If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Calgary, you could be charged with any one of the following offences in the Criminal Code:

No single ‘domestic violence’ crime exists in Canada. Rather, these charges refer to offences committed in a domestic setting.

In the past two decades of practice, our team has:

  • Defended over 10,000 cases.
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Immediate steps if you’re arrested for domestic violence

  1. Silence is safety: The most common mistake is trying to explain ‘your side’ to Calgary police. Exercise your right to remain silent.
  2. Document everything: Save all recent texts, emails, social media posts, and direct messages before they are deleted.
  3. Call a domestic violence lawyer: After being arrested, exercise your constitutional right to speak to legal counsel.
  4. Follow your lawyer’s advice: Don’t try to navigate the judicial system alone. Follow your lawyer’s advice to the letter.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What is domestic violence, and how can a conviction affect your future?

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, domestic violence offences are those committed against:

  • Intimate partners, including current or former spouses (married partners), common-law partners, and dating partners.
  • Family members.
  • Children (any person under the age of 18).

Section 2 defines intimate partners for domestic violence offences, and Section 718.2 requires courts to treat the intimate partner relationship as an aggravating factor at sentencing.

With domestic violence incidents in Calgary hitting a five-year high in 2025, the Calgary Police Service has intensified its ‘zero-tolerance’ approach.

If you are one of the thousands of Calgarians facing a charge this year, you are entering a system that is more proactive and better-funded than ever before.

  • The courts look at these crimes more seriously when they happen between people who live together.
  • The Crown prosecutes such offences through the specialized Domestic Violence Court.
  • Depending on the severity, the Crown may proceed by indictment (most serious) or summary conviction (less serious).

Assault is the most common domestic violence charge. The consequences of a conviction vary widely based on the offence but here’s a summary:

OFFENCE TYPE TYPICAL SCENARIO MAXIMUM PENALTY (INDICTMENT) MAXIMUM PENALTY (SUMMARY)
Assault (Section 266) Simple physical force, pushing, or slapping without a weapon. 5 years in prison. 2 years less a day in jail/ $5,000 fine.
Assault with a Weapon/Bodily Harm (Section 267) Using an object to threaten/hit, or causing injuries (includes choking or strangling). 10 years in prison. 2 years less a day in jail/ $5,000 fine.
Sexual Assault (Section 271) Any non-consensual sexual touching or behavior within the relationship. 10 years in prison. 2 years less a day in jail/ $5,000 fine.
Uttering Threats (Section 264.1) Threatening to cause death, bodily harm, or damage to property/pets. 5 years in prison. 2 years less a day in jail/ $5,000 fine.
Criminal Harassment (Section 264) Stalking, repeated unwanted communication, or 'watching' a home/workplace. 10 years in prison. 2 years less a day in jail/ $5,000 fine.
Kidnapping (Section 279(1)) Forcibly seizing or transporting a person against their will for ransom or to facilitate another offence. Life imprisonment. N/A — straight indictment only.
Criminal Confinement (Section 279(2)) Unlawfully confining or imprisoning a person without lawful authority. 10 years in prison. 2 years less a day in jail/ $5,000 fine.

Most domestic violence offences currently have no mandatory minimums but there are exceptions, such as Kidnapping Involving a Firearm, which carries a mandatory minimum of 4 years. Fines are discretionary and may be subject to a victim fine surcharge.

Beyond jail time and fines, a conviction for domestic violence triggers several automatic or high-probability life changes:

  • Probation and rehabilitation: Mandatory attendance at programs like the Partner Assault Response (PAR) or anger management.
  • Weapons prohibitions: Under Section 109, a mandatory ban on owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition (for 10 years or life).
  • DNA Data Bank: Requirement to provide a sample for the National DNA Data Bank (mandatory for serious or sexual offences), under Section 487.051 of the Criminal Code.
  • Family court impact: Convictions are heavily weighted in Child Protection Services investigations and can lead to restricted access or loss of custody in family court proceedings.
  • No-contact orders: Strict conditions prevent you from returning home or speaking to your partner/children, which can only be changed via a formal court application.

A lifelong criminal record can also have other long-term consequences, such as:

  • Employment issues from background checks, which will reveal convictions, especially impact jobs in vulnerable sectors like childcare or education.
  • Housing applications can be impacted by background checks.
  • International travel (especially to the U.S.) can be disrupted, or entry to some countries denied.
  • Immigration status problems for non-Canadians.

How will we help you with the investigation, arrest, and release for domestic violence?

