{"id":5764,"date":"2021-08-19T16:38:58","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T16:38:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/?page_id=5764"},"modified":"2026-08-11T16:36:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T23:36:34","slug":"edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers in Edmonton"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1440px + 50px );margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>Pre-charge legal advice involves the consultation of a criminal lawyer at the early stages of an investigation.\u00a0 <b>This is often a critical period, when the Edmonton police are looking to:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gather evidence to charge you.<\/li>\n<li>Collect statements.<\/li>\n<li>Pressure you into saying something that may implicate you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Don\u2019t wait until after you are charged. <b>Involving us from the beginning will:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Prevent you from saying or doing anything that could jeopardize your position.<\/li>\n<li>Protect your legal rights.<\/li>\n<li>Guide you on your legal options and what might happen next.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Our lawyers have worked to reduce the consequences for criminal suspects in Edmonton for a decade, and have been recognized with:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Consumer Choice Award (2025, 2026).<\/li>\n<li>Over 140 5-star Google reviews.<\/li>\n<li>BBB A+ rating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><h2>Accused of a crime in Edmonton? Do this even before charges are laid:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Invoke your right to silence immediately and maintain it:<\/b> Do not speak to police, answer questions, or provide a voluntary statement. Save your breath for your lawyer.<\/li>\n<li><b>Contact a criminal defence lawyer without delay:<\/b> You do not need to be charged or arrested to retain a lawyer.<\/li>\n<li><b>Do not destroy, alter, or discuss any evidence:<\/b> Preserve all messages, key items, photos\/videos, Internet search history, etc., for your lawyer.<\/li>\n<li><b>Do not contact any potential complainants or witnesses: <\/b>Doing so, even innocently, may be classed as intimidation or interference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h2>Testimonials<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cOne of the better lawyers in Edmonton\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had the opportunity to work with Ahmed Haroon\u2026What impressed me most was how kind and empathetic he was, even during stressful situations. He carries himself with integrity and professionalism, and I believe he is one of the better lawyers in Edmonton.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><b>\u00a0K.M.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-3 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cAlternative Measures\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI thank Ellen Sutherland for negotiating an Alternative Measures Program result for me. Ellen did her job well.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><b>L.M.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><h2>What is pre-charge legal advice?<\/h2>\n<p>Being investigated for a crime is highly stressful. Many suspects understandably make mistakes and provide the police with the precise information they need to lay criminal charges.<\/p>\n<p><b>This is because they don\u2019t know:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What the police are looking for.<\/li>\n<li>What they should say.<\/li>\n<li>The words and actions that risk making their situation worse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pre-charge legal advice aims to protect you from these kinds of missteps and errors. This is critical because the police will often gather the most incriminating evidence against the accused during the pre-charge phase of a criminal investigation.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-4 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p>\u201cThink of pre-charge legal advice as crisis management in the criminal context.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/michael-oykhman\/\">Michael Oykhman<\/a>, Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;margin-top : 30px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><p>Legal advice before charges are laid can sometimes prevent a charge, arrest, and detention. If not, during pre-charge legal advice, our lawyers often discover valuable information that can later be used in your defence.<\/p>\n<p><b>If you are subject to criminal charges, we will:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Explain what the charges and the potential consequences are.<\/li>\n<li>Start working on your release.<\/li>\n<li>Start building your defence against the charges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Examples of situations often requiring pre-charge legal advice<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019ve been accused of having non-consensual sex by someone you went on a date with.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ve been suspended from work because your employer is investigating you for theft or some other workplace matter.<\/li>\n<li>Your insurance company has contacted you about overpayment on benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><h2>What types of offences do we provide pre-charge legal advice for?<\/h2>\n<p><b>We provide pre-charge legal advice for all types of criminal offences in Edmonton, including:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>DUI and impaired driving.<\/li>\n<li>Assault.<\/li>\n<li>Criminal driving.<\/li>\n<li>Criminal harassment.<\/li>\n<li>Domestic violence.<\/li>\n<li>Drug offences.<\/li>\n<li>Property offences.<\/li>\n<li>Theft and fraud.<\/li>\n<li>Sexual assault.<\/li>\n<li>Youth offences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><h2>What does your pre-charge legal advice package include?