Edmonton Criminal Defence Lawyers

A Proven Defence Team for Edmonton’s Toughest Legal Challenges

Whether you’re facing an impaired driving charge in Downtown Edmonton, an assault charge in Oliver, a drug charge in Londonderry, or a property offence in Glenora, a criminal defence lawyer from our firm can help.

From the investigation stage to the arrest, charge, and impending criminal trial, your life could be about to change. We will work to relieve the stress of the situation, protect your rights, support you, and limit the consequences, whether it’s your first offence or you already have a record.

Since 2016, our Edmonton team has built an enviable reputation, received over 140 5-star Google reviews, and become an integral part of the Alberta team that has won Consumer Choice awards two years in a row.

Serving the entire Edmonton Metropolitan Region, from Morinville to Leduc, and Spruce Grove to Sherwood Park, we handle almost any type of criminal case at all levels of Court in Alberta and at the Supreme Court of Canada.

140+ Five-Star Reviews

Trusted by hundreds of clients in Edmonton.

10,000+ Cases

Proven results in thousands of criminal defence cases across Alberta.

10+ Years Serving Edmonton

Over 30 years of combined experience in Edmonton.

24/7 Availability

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

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Why Choose Strategic Criminal Defence?

Strategy

A “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work with criminal defence. Every case is unique, and selecting the right defence requires seasoned judgment.

We analyze your situation to determine whether to:

  • Negotiate with the Crown, or
  • Prepare for trial.

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

Experience

We value both the decades of courtroom experience from our lawyers and the experience of our clients.

Facing criminal charges is incredibly stressful. We take the responsibility of easing your burden seriously, taking the time to meet and understand the specifics of your situation and your case.

Our team prioritizes high-level, personalized legal advocacy delivered with discretion, integrity, and personal support through every stage of the legal process.

Results

Our record of success across the Edmonton Metropolitan Region is built on three pillars:

  1. Deep familiarity with the specific offence allows us to build a nuanced, highly effective defence.
  2. An exhaustive review of the evidence often identifies weaknesses in the Crown’s case, leading to case dismissal, plea negotiations, or acquittal at trial.
  3. Technical and constitutional advocacy, utilizing forensic experts and Charter challenges to strengthen cases.

First, we will listen. Then we will take decisive action.

Awards and Reviews

One Of Edmonton’s Highest-Rated
Criminal Defence Law Firms

  • three-best-rated
  • consumers-choice

How will we help?

Communicate with the various parties involved to prevent an unnecessary impact on your future.

Assist with your release on bail with the least restrictive conditions possible.

Protect your Charter rights from the criminal investigation, arrest, and charge to detention and court proceedings.

Build a robust defence to fight the charge and minimize the consequences.

Practice areas

The Criminal Charges We Defend

Immediate Roadside Sanctions

You can face immediate license suspensions and other sanctions even if you are under the legal limit. These administrative penalties bypass the judicial process. We provide the specialized advocacy required to challenge these roadside decisions.

Domestic Violence

Allegations involving a family member or romantic partner can lead to serious domestic charges. We navigate sensitive cases discreetly to protect your rights and prevent a single mistake or misunderstanding from impacting your future.

Violent Offences

Violent offences involve alleged harmful contact or threats between individuals. These include assault, choking, and manslaughter. We provide a robust defence to protect your liberty against these serious allegations.

Drug Charges

Drug charges arise from the possession, trafficking, distribution, or importation of controlled substances. The EPS has aggressively enforced possession in recent years. We will challenge the evidence to protect your future.

Youth Offences

Youth charges are governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. We ensure young people are treated fairly and work to prevent a mistake from creating a permanent record.

Assaulting A Peace Officer

These charges involve allegations of force against police or transit officers. They are on the rise in Edmonton and are treated severely by the Crown. We scrutinize the officer’s conduct and the circumstances to build a strategic defence.

Criminal Driving

Criminal driving includes Criminal Code offences like Dangerous Driving or Flight from Police. These carry much heavier penalties than Traffic Safety Act tickets. We fight to save your license and your record.

Assault & Threats

Assault involves applying force without consent, while threats involve words or gestures. These charges carry significant prison time. We provide the tactical defence necessary to contest the version of events against you.

Sexual Offences

Sexual allegations carry immense social stigma and the risk of being added to the Sex Offender Registry. We offer a discreet, rigorous defence focused on protecting your reputation and challenging the prosecution’s case.

Property Crimes

Property crimes include robbery, break and enter, and theft. These charges often turn on identity or intent. We analyze the forensic and surveillance evidence to build a defence that protects your freedom.

