, at para. 143; R. v. Wells (2001), 2001 CanLII 24130 (ON CA), 139 O.A.C. 356 (C.A.), at para. 61.
[19] The failure to obtain written instructions is a question of professional prudence, not incompetence. However, a lawyer who fails to obtain written instructions risks exposure to unfounded allegations of unprofessionalism, and the failure to obtain written instructions may undercut trial counsel’s attempts to defend against those claims: R. v. R.W., 2023 ONCA 250, 167 O.R. (3d) 1, at para. 24; R. v. Trought, 2021 ONCA 379, 156 O.R. (3d) 481, at paras. 76-77; see also R. v. Hamzehali, 2017 BCCA 290, 350 C.C.C. (3d) 71, at para. 76, leave to appeal refused, [2017] S.C.C.A. No. 380.
[20] In assessing the performance component, incompetence is assessed using a reasonableness standard. The appellant must establish that the act or omission of counsel could not have been the result of reasonable professional judgment. Hindsight plays no part in the assessment: G.D.B., at para. 27. A strong presumption in favour of counsel also plays a role in this analysis: Archer, at para. 119.
[21] The Law Society of Ontario’s Rules of Professional Conduct (the “Rules”) may be used to assist in showing what may reasonably be expected of trial counsel: R. v. White (1997), 1997 CanLII 2426 (ON CA), 114 C.C.C. (3d) 225 (Ont. C.A.), at p. 247, leave to appeal refused: [1997] S.C.C.A. No. 248.
[22] The Rules specify that competent lawyers must ascertain client objectives, consider possible options, and advise the client on appropriate courses of action. Further, the Law Society’s Practice Management Guidelines provide that client instructions should be obtained and that in doing so, the lawyer should advise the client of the available options, the impact of choosing those options, and the estimated fees in proceeding with those options. It is also recommended that counsel explain the law, the facts, the circumstances and the assumptions upon which the advice is based.
[23] Finally, in assessing the prejudice component, a miscarriage of justice may occur where counsel’s substandard performance raises sufficient concerns about the reliability of the verdict or about the fairness or the appearance of fairness, of the trial: G.D.B., at para. 28; White, at para. 7; Zock, at para. 64; R. v. Papasotiriou, 2023 ONCA 358, 166 O.R. (3d) 266, at para. 138; Joanisse, at pp. 62-64.
[24] In this case, the appeal turns on the issue of trial unfairness that amounts to a miscarriage of justice. . R. v. M.Z. ['ineffective assistance of counsel' context]
In R. v. M.Z. (Ont CA, 2026) the Ontario Court of Appeal allowed an appeal, this brought against "two counts of sexual assault, and one count of forcible confinement".
The court considered a fresh evidence issue, here in an 'ineffective assistance of counsel' context:(i) Fresh Evidence
[10] The appellant seeks to admit fresh evidence on this appeal, which includes his affidavit, trial counsel’s affidavit, and transcripts of the cross-examinations on those affidavits, among other materials.
[11] Fresh evidence can be received on appeal where ineffective assistance of counsel is alleged, if the evidence is adduced to establish whether representation was ineffective and whether it resulted in a miscarriage of justice: R. v. Joanisse (1995), 1995 CanLII 3507 (ON CA), 102 C.C.C. (3d) 35 (Ont. C.A.), leave to appeal to S.C.C. refused, [1996] S.C.C.A. No. 347, at pp. 43-44; R. v. Widdifield (1995), 1995 CanLII 3505 (ON CA), 25 O.R. (3d) 161 (C.A.).
[12] In this case, the proposed evidence was admitted because ineffective assistance of counsel is alleged, the fresh evidence bears directly on the issue of whether trial counsel was ineffective in his duties to his client, and the Crown consented to the admission of the fresh evidence. . R. v. Bardwell
In R. v. Bardwell (Ont CA, 2025) the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed a defendant's criminal appeal, here where they "pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a concealed weapon".
Here the court considered the law of 'ineffective assistance of counsel':[21] The appellant has not discharged her burden of proof on the ineffective assistance of counsel claim.
[22] The appellant bears the onus of proof to establish ineffective assistance of counsel. The appellant must establish: (1) the facts on which the claim is grounded; (2) the incompetence of the representation provided by trial counsel; and (3) a miscarriage of justice resulting from the incompetent representation by trial counsel: R. v. Fiorilli, 2021 ONCA 461, 156 O.R. 582, at para. 48. . R. v. B.N.
In R. v. B.N. (Ont CA, 2025) the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed a bail pending appeal application.