Our first role as a domestic violence defence lawyer is often to ensure that our client doesn’t say or do anything that makes their legal position worse.

It’s best to call us as soon as you know the police are looking into a case of domestic violence, even before charges are filed. Our pre-charge legal advice can prevent you from saying anything that could be misinterpreted or used against you.

A Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer will: 

  • Talk to the police and prosecutors on your behalf.
  • Immediately start gathering key evidence, like text messages, call logs, and witness statements, to support your version of events.
  • Make submissions aimed at securing your release on the least restrictive conditions possible.
  • Help you navigate court processes and, if necessary, stay in touch with your family.

What happens during a domestic violence investigation by the CPS?

When the Calgary Police Service (CPS) receives a call about domestic violence, the officer(s) will:

  • Separate those involved and talk to each one alone, so that they don’t feel pressured.
  • Take pictures and write down detailed descriptions of any visible injuries.
  • Look for signs of a fight, like broken furniture or their belongings that have been moved.
  • Collect evidence from the scene, such as ripped clothes, broken items, weapons, blood samples, etc.
  • Ask questions to witnesses who saw what happened.
  • Check police databases for any history of violence by either party.
  • Look for past domestic calls to the same address.

The Crown Prosecutor decides whether to continue with charges in domestic violence cases, based on the quality of the evidence available.

Even at this stage, the input of a Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer can help protect you.

What is the arrest and charge process for domestic violence?

If there is sufficient evidence to arrest and charge the accused, the legal processes will move quickly.

The likelihood of charges being dropped in domestic violence cases is slim. Even if the complainant wants to drop the charges, the decision is out of their hands and rests with the Crown.

Upon arrest by the CPS, you may be released from the police station on an undertaking to appear in court. You will be subject to a strict ‘no contact’ order, under Section 501(3) of the Criminal Code, meaning:

  • No calls.
  • No texts.
  • No emails or direct messages.
  • No contact through friends or family.

If you are not released, you will be taken to the Arrest Processing Unit (APU) at the Spyhill Services Centre (12500 85 Street NW, Calgary, AB T3R 1A2).

At the APU, you will be held initially for up to 24 hours. We can meet you there or discuss your case with you by video to prepare for your bail hearing.

How can we help with your release on bail?

Most domestic charges in Calgary are funneled into specialized courtrooms at the Calgary Courts Centre (601 5 St SW). This is a specialized court, where the Crown, defense, and social agencies (like HomeFront) work together.

  • A caseworker from HomeFront will contact the complainant immediately to assess risk and offer support.
  • This report heavily influences whether the Crown will consider a peace bond or insist on a criminal trial.

A Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer will interact with relevant parties to protect your rights and negotiate the best outcome.

During your bail hearing, your lawyer will make submissions seeking your release on the least restrictive conditions possible.

If the judge determines there is a risk to the victim or the public, strict conditions will be imposed under Section 515(3) of the Criminal Code. The main restriction is a no-contact order, which will prohibit you from contacting the complainant directly or indirectly.

Other standard bail conditions include: 

  • An order to leave the family home and find a new place to live.
  • Restrictions on visits with the children from the marriage (supervised exchanges).
  • Bans on weapons and limits on alcohol/drugs.
  • Mandatory attendance at counselling programs.
  • Regular and mandatory reporting to a bail supervisor or police station.

You must follow all bail conditions and agree to attend all court appearances. Even if the complainant encourages you to break a condition, it is still a crime that could land you in jail for a new offence and hurt your standing in the original case.

For more information, visit our page on The Bail Hearing Process in Calgary.

Why your release may be more complex in 2026

Under proposed legislation (Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, Bill C-14), if you have a prior history of intimate partner violence or the offence you’re accused of is extremely violent, you may face a ‘reverse onus’ at your bail hearing.

This means that you must prove why you should be released rather than the prosecution needing to prove why you should not be released.

A Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer will build a case for your release if you are subject to the ‘reverse onus’ rule.

What is the ‘first appearance’ and disclosure?

Your first court date after the bail hearing is an administrative step where we request the Crown disclosure package. This includes:

  • The police reports
  • 911 recordings
  • Forensic evidence.
  • Witness statements.
  • Any other evidence against you.

How does a family law case affect a domestic violence charge?

If you are involved in an ongoing family law case (custody/divorce/property), the new civil family law rules and procedures may affect you.

The Family Focused Protocol, implemented in January 2026, requires attendance at a Mandatory Intake Triage (MIT) meeting.