<\/h2>\n<p><b>Our pre-charge legal advice service includes the following:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><style>\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .scd-table thead { display: none; }\n  .scd-table tr { display: block; margin-bottom: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; }\n  .scd-table td { display: block; padding: 10px 14px; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left !important; }\n  .scd-table td:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .scd-table td::before { content: attr(data-label); display: block; font-weight: bold; color: #c12127; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"scd-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 35%; text-align: center;\">SERVICE<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 65%; text-align: center;\">OVERVIEW<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Review of your situation<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We assess the facts, what you're accused of, and where the investigation stands \u2014 so we know what risks you're facing and what needs to happen first.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Review of your correspondence with the authorities<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We go through any communications you've had with police or investigators to identify anything that could be used against you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Review of your correspondence with complainants or witnesses<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We examine any messages or contact you've had with the alleged victim or witnesses to uncover material that could strengthen your defence.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Plain-language explanation of your jeopardy<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We tell you clearly what offences you could face, the likely penalties, and what a charge or conviction would mean for your life \u2014 no legal jargon.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Preparation for police interviews<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We explain your rights, what you are and aren't required to say, and how to conduct yourself if approached by investigators.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Correspondence with authorities on your behalf<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We draft and send formal communications to police, investigators, or Crown prosecutors on your behalf \u2014 so you never have to navigate that conversation alone.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Negotiation to prevent charges<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We engage directly with investigators or the Crown to advocate for a resolution without criminal charges being laid.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Ongoing legal advice<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We provide continuous guidance as the investigation develops \u2014 keeping you informed and adjusting your strategy as things change.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Standby assistance with police interactions<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">We are available on-call for unannounced police visits or formal interviews, so you never have to face them unprepared.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Service\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Bail assistance if arrested<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Overview\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">If charges are laid, we prepare immediately for your bail hearing and advocate for release on the least restrictive terms possible.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-5 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p>\u201cProper pre-charge legal advice is more than just an interview with a lawyer. We offer a comprehensive package at flat-rate fees. It covers not just an initial consultation, but a thorough review of every aspect of the case.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/michael-oykhman\/\">Michael Oykhman<\/a>, Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 30px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\"><h3>What are pre-charge defences?<\/h3>\n<p>Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as a \u201cpre-trial defence\u201d, as criminal defences challenge criminal charges. However, the defence process can start pre-trial with interventions, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Making factual representations to investigators or the Crown<\/b> that establish an alibi, explain circumstances, etc.<\/li>\n<li><b>Challenging the investigative procedures <\/b>if police have acted unlawfully and\/or breached Charter rights.<\/li>\n<li><b>Challenging whether the police have sufficient grounds<\/b> to lay criminal charges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-18\"><h2>I\u2019m innocent. Why do I need pre-charge legal advice?<\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, individuals who have never committed a crime frequently become key suspects in criminal investigations. Some are even behind bars now for saying or doing the wrong things while under investigation.<\/p>\n<p>The police are often under pressure to solve crimes and frequently make mistakes. <b>You could be investigated for an offence if you were:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In the wrong place at the wrong time.<\/li>\n<li>Present while someone you know commits a crime.<\/li>\n<li>Privy to information about a crime being committed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Even if you did nothing wrong, pre-charge legal advice can help protect your innocence. Our lawyers understand what the police are looking for and have in-depth knowledge of your rights and obligations when being investigated.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-6 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-19 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p>\u201cThere are two key benefits to getting pre-charge legal advice. The first is to ensure that you protect yourself as much as possible and that you do not incriminate yourself. The second benefit is that it allows you to control the narrative and the flow of the investigation, and if you do it right, it may allow you to prevent being charged in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-20 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/michael-oykhman\/\">Michael Oykhman<\/a>, Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;margin-top : 30px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-21\"><h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-5764-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-5764-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f4f5f7 } #accordion-5764-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:var(--awb-color2); border-width:0px; background-color:var(--awb-color2); }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-title a{font-size:21px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-5764-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-5764-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-dd42fa12b084ed5ce .