Criminal lawyers in Calgary, defending your rights.
Being accused of a crime may be the most stressful event you will ever experience in your lifetime. If you are reading this, it is likely that you or a loved one have been arrested and charged by the police. Your reputation has been tarnished, your liberties have been restricted, and now you have to defend yourself in court. You’ve been through a lot, but unfortunately, this is just the beginning.
Next, the government will use all of the resources at its disposal to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. With unlimited money, power, and resources at their disposal, they have the means to see this through.
We understand that being merely accused of a crime can be extremely stigmatizing. But being found guilty can lead to its own host of significant ramifications.
Even if you are not sentenced to a jail term, a criminal conviction can have profound consequences on your future, such as:
- Loss of employment,
- Loss of family and friends,
- Loss of immigration status,
- Loss of opportunity, and
- Loss of personal self-worth.
As hard as it may seem, remember that you are presumed innocent throughout this process and that you are doing the right thing by exploring your legal options.
A Strategic Approach
No two clients are alike. We understand that the circumstances in your case are unique and require a personalized approach to address any criminal charge you are facing.
Our first step with any new client is to listen. Understanding the exact circumstances that led to you receiving a criminal charge is critical in being able to determine the strategy we believe will be most likely to result in the best possible outcome. We will also discuss your goals in resolving the criminal charge which may include avoiding a criminal record, avoiding jail time, and/or having a fine reduced.
Once we have a comprehensive understanding of your situation, we will discuss the next steps and outline the strategy we believe would be in your best interest such as proceeding to trial, attempting to reach a resolution with the Crown, or pleading guilty to a lesser offence and sentence.
Most importantly, no matter what avenue we take, it will be with your instruction and confidence that it is the right strategy for you.
Criminal Defence Statistics in Calgary
In 2021, Calgary Police Services reported 75,539 Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”) offences, meaning 5.7% of the total population of the city experienced firsthand the stress and concern over how to handle the consequences of a Criminal Code offence. Of course, this does not consider the thousands more who are impacted as friends or family of the individual charged.
Although self-representation is an option, and your legally protected right, there is a vast amount of information you will need to know prior to appearing for yourself in court. Furthermore, statistics indicate that self-represented litigants are significantly more likely to be found guilty than those with legal representation.
We are confident not only in our ability to represent you but also in working with you to find a payment plan that suits your budget, with a lawyer that suits your needs.
Client-Centred Services
Defending your rights is not just about knowing the law. We believe that understanding your story is of the utmost importance as well. Every case is different, and every client has individualized needs. We will always take the time to meet with you to learn about your personal circumstances and priorities, so that we can represent you better.
Our lawyers are passionate about criminal law and are fully invested in those we represent. No matter the situation, we never lose sight of our clients’ interests. Furthermore, with open lines of communication, you can count on us to keep you informed every step of the way.
Flexible Payment Structures
Given the current economic climate, we understand that times are tough for Calgarians. As such, the first consultation is free of charge. Beyond that, we offer flexible fee structures and aim to accommodate every budget.
Having a diverse legal team also allows us to offer a broad range of fees without compromising your defence. We always have the ability to pair the right lawyer for every client and every budget. The best part is that no matter who you hire, you will receive the full benefit of our collective wisdom and experience.
Understanding Criminal Defence Proceedings
We understand that your first question when you are charged with a criminal offence is “what now?” Our team of dedicated professionals is here to guide you through your concerns and ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
Following your initial consultation, we will ensure all of your disclosure is provided. That means any evidence the Crown seeks to use in their case must be provided to us. Once we have had an opportunity to review, we will meet to discuss what we believe will be the best avenue to proceed and ensure your concerns are addressed. This may include proceeding to trial, attempting to reach a resolution with the Crown or pleading guilty to a lesser offence.
Regardless, we will ensure you are fully informed every step of the way and understand all aspects of whatever avenue we proceed with.
For a more extensive explanation of the criminal justice process, please visit our Court Process web page.
Why Choose Us?
Our firm has over 500+ five-star Google reviews across Canada.
We are one of the largest criminal defence teams in Western Canada.
Our lawyers have over 60 years of combined legal experience.
We have defended clients in over 10,000 criminal cases.
We offer flexible payment structures and fee plans.
Our team is available 24/7 to provide help and support.
Practice Areas
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is one of many criminal driving charges that can be filed against drivers in Calgary. In 2020, 775 adults were charged with impaired driving by Calgary Police Service alone. Officers are on high alert for these offences and will charge you if necessary.
Domestic Violence
A charge is considered domestic in nature if it involves violence against a family member or a current/former romantic partner. Calgary Police Service respond to 2 domestic violence-related calls every hour. Domestic violence is considered a serious offence that often results in jail time.
Violent Offences
Violent offences result from alleged harmful events between people. These include assault, homicide, and sexual offences. In Calgary, violent offences increased 8.6% from 2020 to 2021, meaning local police are diligently pursuing charges against these types of crimes.
Drug Offences
Drug charges are offences which arise from an interaction with an illicit drug or substance including possession, trafficking, distribution, and importation. Calgary dedicates significant resources to investigating these crimes, including an undercover street team.
Youth Offences
Youth offences are primarily addressed through the Youth Criminal Justice Act which aims to rehabilitate young people and reduce youth crime. In Calgary, programs such as Youth at Risk Development are on high alert for youth offenders and intervening before they become habitual offenders.
Administration of Justice
Administration of justice offences include Criminal Code violations of failure to comply with conditions, prisoner unlawfully at large, failure to appear, and breach of probation. Calgary Police Service takes these charges seriously and they can result in jail time.
