TORONTO - A local lawyer was arrested and charged with drug trafficking after police allege drugs were smuggled into the Brampton, Ont., courthouse Thursday.

Laura Liscio, 32, a criminal lawyer, was arrested around 10 a.m., Const. Thomas Ruttan said. He could not comment on reports she was arrested inside the Hurontario St. courthouse while dressed in her robes, which are required to practice in Ontario's Superior Court.

Several lawyers who know Liscio reacted with shock to news of her arrest and slammed the manner in which police took her into custody.

Liscio was bringing a change of clothes to a client in custody at the courthouse, sources told QMI Agency, and drugs were allegedly found inside the clothing being delivered.

Toronto criminal lawyer Emma Rhodes called the charges "bull----."

"She's a highly ethical, highly respected lawyer," Rhodes said. "Nobody respects the justice system more than Laura Liscio.

"I work across the hall from her. I know her very well. There is no more ethical advocate than her."
Defence lawyer Leora Shemesh called Liscio "a very honourable, hard-working lawyer -- there's no way she would do this.

"She lives and breathes criminal law -- it's her life. It's easy for this to happen. A family member (of the client) gives you clothing and you just give this item to the authorities without checking first."

Police shouldn't embarrass lawyers in robes by arresting them in front of their colleagues, Shemesh said.

Liscio has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose, obstructing justice and breach of trust.