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-dd42fa12b084ed5ce .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-dd42fa12b084ed5ce fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"dd42fa12b084ed5ce\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5764-1\" data-target=\"#dd42fa12b084ed5ce\" href=\"#dd42fa12b084ed5ce\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">When should I get pre-charge legal advice?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"dd42fa12b084ed5ce\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>It might be advisable to get pre-charge legal advice if the police have called you or asked you to come in for an interview. Even if you think you&#8217;re being investigated, or have reason to believe there might be an investigation, it\u2019s the right time to get pre-charge legal advice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-2ac51e5760119299c .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-2ac51e5760119299c .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-2ac51e5760119299c fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"2ac51e5760119299c\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5764-1\" data-target=\"#2ac51e5760119299c\" href=\"#2ac51e5760119299c\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How much is pre-charge legal advice?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"2ac51e5760119299c\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>At Strategic Criminal Defence, we use a flat-fee pricing model, with pre-charge legal advice packages and payment options that aim to make experienced legal advice accessible for most. If criminal charges are inevitable, the fee that you pay for our pre-charge advice and assistance will be credited towards our general retainer fee for defending your case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-0d3f83ac1ab96871f .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-0d3f83ac1ab96871f .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-0d3f83ac1ab96871f fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"0d3f83ac1ab96871f\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5764-1\" data-target=\"#0d3f83ac1ab96871f\" href=\"#0d3f83ac1ab96871f\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Won\u2019t hiring a lawyer make me look guilty?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"0d3f83ac1ab96871f\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>No, lawyers are a basic part of our justice system, and everyone has the right to one. Police and prosecutors know this. A lawyer helps \u201clevel the playing field\u201d for people accused of criminal offences and facing questioning from experienced police officers looking for evidence. We prevent you from saying or doing anything that could be misinterpreted or used against you later, even if you haven\u2019t done anything wrong.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-c7245428d4770cad2 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-c7245428d4770cad2 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-c7245428d4770cad2 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"c7245428d4770cad2\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5764-1\" data-target=\"#c7245428d4770cad2\" href=\"#c7245428d4770cad2\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How do I know if I\u2019m being investigated for a crime?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"c7245428d4770cad2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>If the police call you, question you, or search your home or workplace with a search warrant, you are under investigation. However, it is not always so clear. The police may talk to your friends, family, or coworkers about you or call you and ask you to come to the police station for informal or \u201coff the record\u201d questioning. In most circumstances, there is no such thing. Picking up the phone to a pre-charge lawyer might be the right move at this point.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-0dd58e22a987be5f5 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-0dd58e22a987be5f5 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-0dd58e22a987be5f5 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"0dd58e22a987be5f5\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5764-1\" data-target=\"#0dd58e22a987be5f5\" href=\"#0dd58e22a987be5f5\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What are the long-term consequences of a criminal record?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"0dd58e22a987be5f5\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>A conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, travel to certain countries (including the US), immigration status (for non-citizens), and more. A record suspension (formerly a pardon) may be available after a waiting period, depending on the nature of the offence and sentence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-c734763f773b93629 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5764-1 .panel-c734763f773b93629 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-c734763f773b93629 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"c734763f773b93629\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5764-1\" data-target=\"#c734763f773b93629\" href=\"#c734763f773b93629\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">If I\u2019m charged but later found not guilty, will it impact my future?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"c734763f773b93629\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>If you are charged and later found not guilty of the crime, the mere fact that you have been charged with an offence can still negatively impact your life. Besides the significant social stigma that often accompanies criminal charges, the charge may still appear on certain record checks until steps are taken to remove it (e.g., record suspension, destruction of fingerprints, etc.).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-22\"><h2>Protect yourself against criminal accusations in Edmonton<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re being investigated for a criminal offence in Edmonton, pre-charge legal advice from Strategic Criminal Defence will aim to prevent charges or reduce the consequences for the future if you are charged.