If you’re in trouble, we can help.

Victoria Criminal Lawyers

We represent individuals on Vancouver Island charged with criminal offences.

Whether it’s a knock on the door from investigators, a blue light in the rear-view mirror, or an unexpected arrest on the streets of Victoria, the early stages of being charged with a criminal offence are intimidating and stressful.

Those moments are made more manageable with a Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer on your side.

Since 2021, our team located in Downtown Victoria has represented accused individuals throughout Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay, Campbell River, and beyond.

We’ve earned Three Best Rated® recognition, 5-star Google ratings, and The Consumer’s Choice Award for 2025 and 2026.

From the investigation stage to the arrest, charge, release, and impending trial, your lawyer will guide every step, protecting your rights, supporting you, and limiting the consequences for your future.

Whether it’s an impaired driving charge in Downtown Victoria, a drug charge in James Bay, or an assault charge in North Park, we can help. We handle almost any type of criminal case at any level of Court in British Columbia and at the Supreme Court of Canada.

65+ Five-Star Reviews

Trusted by scores of clients in Victoria BC and thousands across Canada.

100s of Cases

Proven results in hundreds of criminal defence cases in B.C.

40+ Years of Legal Experience

A focused and seasoned team with over 40 years of combined experience.

24/7 Availability

Here when you need us, day or night, 24/7.

Why Choose Strategic Criminal Defence?

Strategy

In the Capital Regional District’s legal landscape, a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work. Every case is unique, and selecting the right defence requires seasoned judgment tailored to local courts.

We meticulously analyze your situation to determine the most effective path forward, whether that involves:

  • Negotiating with the Crown Prosecution, or
  • Preparing for a trial at the Burdett Avenue courthouse.

From the outset, we aim to protect your future by pursuing all available avenues, including local diversion programs and peace bonds, to help you avoid the burden of a criminal record.

Experience

Experience is essential in two respects:

  1. The decades of courtroom experience our lawyers bring to the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia increase the likelihood of favourable outcomes.
  2. The personal experience of our clients when they hire us is of the utmost importance to our lawyers. You will witness this in the sensitivity, discretion, and integrity with which we handle your case.

We start the process by taking the time to meet at our Courtney Street office or remotely to understand the specifics of your situation.

Results

Our record of success across Greater Victoria and the West Shore is due to:

  • Legal depth: A deep familiarity with specific offences within the justice system allows us to build a nuanced, highly effective defence.
  • Exhaustive evidence review: A meticulous analysis of the investigation often identifies weaknesses in the Crown’s case, frequently leading to stayed charges, successful plea negotiations, or acquittal at trial.
  • Technical and constitutional advocacy: We utilize forensic experts and Charter challenges to protect your rights.

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How will we guide you through your case?

Negotiation & Advocacy

We manage all communications with the Victoria Police Department (VicPD), local RCMP detachments, and Crown Prosecutors to secure the best possible pre-trial resolution.

Bail & Release

Our team works to secure your immediate release at bail hearings, advocating for the least restrictive conditions to minimize the impact on your daily life and employment.

Charter Rights Protection

We rigorously scrutinize police conduct to ensure your Charter rights are upheld. If investigators exceeded their legal powers during your arrest or search, we fight to have evidence excluded.

Strategic Defence Planning

Whether through sophisticated plea bargaining or preparing for a full criminal trial, we build a customized strategy designed to achieve a favourable outcome based on BC case law.

Client Guidance

We prioritize clear communication, ensuring you understand every step of the BC judicial process and remain fully informed of your options and responsibilities throughout the case.

Trial Representation

If your case proceeds to court, we provide an exhaustive defence, preparing you thoroughly and delivering a convincing, high-stakes advocacy before a judge or jury.

Practice areas

A Full-Service Criminal Defence Firm

Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP)

An IRP involves an immediate licence suspension following an impaired driving allegation. Penalties are administrative, bypassing the traditional court system. We challenge the technical and procedural errors to get you back on the road.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges involve aggression, threats, or assault of a family member or romantic partner. We provide discreet, strategic defence to protect your reputation and minimize the impact on your future.

Assault

Ranging from simple assault to serious violent offences involving bodily harm or weapons, we navigate the legal complexities of your case to prepare a defence that minimizes penalties or secures a full acquittal.

Drug Offences

Governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, drug charges in British Columbia often require skilled Chartera analysis. Penalties for drug possession are severe. We fight to exclude evidence and protect your record.

Youth Offences

Individuals aged 12–17 are prosecuted under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. We prioritize rehabilitation and privacy in defences to ensure a mistake doesn’t define a young life and enables a second chance.

Criminal Driving

Distinct from provincial tickets, these Criminal Code offences carry life-altering penalties. We defend against charges of dangerous driving, failure to stop, and more, to ensure that a momentary lapse on the road doesn’t define your future.

Sexual Offences

Highly litigious and sensitive, sexual assault allegations require a vigorous defence. We protect your rights and provide a meticulous investigation into every detail of the prosecution’s case to ensure that you are handled fairly.

Property Crimes

With B.C. courts prioritizing deterrence for theft and mischief, you need a strong advocate. We focus on diversion and restitution to avoid harsh sentencing and prevent consequences that go far beyond the initial penalties.

Traffic Offences

Traffic offences are prosecuted under BC’s Motor Vehicle Act rather than the Criminal Code, but can still lead to heavy fines and loss of driving privileges. We help you navigate Victoria’s strict provincial traffic laws.

