If you’re in trouble, we can help.

Calgary Criminal Lawyers

We represent individuals in times of crisis.

Whether you’re facing serious criminal charges, under investigation by the police, or worried about the lifelong consequences of a conviction, our team of Calgary criminal defence lawyers are here to help you fight the charge.

We understand the fear, confusion, and uncertainty of being charged with a criminal offence.

For nearly two decades, our team of highly skilled and dedicated defence lawyers has represented over 10,000 individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. We have the experience to guide you through a criminal charge. We have defended clients at all levels of Court in Alberta, and at the Supreme Court of Canada. Our lawyers include the president of the Criminal Defence Lawyer’s Association (Calgary), and a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law.

If you’ve been arrested or believe you may be under investigation, it’s critical to understand your rights before making any decisions. A criminal record can impact your freedom, career, and reputation, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Our experienced team is available by phone, without cost or obligation, to hear your story and offer the legal guidance you need.

When you choose Strategic Criminal Defence, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining an advocate who will stand by your side and fight for your future. Don’t struggle alone, contact us today.

600+ Five-Star Reviews

Trusted by hundreds of clients across Alberta and beyond.

10,000+ Cases

Proven results in over thousands of criminal defence cases.

100+ Years of Legal Experience

A seasoned team with over 100 years of combined experience.

24/7 Availability

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

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How can we help you?

Speak To A Lawyer For Free

Facing criminal charges? Talk to an experienced defence lawyer today. No cost, no pressure, no surprises.

Understand The Court Process

From your first appearance to the final verdict, we’ll guide you through every of the court process in Canada.

View Our Client Reviews

See how we’ve helped people across Alberta beat charges, avoid convictions, and protect their futures.

Free PDF Guide

How To Beat A Criminal Charge in Canada

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Practice areas

A Full-Service Criminal Defence Firm

An Immediate Roadside Sanction is a sanction imposed if a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is over the legal limit.

A charge is considered domestic in nature if it involves violence against a family member or a current/former romantic partner.

Violent offences result from alleged harmful events between people. These include assault, homicide, and sexual offences.

Sexual offences include sexual interference, exploitation, and most commonly sexual assault charges.

Assault is a charge whereby someone applies force (directly or indirectly) to a person without their consent.

Criminal driving encompasses multiple motor vehicle offences in the Criminal Code of Canada.

Drug charges are offences which arise from an interaction with an illicit drug or substance including possession, trafficking, distribution, and importation.

Crimes against property are serious charges in Canada. This includes theft, break and enters and vehicle fraud.

Traffic offences and violations are breaches of provincial legislation that can result in significant fines, driving suspensions or jail.

Youth offences are primarily addressed through the Youth Criminal Justice Act which aims to rehabilitate young people and reduce youth crime.

Administration of justice offences include Criminal Code violations of failure to comply with conditions, prisoner unlawfully at large, failure to appear, and breach of probation.

A record suspension allows people to have their criminal records kept separate and apart from other criminal records.

Awards and Recognition

Trust One Of Calgary’s Most Awarded
Criminal Defence Law Firms

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Verified Reviews

Neal Dixon went over and above for what we required. Extremely professional and achieved the outcome we were looking for. I will be contacting him in the future if legal matters are required.

A.L.

There is nothing scarier than being falsely accused. Michael and his team were absolutely a Godsend, and were there for me and helped me through the darkest experience of my life. I will be eternally grateful to him and his team for defending my innocence and allowing my family and I to start getting our life back to normal again. If there is anyone out there in need of help, there is no more capable and compassionate representation than Michael. God bless him and his team.

B.B.

After a long battle, Metaya Selders with Strategic Criminal Defence won my case and provided the perfect outcome for me. I can now continue on and move forward with my life. As hard as something like this may be, she constantly made me feel safe, assured and up to date with everything going on. Thank you Metaya & thank you to all staff at Strategic Criminal defence!

B.S.

I wanted to thank Michael and his team for being outstanding and providing the best customer service. Thank you for winning my case. I really appreciate it. We all make mistakes and learn from them. Thank you again Michael. Highly recommended! Best lawyer in Alberta and Calgary!!