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-7 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-23\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-7{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-8 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 25px 50px 25px 50px;\"><div ><style>.fusion-imageframe.imageframe-1{ margin-bottom : 25px;}<\/style><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"border-radius:8px;max-width:100px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/michael-oykhman-thumb.jpg\" alt class=\"img-responsive\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-24\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>Verified By: Michael Oykhman, Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:15px;margin-left:0px;\"><div class=\"title-heading-left title-heading-tag fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:18;line-height:1.618;\">Last Modified: August 11, 2026<\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-25\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Proven Results:<\/strong> Successfully managed over 10,000 criminal cases, experience in complex matters such as impaired driving, domestic violence, and sexual assault.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strategic Problem Solver:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Multi-Jurisdictional Authority:<\/strong> Licensed to practice law in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Education &amp; Academic Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Education:<\/strong> Holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Calgary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Academic Distinctions:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teaching &amp; Mentorship:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Credentials &amp; Recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Top-Rated Advocacy:<\/strong> An 8-time recipient of the Three Best Rated\u00ae Top Criminal Defence Lawyer of the Year award in Calgary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional Memberships:<\/strong> Active member of the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) and the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (CDLA) of Calgary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Connect with Michael:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/michael-oykhman\/\">Bio<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/michael-oykhman-90002335?originalSubdomain=ca\">LinkedIn<\/a> | <strong>Firm Office:<\/strong> (403) 719-6410<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-8{width:100% !important;margin-top : 25px;margin-bottom : 25px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 25px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 25px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Facing a police investigation can be stressful. Legal advice early in the process helps protect your rights before charges are laid. Our Edmonton pre-charge legal advice lawyers guide you through police contact, explain your options, and work to prevent charges whenever possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":51332,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5764","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers Edmonton | Strategic Criminal Defence<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you need Pre-Charge Legal Advice in Edmonton, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers Edmonton | Strategic Criminal Defence\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you need Pre-Charge Legal Advice in Edmonton, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Strategic Criminal Defence\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-11T23:36:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/04\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/\",\"name\":\"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers Edmonton | Strategic Criminal Defence\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-08-19T16:38:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-11T23:36:34+00:00\",\"description\":\"If you need Pre-Charge Legal Advice in Edmonton, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-CA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-CA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"Strategic Criminal Defence's Legal Team\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers in Edmonton\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/\",\"name\":\"Strategic Criminal Defence\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/edmonton\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-CA\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers Edmonton | Strategic Criminal Defence","description":"If you need Pre-Charge Legal Advice in Edmonton, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers Edmonton | Strategic Criminal Defence","og_description":"If you need Pre-Charge Legal Advice in Edmonton, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!","og_url":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/","og_site_name":"Strategic Criminal Defence","article_modified_time":"2026-08-11T23:36:34+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/04\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/","url":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/","name":"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers Edmonton | Strategic Criminal Defence","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/04\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg","datePublished":"2021-08-19T16:38:58+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-11T23:36:34+00:00","description":"If you need Pre-Charge Legal Advice in Edmonton, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-CA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-CA","@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/04\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/04\/edmonton-criminal-defence-lawyers.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"Strategic Criminal Defence's Legal Team"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/edmonton-pre-charge-legal-advice\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Pre-Charge Legal Advice Lawyers in Edmonton"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/","name":"Strategic Criminal Defence","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-CA"}]}},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5764"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5764\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}