Criminal Driving
Criminal driving encompasses multiple motor vehicle offences in the Criminal Code and is different from charges under the Traffic Safety Act of Alberta. In Calgary, criminal driving can be extended to violations such as excessive speeding and can have serious repercussions.
Assault & Threats
Assault is a serious charge whereby someone applies force (directly or indirectly) to a person without their consent. The maximum penalty for an indictable offence is 10 years behind bars. 2019 statistics in Calgary indicate neighbourhoods such as the Beltline, Bowness and Sunridge, had the highest rate of non-domestic assault charges.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offences include sexual interference, exploitation, and most commonly sexual assault. A sexual offence is committed when the complainant did not consent to the activity that forms the subject matter of the charge. The Calgary Police Sex Crimes Unit was formed specifically to investigate these types of crimes and diligently pursues pressing charges against individuals they suspect have engaged in these types of offences.
Property Crimes
Crimes against property are serious charges in Canada. In Calgary, property crimes made up 62% of all Criminal Code charges laid in 2021. This includes theft, break and enters and vehicle fraud.
Traffic Crimes
Traffic offences and violations are breaches of provincial legislation that can result in significant fines, driving suspensions or jail time. Calgary statistics from 2019 indicate 82.5% of traffic collisions were a result of driver error.
Pardons, Record Suspension
A record suspension allows people who have proven themselves to be law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal records kept separate and apart from other criminal records. In Calgary, a record suspension requires a local records check from every police jurisdiction where you have lived in the past five years.
Meet Your Calgary Legal Team
Our Calgary office has 8 dedicated lawyers ranging from 1 to over 30 years of experience who are passionate about criminal defence work and ensuring a just outcome for each of their clients.
Michael Oykhman is a senior criminal defence lawyer with over 20 years of experience. Michael is skilled in resolution, meaning you don’t have to go to trial to receive the best results. He is a driven problem solver who has appeared at all levels of court in Alberta.
Senior criminal defence lawyer Ian Savage has over 30 years of experience and has built a career respected by the legal community both Calgary and Alberta wide. He has successfully argued thousands of cases and is particularly skilled in handling impaired driving offences. Read more about Ian and his portfolio here.
A published philosopher and passionate lawyer, Greg Janzen has been practicing law since 2017. He is highly adept at resolving cases for his clients without the need to proceed with a costly trial, however, is equally skilled in trial and has defended clients at both the Provincial Court and Court of Queen’s Bench level in Alberta.
A believer in fierce advocacy and innovative solutions, Elena Ryland completed her law degree at the University of Alberta and has been practicing since 2018. Her previous work experience at Alberta Crown Prosecution Services allowed her an inside look at how the Crown Prosecutor’s office works and gives her an upper hand when working towards a resolution for her clients.
Since beginning his articles in 2021, Joseph Beller has run nearly 100 low-complexity criminal and traffic matters independently. He also remains an active volunteer with the University of Calgary’s Student Legal Assistance program where he is an alumnus.
Although Julia Hunter has only been practicing law since 2020, she gained extensive experience in the legal profession through her work as a judicial assistant in the Provincial Court of Alberta and an internship at the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. She understands the stress associated with receiving a criminal charge and is focused on listening to the individual needs and concerns of each of her clients.
Kiranpreet Cheema faces the complex nature of the criminal justice system head-on and strives to consistently simplify issues for the benefit of her clients. As a Canadian of Indian descent, she is sensitive to the struggles associated with understanding a new country and the added stress a criminal charge can bring. She passed the bar in 2021.
Successful Cases
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Refusal to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Withdrawn; Fine
Case Number: 55582522
Refusal to Comply with Breath Demand
Charges Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 55792555
Impaired Driving
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 59592530
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charges Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Impaired Driving
Charges Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 55592573
Domestic Assault Causing Bodily Harm
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 55592538
Domestic Assault with a Weapon
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 65690236
Assault Charge
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790026
Domestic Assault with a Weapon
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 55592575
Assault Causing Bodily Harm
Charges Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 5518551
Criminal Harassment
Charges Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 7619881
Sexual Assault
Charge Withdrawn
Case Number: 55592585
Indecent Act
Charges Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 35370056
Voyeurism Charges
Charges Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 551866
Sexual Assault
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 55572393
Solicitation of Sexual Services
Charge Stayed;
Alternative Measures Program
Case Number: 758-190057
Sexual Assault
Acquitted at Trial
Case Number: 37370079
Mischief Charge
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 65690248
Mischief Charge
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 65680192
Break and Enter and Mischief
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 53662253
Theft Under $5000
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 741774
Theft Over $5000
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 44470290
$5000 Graffiti Ticket
Charge Withdrawn
Case Number: 25280075
Possession Charge
Alternative Measures;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 2250086
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Charge Withdrawn;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790045
Possession of an Illegal Substance
Alternative Measures;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 32360030
Two Counts of Possession
Conditional Discharge;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 541783
Possession Charge
Alternative Measures;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 65680165
Three Counts of Possession
Alternative Measures;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 2250117
Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 22290272
Speeding Ticket
Charge Withdrawn
Case Number: 25280119
Operation of a Vehicle Contrary to Restriction
Ticket Withdrawn
Case Number: 9583794
Stunting Ticket
Charge Withdrawn
Case Number: 25280046
Pedestrian on Roadway and Intoxicated in Public
Tickets Withdrawn;
No Fine
Case Number: 25280202
Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident
Charge Withdrawn
Case Number: 21280212