Under the new rules:

  • A single Justice is assigned to oversee the family and domestic conflict aspects to ensure consistency.
  • This ensures that the no-contact conditions and parenting time orders are coordinated to prevent conflicting court orders.
  • It also increases the interaction and exchange of information between family court proceedings and the criminal justice system in Alberta.

If necessary, we can attend the MIT meeting with you, even though it relates to a civil matter.

How will we help to resolve your domestic violence case?

In Calgary, there are several main ways for a domestic violence case to end:

  1. A Section 810 peace bond: If the risk is low and a strong case is presented, the Crown may agree to drop the criminal charges if you sign a peace bond. This is a court order to keep the peace and be of good behavior for 12 months and, importantly, results in no criminal record.
  2. Early case resolution: You may be directed to complete the Partner Assault Response (PAR) program. Successful completion can lead to a more favorable sentence or a stay of charges.
  3. Trial: If the charges are contested, a trial date is set. Calgary courts typically aim to have domestic trials heard within 6–9 months of the arrest. The outcome will be either:
    • A guilty verdict, with a conviction after sentencing.
    • A ‘not guilty’ verdict, resulting in acquittal.

Domestic violence defences often involve

  • Securing and authenticating digital footprints (such as social media messages, texts, GPS, etc.)
  • Identifying witness inconsistencies.
  • Demonstrating a lack of ‘intent’ (‘mens rea’) or ‘reasonable apprehension of fear’ required under the Criminal Code definitions.
  • Several other possible defences.

This table summarises the main defences employed:

DEFENCE CATEGORY DEFENCE STRATEGY LEGAL BASIS/EXAMPLE
Constitutional & Charter Violations Section 10(b): Right to Counsel The police failed to allow you to speak to a lawyer of your choice before questioning you.
Section 8: Unreasonable Search Police entered your home without a warrant and seized your phone or private records.
Section 9: Arbitrary Detention You were held in custody longer than necessary before your bail hearing.
Section 11(b): Trial Within a Reasonable Time The case has taken longer than 18 months to reach trial, violating your right to a timely hearing.
Procedural Errors Abuse of Process The prosecution is using criminal charges to gain an advantage in a concurrent Calgary Family Court custody battle.
Disclosure Failures The Crown failed to promptly provide key evidence, such as 911 recordings or the complainant's prior inconsistent statements.
Breach of 2026 Family Protocol Failure to follow the Family Focused Protocol triage requirements may lead to stays.
Factual Disputes Self-Defence (s. 34) You used reasonable force to protect yourself from an immediate threat of force.
Alibi (Elsewhere) It was impossible for you to be at the scene (requires 'timely and adequate' disclosure to the Crown before trial).
Credibility & Reliability Challenging the complainant's testimony due to proven motives to fabricate (e.g., jealousy).
Lack of Intent (Mens Rea) The physical contact was accidental and lacked the criminal intent required for assault.
Consent (s. 265) In limited scuffle scenarios, proving both parties were willing participants (does not apply if bodily harm was caused).

The Strategic Criminal Defence domestic violence lawyers build the appropriate defence based on the circumstances and facts of the case. Our extensive courtroom experience and persuasive skills are targeted at the best possible outcome for you.

How will the judge decide in a domestic violence case?

The Crown does not need physical evidence, like bruises or broken glass, to prove guilt. The testimony of a single complainant may be legally sufficient.

However, the judge must apply the three-step W.(D.) Test to ensure the presumption of innocence is maintained:

  1. If the judge believes your version of events (e.g., you weren’t there or it was self-defence), you must be acquitted immediately.
  2. Even if the judge doesn’t believe you, if your testimony makes them think, “Maybe it didn’t happen exactly as she said,” you must be acquitted.
  3. Even if the judge completely rejects your story, they must look at the complainant’s evidence alone and ask: “Does this prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt?” If not, you must be acquitted,

In ‘he-said, she-said’ cases, minor inconsistencies in the complainant’s story often trigger an acquittal at the third stage of the test.

Successful domestic violence cases

Note: Past outcomes do not guarantee future results. Every case depends on its own facts.

Case Number: 55682510

Our client was charged with assault following an altercation with his girlfriend when she was in the process of moving out of their shared home. When our client’s girlfriend took his car keys to go outside and retrieve her cellphone from his car, he allegedly pushed her down the stairs and continued the fight to retrieve his keys, eventually pushing his girlfriend outside, where she fell down the front steps. A few days after the incident, our client became aware that a warrant was out against him and turned himself in to the police, at which point he was charged with assault.