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Understanding BC’s Court System

What To Expect

If you are arrested and charged in the Greater Victoria area, understanding the main criminal court processes and what to expect can ease the stress.

You will typically be taken to the police station or RCMP detachment responsible for that jurisdiction (such as Victoria PD, Saanich PD, or the West Shore RCMP).

At the station, one of two things will occur:

  1. Release: You may be released on an Undertaking or Appearance Notice after processing (fingerprinting and photographs).
  2. Detention: You will remain in custody until you can be brought before a Judicial Justice for a bail hearing. This must occur within 24 hours pursuant to Section 503 of the Criminal Code.

If you exercise your right to counsel, a Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer can contact your family and inform them of your location and status.

Victoria’s Criminal Courts

Most criminal matters in the Capital Regional District are centralized at the Victoria Law Courts. Depending on the severity of the charge, your case will be heard at:

  • Provincial Court of British Columbia: This court handles the vast majority of criminal matters, including bail hearings, sentencing, and provincial court trials.
  • Supreme Court of British Columbia: In the same complex, this court hears the most serious criminal offences, jury trials, and summary conviction appeals.

These courts include specialized divisions to address specific needs, such as Integrated Court, Domestic Violence files, and Indigenous (Gladue) sentencing principles.

Our Team

Meet Our Lawyers

Julia Hunter

Julia Hunter’s legal experience over the past decade includes stints at the Judges’ Chambers and the Crown Prosecution Service. Dedicated to restorative justice, she leverages her insider knowledge of prosecution tactics to provide compassionate, client-centered advocacy and achieve strategic results for those facing criminal charges.

Key areas of focus: IRP, criminal driving, domestic assaults/violent crime, drug offences, theft/fraud, provincial traffic violations, young offender charges.

Michael Oykhman

Although based out of our Calgary office, Michael Oykhman is licensed to practice in British Columbia and established the Strategic Criminal Defence office in Victoria.

A senior lawyer with almost 20 years of experience defending criminal cases, Michael is recognized as a leading legal authority in both local and national media. A top-rated criminal defence lawyer for eight consecutive years by Three Best Rated®.

Roisin Neary

Roisin Neary

Roisin Neary is a dedicated criminal defence lawyer serving Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. With extensive daily experience in BC’s Provincial and Supreme Courts, she combines a background in psychology and Indigenous legal perspectives to provide tough, compassionate advocacy, ensuring her clients’ interests are protected from bail to trial.

Key areas of focus: Assault, driving offences, theft, fraud, mischief, criminal harassment, sexual offences.

Get Answers To Your Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Your 30-60-minute free consultation will be with a criminal defence lawyer. We will exchange the following types of information:

  • Details about you, such as your education, occupation, and citizenship status.
  • Details about the case, including a review of documents received from the police.
  • Your version of exactly what happened that led to the criminal charge.
  • A review of any materials that support your version.
  • What you can expect and need to prepare for upcoming appearances.
  • Discussion about the court process, our fee structure, and what we can do to help.

We will also answer any questions you may have and, if you decide to retain us, suggest what you can do to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Depending on your situation, it’s best to email us before or provide the following information during your free consultation:

  • A written statement (preferably typed) outlining your version of events.
  • All documents that you have been given by the court or by the police.
  • Any disclosure you have received.
  • Photo ID.
  • Any supporting documents, such as photographs, emails, texts, phone records, medical records, receipts, etc.

There is no such thing as “off the record.” In most cases, it’s best to ask whether you’re under investigation and to politely refuse the request for an interview or a statement. Remain silent and call a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Having a lawyer handle the communication with police and investigators can prevent you from saying something that will be used against you.

It may depend on what you’ve been charged with. A case dismissal or acquittal in a B.C. court will not result in a conviction or criminal record, but other outcomes can also prevent a criminal record for some offences. For instance, your criminal defence lawyer can argue for:

  • An absolute or conditional discharge: This is where you are found guilty, but the conviction is never officially registered and automatically purged from your file after one or three years.
  • A diversion program: If you complete an Alternative Measures program in BC, the Crown will typically stay the charges. This allows you to resolve the matter without a trial or a finding of guilt, ensuring you avoid a criminal conviction and a permanent record.

If a formal conviction is already on your file, you may be able to apply for a Record Suspension (Pardon) after a waiting period of 5 to 10 years.

Yes, but there are some ways of managing the process to avoid unnecessary stress and legal risks. Ignoring an arrest warrant leads to an unpredictable arrest, but surrendering voluntarily often results in a faster release. If you call one of our lawyers to assist, we will coordinate your surrender, negotiate bail, and protect your rights before you even enter the station.

Even if the odds are stacked against you:

  1. You have the right to a defence.
  2. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
  3. The police frequently make errors when charging people.

The immediate penalties could include:

  • Incarceration
  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Mandatory programs.

The long-term effects of a criminal record are often even more damaging, permanently impacting your:

  • Employment
  • Education
  • Reputation
  • Travel
  • Immigration status
  • Relationships
  • Other key aspects of your future.

The best strategy after an arrest by the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is to remain silent and exercise your right to “retain and instruct counsel without delay.”

Get A Free Consultation

Have you been accused of a crime in Victoria?

If you’ve been accused of a crime in Victoria, there may be a challenging legal journey ahead. We can help you, just as we have helped hundreds of other Vancouver Island residents in the past five years.

The extensive experience and insight of our dedicated criminal defence lawyers, combined with our deep knowledge of the local BC judicial system, Victoria’s judges, and the regional prosecution, can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

Call Or Send A Message

Available 24/7

403-719-6410

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