Here the court considers the 'ineffective assistance of counsel' standard that applies to appointed counsel:[13] I focus my analysis on the third ground – the alleged ineffective assistance of counsel (“IAC”). The applicant was self-represented at trial. However, counsel was appointed to cross-examine the complainant under s. 486.3(2) of the Criminal Code. I note that appointed counsel was not there to represent the applicant. The same principles apply to counsel appointed under s. 486.3(2) as to ordinary counsel who render ineffective assistance: R. v. N.H., 2023 ONCA 586. . R. v. Zock
In R. v. Zock (Ont CA, 2025) the Ontario Court of Appeal allowed a criminal appeal, here where the primary issue was "that he received ineffective assistance from his trial counsel regarding the mode of trial that was chosen":[10] The interests of justice favour admitting fresh evidence where it is necessary to establish, and to challenge, allegations of ineffective assistance: R. v. Joanisse (1995), 1995 CanLII 3507 (ON CA), 102 C.C.C. (3d) 35 (Ont. C.A.), leave to appeal to S.C.C. refused, [1996] S.C.C.A. No. 347, at pp. 43-44.
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[40] A person seeking a new trial on the basis that they received ineffective assistance of counsel must establish three elements: (i) the facts underlying the assertion of ineffective assistance (the factual component), (ii) that on the facts established, a miscarriage of justice resulted because the ineffective assistance rendered the trial unfair or the verdict unreliable (the prejudice component) and, if (i) and (ii) are established (iii) that counsel’s conduct fell below the required standard (the performance component): Joanisse, at p. 62; R. v. Blake, 2023 ONCA 220, 166 O.R. (3d) 641, at para. 6; R. v. G.D.B., 2000 SCC 22, [2000] 1 S.C.R. 520, at paras. 25-29.
[41] On each element of an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, the accused person bears the onus of proof and persuasion: R. v. Fiorilli, 2021 ONCA 461, 156 O.R. 582, at para. 48.
[42] Certain fundamental decisions relating to the defence of a criminal matter are the client’s to make. A number of related consequences flow from this that are germane to a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. First, because “the right to make these decisions belongs to the client, counsel cannot make them alone”: R. v. Trought, 2021 ONCA 379, 156 O.R. (3d) 481, at para. 49. Second, in respect of such decisions, counsel’s responsibility is to provide competent advice and act on proper instructions: R. v. K.K.M., 2020 ONCA 736, at para. 91; Trought, at para. 50. In other words, on such matters, counsel must provide advice, obtain instructions that reflect the client’s decision, and follow those instructions. Counsel would not act properly on such matters if they discerned the client’s wishes and then acted against them, or if they failed to discern the client’s wishes and acted without instructions at all: R. v. Szostak, 2012 ONCA 503, 111 O.R. (3d) 247, at para. 78.
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[51] Decisions of this court have stressed the importance of written instructions on fundamental decisions. In R. v. Archer (2005), 2005 CanLII 36444 (ON CA), 202 C.C.C. (3d) 60 (Ont. C.A.), at paras. 140-42, Doherty J.A. referred to the strong presumption, applied in cases where ineffective assistance is alleged, that counsel is competent. A fact that was consistent with the presumption of competence in that case was that counsel had obtained a written direction on the fundamental decision there in issue (the accused’s decision not to testify). On the other hand, in R. v. Kaczmarek, 2021 ONCA 771, 407 C.C.C. (3d) 34, at para. 30, another case involving a claim of ineffective assistance involving regarding a decision not to testify, Trotter J.A. commented on how the absence of written instructions, though not necessarily an indicium of ineffectiveness, “is in tension with ‘the strong presumption of competence in favour of counsel’” referred to in Archer. See also R. v. R.W., 2023 ONCA 250, 167 O.R. (3d) 1, at para. 24.
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[64] A miscarriage of justice may occur where counsel’s substandard performance raises sufficient concerns about the reliability of the verdict or about the fairness of the trial. In this case, the concern is not about the reliability of the verdict but about the loss of the appearance of trial fairness. As Major J. stated in G.D.B., describing certain types of miscarriages of justice, “[i]n some instances, counsel’s performance may have resulted in procedural unfairness”: at para. 28; see also White, at para. 7. That is what occurred here.
[65] The right of a criminally accused person to effective assistance of counsel is a principle of fundamental justice: G.D.B., at para. 24. Where an accused had a right to trial by jury, ineffective assistance of counsel resulted in the accused being deprived of the right to choose trial by jury, and there is a reasonable possibility trial by jury would have been chosen if the accused had been given the opportunity to do so, a miscarriage of justice has occurred. Public confidence in the administration of justice would be shaken if, in those circumstances, a verdict reached through a different mode of trial that the accused did not select could stand.[3] . R. v. Papasotiriou
In R. v. Papasotiriou (Ont CA, 2023) the Court of Appeal considers ineffective assistance as a criminal appeal ground:[137] Before turning to the specific factual allegations, which counsel relies on to demonstrate that Mr. Ivezic did not receive effective representation at trial, it is helpful to briefly review the applicable legal principles. Canada has a deep and well-developed jurisprudence relating to ineffective assistance of counsel claims brought on appeal in criminal proceedings.