Upon being retained, we immediately ordered disclosure and began to prepare our defence. Our client’s girlfriend sent an email to us stating that she lied to the police and that our client did not assault her. We then received a full statement from our client, which detailed his injuries from altercations with his girlfriend in the past. We presented this information to the Crown Prosecutor and began resolution discussions. As a result, our client was enrolled in domestic violence and relationships counselling, and the charge against him was withdrawn.

Successful Result: Charge Withdrawn; No Criminal Record

Case Number: 15120095

Our client and his wife were returning home when they began arguing. The argument escalated and ended with the wife alleging that our client hit her with a heavy tool case several times on her head. The complainant visited the hospital and got herself checked for a concussion. She reported the incident five days after the occurrence.

Upon being retained, we ordered disclosure and familiarized ourselves with the circumstances of the incident and our client’s relationship with his partner. Our client maintained innocence. We set the matter for trial. The charges were serious. The Crown sent us medical records; however, no notice was given about their intention to produce them at the trial. On the trial day, the complainant showed up and we advised the court that the defence was ready to proceed. The complainant became anxious and reluctant to testify. After a brief backroom chat, the Crown decided to call no evidence and withdrew the charges against our client.

Successful Result: Charge Withdrawn; No Criminal Record

Case Number: 741737

Our client was charged with Domestic assault and Mischief after he got into a heated altercation with his girlfriend. He had chased her as she ran from the house, and when he caught up with her, he took her phone and stepped on it. He then grabbed her, pushed her, and kneed her in the stomach. His girlfriend at the time was 15 weeks pregnant, and the entire incident was witnessed by their neighbour. The witness called the police, who then attended the scene and arrested our client.

Upon being retained, we ordered disclosure and began looking for weaknesses in the case against our client. We also assisted our client with identifying and enrolling in counselling programs that would help him manage his anger, and sought out strong reference letters from his employer and acquaintances. We forwarded this information to the Crown Prosecutor and began resolution discussions with the Crown, where we pointed out the strength of our anticipated defences. As a result of our efforts, the charges against our client were stayed.

Successful Result: Charges Stayed, No Criminal Record

Case Number: 55592538

Our client’s husband had been having an ongoing affair with another woman for several years. Our client knew about the affair but felt helpless to stop it and afraid to end their 25-year marriage. One evening, the tension exploded into a physical fight between our client and the mistress when the mistress refused to leave the matrimonial home. The mistress contacted the police, and when officers arrived, our client was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Upon being retained, we immediately requested disclosure and accumulated a significant amount of mitigating evidence, including letters of support, counselling receipts, and our client’s statement regarding the circumstances of the incident. We met with the Crown Prosecutor and explained our client’s side of the story and the many reasons why this case should not be prosecuted. The Crown agreed with our submissions and, as a result, the charge was withdrawn.

Successful Result: Charge Withdrawn; No Criminal Record

Case Number: 29290230

Our client was charged with assault causing bodily harm following an altercation with his wife, which began when he noticed his belongings outside of the home by the garbage can. He went into the house, where they began to argue. Our client and his wife presented two conflicting versions of events that led to the injuries his wife sustained. When our client took his wife to the hospital, she told doctors and later her boss that the injuries were sustained when she slipped on the ice. This was consistent with our client’s statement, in which he says that he attempted to drive away from the home, and his wife ran out to the car and slipped on the front steps.

At trial, we showed that the doctor who treated our client’s wife accepted that her injuries were consistent with a fall on ice. We also showed that our client’s wife consistently told this version of events until the two broke up three months after the incident and assault charges were laid. We raised the fact that the complainant testified to being so angry that she threw our client’s belongings outside of the house, that our client asked the complainant via text message to leave him alone, and that the complainant was charged twice before the incident with assaulting our client. As a result of these submissions, our client was found not guilty at trial.

Successful Result: Found Not Guilty at Trial; No Criminal Record

Case Number: 55572277

Our client was charged with two counts of domestic assault after getting into a serious altercation with his spouse. On the date of the offence, the couple began to fight, and our client was told to leave the house. Before leaving, the fight escalated to the point that our client struck his spouse once in the jaw and once in the nose, causing bruising, swelling, and bleeding. After being struck, his wife managed to escape from the house and fled to a neighbour’s home, where she called the police. Upon arriving, the police arrested our client and found that he had recently been released for committing a previous domestic assault. After the police discovered this, our client was further charged for breaching the terms of his release.

