Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyers

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.