Colin Fingas, JD
Owner
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Colin has always been driven by a desire to stand up for those who may not always have a voice. He earned his Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Political Studies from the University of Manitoba, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field. His passion for justice and advocacy led him to pursue a legal career, graduating with a Juris Doctor from the University of Manitoba in 2020.
Since being called to the Manitoba Bar in 2021, Colin has built a broad foundation of experience in criminal law. He has worked with private criminal law firms as well as served as a staff lawyer for Legal Aid in The Pas. In 2025, Colin established his own practice, Colin Fingas Law Corporation, with the mission of providing exceptional legal representation to clients across Manitoba.
Colin is committed to ensuring access to quality legal services for all accused, regardless of their location. While based in Winnipeg, he believes in "going the extra mile" and regularly travels to surrounding towns and rural communities, including The Pas, Pukatawagan, and Grand Rapids to represent clients in need.
With experience in both the Provincial Court of Manitoba and the Court of King’s Bench, Colin has defended youth and adult clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including impaired driving, drug and weapons related offences, assault, sexual assault, and murder. His approach is defined by a deep understanding of the law, open and honest communication with clients, positive relationships with other members of the legal community, and a steadfast commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
In his spare time, Colin can be found volunteering in the community with non-profit organizations such as Meals on Wheels and fishing the shorelines of communities that he regularly attends. When he isn't doing that, he is cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, attending live music events, and spending quality time with family and friends.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Our legal practice is devoted to purely criminal matters, including but not limited to:
YOUTH OFFENCES
Youth offences in Canada involve individuals aged 12 to 17. These cases are governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and require extra care and consideration to protect the young person’s rights and future. A lawyer experienced with the YCJA can help ensure fair treatment and explore alternative resolutions that focus on the youth's long-term well-being.
SEXUAL OFFENCES
Sexual crimes in Canada, such as sexual assault, exploitation, or child pornography offences are treated with utmost severity under the law. Convictions can lead to lengthy prison terms, mandatory registration on the National Sex Offender Registry, and severe restrictions on employment and community participation. A conviction for a crime of a sexual nature may also carry lifelong social stigma.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Property crimes in Canada include offenses like theft, robbery, mischief, and arson. Penalties can range from fines and restitution to imprisonment. A criminal record for property crimes can affect future employment, travel, and housing opportunities.
WEAPONS OFFENCES
Weapons offences in Canada involve the illegal possession, use, or trafficking of firearms or other prohibited or restricted weapons. Convictions can lead to substantial fines, prison sentences, and a prohibition on possessing firearms in the future. These charges can also affect employment opportunities and community standing.
DRIVING OFFENCES
Driving while impaired (DWI) involves operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. Convictions can result in license suspensions, fines, mandatory education or rehabilitation programs, ignition interlock requirements, criminal records, and jail time for repeat offences. A conviction may also impact insurance rates, employment opportunities, and the ability to travel internationally.
CRIMES OF VIOLENCE
Violent crimes, such as assault, aggravated assault, manslaughter, and murder carry serious penalties. Convictions may result in significant prison sentences, probation, or mandatory counseling programs. A record of violent crime can have lasting impacts on the accused’s reputation, ability to secure employment, and personal relationships.
DRUGS
Drug offences in Canada, including possession, trafficking, production, or importation of controlled substances can result in sentences ranging from fines to significant prison terms. A conviction can impact future job opportunities, ability to travel, and eligibility for certain professional licenses.
FINANCIAL CRIMES
Fraud involves deceiving others to obtain money, property, or services unlawfully. Examples include fraud, identity theft, and tax evasion. Convictions can lead to restitution payments, fines, prison sentences, and a permanent criminal record, significantly affecting employment opportunities, especially in finance-related industries.
CHOOSING A LAWYER
There are many lawyers practicing criminal defence in Manitoba, so it's crucial to do your research before selecting one to represent you. Making the right choice can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
1. Is your lawyer a criminal defence specialist or a general practitioner?
Navigating the court system and interpreting the Criminal Code is complex and requires specialized knowledge. While some lawyers handle criminal defence alongside other areas of law such as family or civil, it’s crucial to work with a lawyer who dedicates their entire practice to criminal law. Specialized lawyers bring deep expertise and focus, which can be critical in achieving the best outcome for your case.
We exclusively focus on criminal law. We won’t represent you in family court or draft your will—we’ll refer you to a trusted professional for those matters. What we will do is devote our full attention and expertise to defending your criminal charges.
2. Does the size of the firm matter?
Many assume that bigger firms offer better services, but that’s not always the case. Large firms often have higher overhead costs due to large office spaces and extensive staff, which can translate to higher fees for clients.
At our firm, we prioritize efficient, focused representation over unnecessary expenses. Your fees directly support your legal case, not lavish offices or large administrative teams.
3. Who will actually handle your case?
When you retain a lawyer, it’s natural to assume they’ll handle your case personally. However, in many firms, work is often delegated to junior lawyers, articling students, or legal assistants. While this can reduce costs for the firm, it means that crucial aspects of your case may not be handled by the lawyer you hired.
We believe you deserve the full attention of the lawyer you’ve chosen. Colin handles every aspect of your case personally, including bail hearings, legal research, negotiations with Crown attorneys, trials, and sentencing hearings. Administrative tasks are managed by our support team, but the legal work is always in Colin’s hands.
4. Is your lawyer someone you can trust?
Facing criminal charges is a challenging and often overwhelming experience. That’s why it’s essential to work with a lawyer you trust and feel comfortable communicating with.
We believe in open, honest communication. We will keep you informed about your case, explain the legal process in plain language, and provide realistic guidance about potential outcomes. We’ll never make promises we can’t keep or pressure you into decisions. Instead, we’ll work collaboratively with you to build a strong defense.
5. Does your lawyer have experience with cases like yours?
Criminal law covers a wide range of offences, from impaired driving and mischief to sexual assault and murder. No lawyer can be an expert in every type of case. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has experience with your specific charges and a track record of positive results.
We take on cases where we’re confident we can provide the highest level of representation. If we feel another lawyer would be better suited to your case, we’ll gladly refer you to a trusted colleague who specializes in your needs.
6. Is your lawyer transparent about their fees?
Legal fees are a significant consideration when choosing a lawyer. Transparency is key to avoiding misunderstandings or unexpected expenses.
We provide a clear and detailed fee structure in writing before you commit to working with us. We believe in making quality legal representation accessible and are also happy to work with clients who qualify for Legal Aid.
Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when facing criminal charges, so we hope this page helps in your decision. At Colin Fingas Law Corporation, we are committed to providing focused, transparent, and compassionate legal representation to clients across Manitoba. If you’re ready to discuss your case, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
CONTACT
Address: Suite 328-330 St Mary Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3Z5
Email: office@colinfingaslaw.ca
Phone: 431-813-3872
To schedule a consultation, please fill out the below form and our office will get back to you as soon as possible.
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