Upon being retained, we immediately learned that our client had a lengthy criminal record and that he would likely be facing a very serious penalty if convicted. We did a detailed review of our client’s disclosure and were able to find a detrimental weakness in the case against our client. We used this information in subsequent negotiations with the Crown Prosecutor. All charges against our client were subsequently stayed prior to trial.

Successful Result: Charges Stayed, No Criminal Record

Case Number: 65680122

Our client was charged with domestic assault on her boyfriend after an argument that escalated to physical violence. The boyfriend recorded audio of his side of the fight on his phone. There was significant aggression and stress in the relationship, as there was an ongoing custody battle, and our client was pregnant with another child. When the custody battle became serious, our client’s boyfriend reported the incident to the police and supplied his recording.

Upon being retained, we ordered and reviewed disclosure. We considered the best course of action to ensure the client did not receive a criminal record, so she could retain custody of her children. We helped our client enter counselling and negotiated with the Crown Prosecutor to have her enter the Alternative Measures Program. The Crown agreed, and upon successful completion of the program, all charges against our client were withdrawn. Following the withdrawal, we successfully had the client’s fingerprints and photographs held by the Calgary Police Service destroyed.

Successful Result: Alternative Measures Program; No Criminal Record

Case Number: 25280053

Our client was charged with criminal harassment after sending numerous emails, Facebook messages, and text messages to her ex-husband, his girlfriend, and their friends and family members.

Upon being retained, we immediately ordered disclosure and requested character references and proof of counselling from our client to provide to the Crown Prosecutor. We entered negotiations with the Crown and discussed the steps that our client was taking to address her anger. We also raised the unique circumstances of our client that would be significantly impacted by a criminal record. As a result of these negotiations, the Crown agreed to resolve the charges with a peace bond and our client avoided a criminal record.

Successful Result: Charges Resolved with a Peace Bond; No Criminal Record

Case Number: 65680136

Our client was charged with domestic assault after getting into a heated argument with his ex-girlfriend. It is alleged that he pushed her to the ground, punched her, and headbutted her.

Upon being retained we immediately reviewed disclosure and identified weaknesses in the case against our client. We then began negotiating with the Crown Prosecutor and were able to successfully persuade them to resolve the charges with a peace bond. As a result, our client avoided a criminal record.

Successful Result: Charges Withdrawn, Peace Bond, No Criminal Record

Case Number: 77790025

Our client was charged with uttering threats to cause death following an altercation with his wife when he was heavily intoxicated. According to his wife, our client threatened to kill her when she fell asleep and stated that he was prepared to go to jail. She recorded the conversation and provided it to the police when they arrived. Our client was arrested shortly after the incident.

Upon being retained, we immediately requested disclosure and began negotiations with the Crown Prosecutor. We provided the Crown with character references for our client as well as proof that he had obtained counselling for alcohol use and domestic violence shortly after the incident. Based on our negotiations, the Crown agreed to resolve the matter with a conditional discharge, and as a result, our client avoided a criminal record.

Successful Result: Conditional Discharge; No Criminal Record

Testimonials

On charge withdrawals: “I had several domestic-related charges and was facing a very difficult time. Shaun Leochko handled my case with extreme professionalism… In the end, all my charges were stayed/withdrawn before ever going to trial.”

On trial success: “She dismantled the false accuser for hours in court… the judge found me not guilty on all counts. She saved my life and my reputation.”

On avoiding a criminal record: “I was charged with domestic assault and was terrified of having a criminal record. Julia Hunter was amazing… she worked tirelessly with the Crown and managed to get the charges dropped entirely.”

On strategic communication: “From the first call, Michael Oykhman gave me a sense of peace. He told me exactly what to do and what not to do. His team managed to vary my no-contact order so I could see my kids again while the legal process played out.”

On navigating the system: “The domestic violence court process in Calgary is intimidating. Joseph Beller walked me through every step… he was able to secure a Peace Bond which meant no criminal record and I could move on with my life.”

Dedicated domestic violence lawyers at Strategic Criminal Defence

The team of lawyers at Strategic Criminal Defence in Calgary all provide domestic violence defence services. View our lawyer page to learn more about our lawyers and their focus areas.

FAQs

In Calgary, the victim does not have the legal authority to drop charges. Once the police lay an assault charge, the case belongs to the State (the Crown). Under Alberta’s zero-tolerance (pro-prosecution) policies, the Crown will typically proceed with the trial even if the complainant recants or refuses to testify.