Traffic Offences

Serious traffic offences like Hit and Run or Careless Driving can lead to high fines and jail. We bridge the gap between simple tickets under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act and criminal litigation to keep you on the road.

Fraud

Fraud involves allegations of dishonesty for financial gain. These complex cases require a detailed analysis of financial records. We defend your integrity and work to resolve these matters without a criminal conviction.

Meet Our Lawyers

Ahmed Haroon

Our team is led by Ahmed Haroon. Born and raised in Edmonton, Ahmed provides purposeful advocacy for those facing criminal and quasi-criminal charges.

A University of Alberta graduate, he has extensive experience in complex litigation, including appellate work before the Supreme Court of Canada. Ahmed combines technical skill with strategic preparation to protect his clients’ rights, and his many glowing reviews from past clients are a testament to his dedication.

Key areas of focus: All areas of criminal law, appellate litigation.

Ellen Sutherland

Ellen Sutherland is an established litigator known for her client-focused approach and superior oral advocacy. With experience in both prosecution and defence, she leverages deep procedural knowledge to secure favourable results.

Ellen handles a wide range of criminal matters across Western Canada and serves on several community and legal boards.

Key areas of focus: All areas of criminal law, traffic offences, civil protection applications, youth offences, and quasi-criminal tribunal matters.

Michael Oykhman

The founder of Strategic Criminal Defence, Michael Oykhman, is a senior lawyer with almost 20 years of experience defending criminal cases across Alberta. While the Calgary office serves as Michael’s base, he still accepts cases in Edmonton as required.

He 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®.

Client Resources

Why Choose Us?

Understanding what not to do if you’ve been charged with a crime is just as essential as knowing what to do. Firstly, resist the temptation to say much. Identify yourself, but exercise the right to remain silent. Don’t make statements or plan to plead guilty. Instead, contact a lawyer from Strategic Criminal Defence as soon as you can, and follow their advice to the letter.

No two cases are the same, but your criminal defence lawyer will seek to understand the specifics of your situation, protect your rights, explain your legal options, and start work on protecting your future. Strategies might include proceeding to trial, attempting to resolve your case with the Crown, or pleading guilty to a lesser offence and sentence.

Our lawyers regularly negotiate for clients to be diverted out of the traditional criminal system and into specialized programs. If completed successfully, your charges are typically withdrawn, allowing you to avoid a conviction and a permanent criminal record.

Key programs available in Edmonton include the Adult Alternative Measures Program (AMP), the Mental Health Diversion, the Edmonton Drug Treatment Court, and the Indigenous Court.

Our lawyers regularly negotiate for clients to be diverted out of the traditional criminal system and into specialized programs. If completed successfully, your charges are typically withdrawn, allowing you to avoid a conviction and a permanent criminal record.

Key programs available in Edmonton include the Adult Alternative Measures Program (AMP), the Mental Health Diversion, the Edmonton Drug Treatment Court, and the Indigenous Court.

Most Criminal Code offences are “hybrid,” giving the Crown Prosecutor the choice to proceed summarily (typically for less serious offences) or by indictment (more serious). We advocate early in the process to convince the Crown to elect summarily, significantly reducing the potential maximum penalties you face.

The safest way to address an outstanding warrant is to have a lawyer negotiate a “voluntary surrender,” which often avoids a public arrest and speeds up the bail process. Walking into a police station unprepared risks immediate detention without a release plan in place. We can coordinate with the Edmonton Police Service to turn a high-stress arrest into a managed surrender.

The Strategic Criminal Defence Office

Located in the heart of downtown, our Edmonton office at 9844 106 St, Edmonton, AB T5K 1B8 serves as the central hub for our legal operations in the region.

Our location near the Edmonton Courts Centre (just a 4-minute drive or a short walk away) allows our lawyers to transition seamlessly between client consultations and court appearances:

  • Immediate access to the courts: Our proximity to the Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench ensures we can respond rapidly to urgent filings, bail hearings, and scheduled appearances.
  • Centralized case management: Our office manages the high volume of disclosure and forensic evidence typical of Edmonton-area drug, property, and violent crime cases.
  • Proximity to the DMU: Our location allows for quick transit to the Edmonton Police Service’s downtown detention area to meet with clients following an arrest.

Whether you’re navigating an IRS appeal or facing serious Criminal Code charges, our office provides the physical and strategic infrastructure necessary to build a robust defence within the Edmonton judicial system.

Get A Free Consultation

Have you been charged with a crime in Edmonton?

At Strategic Criminal Defence, our lawyers understand the law and the Edmonton judicial system, including local judges and prosecutors.

Once we learn the specifics of your case, we will put our legal skills and experience to work in your defence.

Call Or Send A Message For Help

Available 24/7

(587) 930-7877

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