[138] There are three components to an ineffective assistance claim. The appellant must establish the facts on which the claim is based (the factual component). Counsel must further demonstrate that the legal assistance provided was incompetent, in that counsel’s performance fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent counsel, in the circumstances (the performance component). Finally, the appellant must show that counsel’s incompetence resulted in a miscarriage of justice. A miscarriage will occur if there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different had the appellant received adequate legal assistance: R. v. Leslie, 2021 MBCA 29, 403 C.C.C. (3d) 113, at para. 35, citing R. v. Aulakh, 2012 BCCA 340, 295 C.C.C. (3d) 315, at para. 68; R. v. Joanisse (1995), 1995 CanLII 3507 (ON CA), 102 C.C.C. (3d) 35, at pp. 62-64, leave to appeal refused, [1996] S.C.C.A. No. 347. Counsel’s incompetence may also so detract from the fairness, or the appearance of the fairness, of the trial process as to result in a miscarriage of justice: Joanisse, at pp. 62-63.
[139] Recently, in R. v. White, 2022 SCC 7, 411 C.C.C. (3d) 419, the court referred to the standard required to establish a miscarriage of justice based on the appearance of unfairness as “high”. The court went on:[T]he defect must be “so serious that it shakes public confidence in the administration of justice.” [Citations omitted.] [140] The ultimate inquiry on appeal is not whether counsel performed competently, but whether counsel’s performance resulted in a miscarriage of justice. Ineffective assistance claims are best approached by first determining whether counsel’s conduct led to the kind of prejudice which would render the verdict a miscarriage of justice: R. v. G.B.D., 2000 SCC 22, [2000] 1 S.C.R. 520, at para. 29; R. v. Fiorilli, 2021 ONCA 461, 156 O.R. (3d) 582, at para. 49.
[141] Mr. Ivezic submits that he suffered both kinds of prejudice as a result of S.A.’s incompetence. He submits that the impact of her incompetence on the reliability of the verdicts, and the appearance of the fairness of the trial, taken together, produced a miscarriage of justice. Mr. Ivezic refers to four specific incidents, which occurred in the pretrial proceedings in support of this proceeding. I will deal with each separately, while recognizing that it is the cumulative effect of counsel’s conduct that must ultimately be assessed. . R. v. R.W.
In R. v. R.W. (Ont CA, 2023) the Court of Appeal considers the law of ineffective assistance of counsel, here when counsel missed a time limit for making a trial election:[18] In terms of the proper framework for adjudicating this issue on appeal, the ineffective assistance of counsel (IAC) framework is applicable: R. v. White, 2022 SCC 7, 411 C.C.C. (3d) 419. In White, Karakatsanis J. referenced R. v. Wong, 2018 SCC 25, [2018] 1 S.C.R. 616 (a guilty plea case), and held that the mere loss of the right to make a proper election was not sufficient to ground such a claim; an appellant must prove subjective prejudice arising from counsel’s ineffectiveness.
[19] Thus, as with any other IAC claim, the appellant must establish the following: (1) the facts material to the claim of ineffective assistance on the balance of probabilities; (2) that the representation provided by counsel fell below the standard of reasonable professional assistance in the circumstances; and (3) the ineffective representation resulted in a miscarriage of justice: R. v. Archer, (2005) 2005 CanLII 36444 (ON CA), 202 C.C.C. (3d) 60 (Ont. C.A.), at paras. 119-120.
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[23] Returning to the IAC framework, it is my view that the appellant has established all three elements. In terms of proving the underlying facts in support of the allegation of ineffective assistance, on balance, the materials filed on the fresh evidence application confirm that the appellant wanted a trial by judge alone.
[24] The fact-finding task at this stage would have been more straightforward had trial counsel obtained written instructions concerning the original election and the attempt to re-elect. The failure to obtain written instructions about important steps in the criminal trial process makes it more difficult to decide IAC claims on appeal. Seeking written instructions from a client on critical decisions is a matter of professional prudence. The failure to do so is “ill-advised and contrary to counsel’s best interests”: R. v. B. (W.E.), 2012 ONCA 776, 366 D.L.R. (4th) 690, at para. 10, aff’d 2014 SCC 2, [2014] 1 S.C.R. 34. See also R. v. Trought, 2021 ONCA 379, 156 O.R. (3d) 481, at paras. 76-77.
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[26] Second, there can be little doubt that the representation provided by counsel fell below the standard of reasonable professional assistance in the circumstances. Sometimes, this standard is met by demonstrating a course of conduct spanning the entire trial (see R. v. Blake, 2023 ONCA 220); in other cases it is established by a single misstep that has dramatic consequences (see Trought). The key to success in both circumstances is proof of prejudice.
[27] In this case, there was critical misstep – trial counsel missed a statutory deadline that would have allowed his client to re-elect as of right. This is akin to missing a limitation period in the civil context. Although trial counsel attempted to undo his mistake, he was unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the matter could have been easily remedied by Crown counsel honouring her written agreement to consent to re-election, but this did not happen.
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