A recantation makes the Crown’s case more difficult, but a conviction can still be secured using 911 recordings, body-worn camera footage, or medical records. If the complainant is pressured to change her story, the accused may face additional charges for obstructing justice.

Even if the complainant contacts you, responding in any way breaks your conditions and could lead to new criminal charges for you. This remains true no matter what the complainant wants or if they ensure that it’s ‘okay’ to talk.

Don’t answer if the person who filed the complaint calls you. Keep any voicemails, texts, or emails as proof that they got in touch with you. Tell your lawyer right away, because this information could help change your bail conditions. If both sides really want to get back together or need to talk for a good reason, your lawyer can file an application to change the bail.

Yes, if you are found guilty of a domestic violence crime like assault, making threats, or criminal harassment, you will have a criminal record.

A criminal record changes a lot of things in your life. Many jobs, especially those that work with kids or seniors, require checking your criminal record before hiring you. If you work in education, healthcare, childcare, law enforcement, or any other job that requires a security clearance, a conviction for domestic violence can be especially bad.

Travel also gets harder, especially to the US, which has strict rules against letting people convicted of violent crimes in.

Being charged with domestic violence can have a big effect on your relationship with your kids, both immediately and possibly for a long time. When you are charged, your bail conditions will prevent or limit contact with the complainant, making it harder to see your children if they live with the other parent.

In the short term, bail conditions may only allow limited contact to set up child access, and this is often done through a third party. The court’s priority is the safety and well-being of the children involved, but your defence lawyer will advocate for your parental rights.

Yes. You can remain in or return to your home by obtaining a bail variation through the Calgary Courts. This process requires a formal application where the Crown Prosecutor typically demands the complainant’s informed consent and a threat assessment from agencies like HomeFront to ensure household safety.

Yes. In Canada, a conviction can rest on the uncorroborated testimony of a single complainant, provided the judge is satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of the accused’s guilt. Your lawyer will challenge the complainant’s credibility and reliability, as minor inconsistencies in their account can be decisive.

Coercive control is recognized as a form of family violence, where a pattern of behaviour, including threats, humiliation, isolation, and surveillance, is used by one person to dominate, manipulate, and restrict the freedom of an intimate partner. No physical violence is necessary. New legislation (Bill C-16 (The Protecting Victims Act) proposes criminalizing coercive control as a standalone offence.

If you’re charged with domestic violence in Calgary, a Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer will:

  • Review the details and unique circumstances of your case to identify the strongest relevant arguments to challenge the domestic violence charge.
  • Gather key evidence, such as police reports, medical records, video footage, digital evidence, witness statements, and expert witnesses, to support the defence argument.
  • Guide you through the complexities of the judicial system processes, explaining timelines, legal options, various scenarios, and associated consequences.
  • Prepare for trial, if necessary, building a strong case to present to the judge/jury and questioning witnesses.

Early legal intervention is essential in domestic violence cases. The decisions made in the first 24 to 48 hours can significantly affect how your case unfolds.

Strategic Criminal Defence lawyers understand how local courts approach domestic violence cases and will use this experience to protect your future.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

michael-oykhman-thumb

Verified By: Michael Oykhman, Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer

Last Modified: June 6, 2026

Michael Oykhman is a senior criminal defence lawyer and the founder of Strategic Criminal Defence, a leading firm with offices across Western Canada and Ontario. With nearly 20 years of legal experience, he has appeared at all levels of court in Alberta, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and has successfully defended thousands of clients.

Experience

  • Proven Results: Successfully managed over 10,000 criminal cases, experience in complex matters such as impaired driving, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
  • Strategic Problem Solver: Trained as a trial lawyer but recognized for his experience in alternative resolution strategies, often securing the best outcomes for clients without a case ever going to trial.
  • Multi-Jurisdictional Authority: Licensed to practice law in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

Education & Academic Leadership

  • Education: Holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Calgary.
  • Academic Distinctions: Recipient of the Crown Association Prize (top grade in criminal law) and was the first-ever finalist for the University of Calgary at the Gale Cup Moot.
  • Teaching & Mentorship: Currently serves as the Advising Lawyer for Student Legal Assistance and is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, teaching Advanced Criminal/Constitutional Appellate Advocacy.

Credentials & Recognition

  • Top-Rated Advocacy: An 8-time recipient of the Three Best Rated® Top Criminal Defence Lawyer of the Year award in Calgary.
  • Professional Memberships: Active member of the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) and the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (CDLA) of Calgary.
  • Connect with Michael: Bio | LinkedIn | Firm Office: (403) 719-6410