E.G.

Joseph Beller of Strategic Criminal Defence provided first rate service during what was an incredibly difficult time. He was responsive to my communications and he maintained an open dialogue throughout. If you’re ever in need of a Criminal Defence Attorney, I would highly recommend Joseph and the team at Strategic Criminal Defence.

C.R.

I honestly don’t have enough positive words to describe how incredible my experience was with Mateya Selders! From start to finish, she was absolutely fabulous in every way—professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely compassionate. She made a stressful situation feel manageable and guided me through every step with confidence and clarity. Her attention to detail and dedication to my case truly went above and beyond. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and will fight for you, look no further. I can’t recommend her highly enough!

R.B.

A tip from someone who’s dealt with the legal system more than he ever wants to again: Spend the money and get yourself a lawyer like Michael Oykhman or Joseph Beller. These are the kind of lawyers you go to if you want someone who communicates consistently, educates you on the law, and will take the extra time to look into all the finer details that apply to your legal case. I can only wish I went to them sooner.

K.N.

I worked with Elena, and she was a fantastic lawyer. She dismantled the false accuser for hours in court. Her strategic planning was truly impressive!

I hope no one ever ends up in the situation I was in, but if you do, I’d absolutely recommend Elena and their law firm.

M.L.

I recently found myself assisting my elderly father with an urgent legal situation while from out of province. Attorney Greg Janzen went above and beyond from A-Z. He walked us through every step seamlessly. Resulting in a better than expected outcome. You can count on Greg Janzen!

R.E.

In The Media

Recognized For Top Criminal Defence Cases

Radio personality granted absolute discharge

Featured In: Medicine Hat News

Former junior hockey player jailed for sexual assault of Calgary woman.

Featured In: Calgary Sun

Calgary businessman John Torode pleads guilty to drunk-driving crash that injured 2 women

Featured In: CBC News

Woman accused of Calgary manslaughter tearfully hugs lawyer after charge dropped mid-trial

Featured In: CBC News

Murder charge dropped in Manchester industrial area fatal stabbing of Valeri Lomakine

Featured In: CBC News

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Alberta Court of Appeal hears arguments on ‘unfit’ sentence handed to former Calgary cop

Featured In: CTV News

Bail granted to two men charged with beating wheelchair-bound man during home invasion

Featured In: Calgary Herald

Triple homicides and 2002 Valentine’s Day killing among top Calgary court cases to watch in 2021

Featured In: Yahoo News

Woman beaten to death by boyfriend for sitting on his hat

Featured In: CBC News

Understanding Calgary’s Court System

Calgary Criminal Courts

Calgary Courts

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, with a population of approximately 1.3 million residents as of the 2021 census. As the primary economic hub of Southern Alberta, Calgary spans a vast area of over 825 square kilometres and serves as the central judicial point for the Calgary Metropolitan Region, including surrounding communities such as Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, and Okotoks.

The Calgary Courts Centre

Most criminal matters in the city are heard at the Calgary Courts Centre, located at 601 5th Street SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5P7. Opened in 2007, this 24-storey landmark is the largest court facility in Canada. The building is divided into two towers—the North and South towers—connected by a massive glass atrium.

The Calgary Courts Centre hosts both the Provincial Court of Alberta and the Court of King’s Bench. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art judicial technology, including:

  • Advanced digital evidence presentation systems.
  • Comprehensive security with single point-of-entry and electronic screening.
  • Dedicated specialty courts, including Domestic Violence Court, Drug Treatment Court, and Mental Health Court.
  • Full barrier-free accessibility for all participants.

Prior to the consolidation of services into this central hub, judicial matters were spread across several older facilities in the downtown core.

Today, the Calgary Courts Centre provides a streamlined, high-security environment for all levels of criminal proceedings, from bail hearings to complex trials.

The experienced lawyers at Strategic Criminal Defence serve clients from our downtown office, centrally located at 396 11 Ave SW, Suite 840, Calgary, AB T2R 0C5. Our location provides easy access to the Calgary Courts Centre, allowing us to provide timely and effective representation.

Our Team

Meet Our Lawyers