If you have been charged with a criminal offence, your freedom is on the line. Since you are visiting our website, it is likely that you or a family member have been charged with a criminal offence. In Canada, a criminal conviction can have devastating consequences such as the loss of friends, family, immigration status, employment opportunity, and personal self-worth.
We believe your future is worth fighting for.
While your situation may seem hopeless, remember that you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A number of legal options are at your disposal. Our team of experienced criminal defence lawyers are standing by to assist you in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.
If you are ready to act, request a free consultation today to speak with a criminal defence lawyer.
If you or a Loved One Has Been Charged with a Crime
Every client and their circumstances are unique. We understand that there is no “one size fits all” approach and are diligent in ensuring every client receives a personalized plan of action to address any criminal charge they are facing.
Our first step with any new client is to listen. Understanding the exact circumstances that led to you receiving a criminal charge is necessary in being able to determine a strategy we believe will most likely result in the best outcome. It is also important that we recognize your goals in addressing the criminal charge which may include avoiding jail time, avoiding a criminal record and/or having a fine reduced.
After we are satisfied we have an in-depth understanding of your situation, we will discuss next steps and outline the strategy we believe would be in your best interest. This may include proceeding to trial, attempting to reach a resolution with the Crown, or pleading guilty to a lesser offence and sentence.
Most importantly, no matter what avenue we take, it will be with your instruction and confidence that it is the right strategy for you.
Criminal Defence Statistics in Edmonton
In 2021, Edmonton Police Services reported 174,094 occurrences, meaning an incident that required a police report and may have resulted in a criminal or non-criminal investigation. With a population of 1.1 million in 2021, this means a staggering 15.8% of Edmontonians were involved with the Edmonton Police Service and may have ended up under investigation for a criminal charge. This does not account for the thousands more who are impacted by the result of an investigation including friends and family of the individual charged.
We understand that with a multitude of online resources in today’s society it may seem easier to represent yourself in the criminal justice system, however it cannot be overstated that the material available online is vast and may not be correct. Furthermore, it is unlikely to provide the level of detail required to give you the confidence you will need in order to represent yourself.
Our team in Edmonton is not only passionate about representing you, we also do it in a way that ensures you remain in control of the process and within a budget that respects your financial situation.
Focused on Service
Ensuring your rights are thoroughly defended requires more than an understanding of the Criminal Code. Taking the time to understand every detail of your case and the circumstances is equally as important.
We aim to provide top-quality, personalized service for every client, understanding that all clients are different. Taking the time to meet with you, learn about you, ask questions, and recognize all the potential legal arguments in your case forms the foundation of our relationship with you and allows us to ensure we can fight for the best outcome in your case.
Each of our lawyers not only takes the law seriously, but they are also zealous advocates who are genuinely invested in everyone they represent. Having a constant understanding of your interests and needs, paired with an open line of communication allows us to provide a high level of service and a smooth process during an anxiety-ridden and often frightening time in your life.
Flexible Payment Structures
Requiring the assistance of a criminal lawyer is often unexpected and frequently associated with immediate concerns about how and if you can afford legal representation.
Our team seeks to ease those concerns by providing you with a free initial consultation as well as offering flexible fee structures and payment plans with the goal of accommodating every budget.
We offer a diverse legal team with varying fee levels so we can accommodate your budget without compromising your defence. No matter who you retain, our team works together to ensure no stone is left unturned during your case and the best outcome can be reached.
Understanding Criminal Defence Proceedings in Edmonton
Of the many questions swirling in your head after being charged with a criminal offence, it is likely one of the most prominent is “what now?” Hiring a defence lawyer as soon as possible can help alleviate those concerns by taking the weight off your shoulders and allowing your lawyer to guide you through all your questions.
Each of our team members seeks to ensure your process and experience with the criminal justice system proceeds as smoothly as possible. Our first step is to complete a thorough initial consult that gives us an in-depth look into your case, your circumstances in life and who you are as a person. Immediately following, we will ensure all your disclosure is provided. This means any evidence the Crown seeks to use in their case against you.
Once we have completed a detailed review of your disclosure, we will discuss what we believe to be the best avenue moving forward and ensure all questions and concerns are addressed. This may include proceeding to trial, attempting to reach a resolution with the Crown or pleading guilty to a lesser offence.
No matter what, we are committed to ensuring you are fully informed every step of the way and understand all aspects of whatever avenue you decide to proceed with.
Why Choose Us?
Our firm has over 500+ five-star Google reviews.
We are one of the largest criminal defence teams in Western Canada.
Our lawyers have over 60 years of combined legal experience.
We have defended clients in over 10,000 cases.
We offer flexible payment structures and fee plans.
Our team is available 24/7 to provide help and support.
Practice Areas
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is one of many criminal driving charges that can be filed against drivers in Edmonton. In 2021, 731 adults were charged with impaired driving by Edmonton Police Service alone. This does not consider charges by RCMP in rural areas however all law enforcement agencies are on high alert for these charges.
Domestic Violence
A charge is considered domestic in nature if it involves violence against a family member or a current/former romantic partner. Domestic violence in Edmonton has risen 13.5% from 2019-2020 and although this is thought to be related to the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic, Edmonton Police Service will not hesitate to investigate and charge suspects reported for this type of offence.
Violent Offences
Violent offences result from alleged harmful events between people. These include assault, choking and manslaughter. Edmonton Police Service has indicated a 12% increase in violent crimes from 2020 to 2021, suggesting local police will continue to thoroughly pursue charges against these types of crimes.
Drug Offences
Drug charges are offences which arise from an interaction with an illicit drug or substance including possession, trafficking, distribution, and importation. Edmonton is dedicated to uncovering these types of crimes and has significant resources at its disposal to do so including the Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement Section.
Youth Offences
Youth offences are primarily addressed through the Youth Criminal Justice Act which aims to rehabilitate young people and reduce youth crime. In Edmonton, programs such as DIVERSIONfirst support youth who have committed their first non-violent offence and support them through restorative justice instead of a criminal charge.
Assaulting A Peace Officer
Administration of justice offences includes Criminal Code violations of failure to comply with conditions, prisoner unlawfully at large, failure to appear, and breach of probation. Given recent concerns over breaches of probation and bail conditions, Edmonton Police Service take these charges seriously and are more likely to lay charges.
Criminal Driving
Criminal driving encompasses multiple motor vehicle offences in the Criminal Code and is different from charges under the Traffic Safety Act of Alberta. In Edmonton, offences such as dangerous driving causing death can have serious repercussions including significant jail time.
Assault & Threats
Assault is a serious charge whereby someone applies force (directly or indirectly) to a person without their consent. The maximum penalty for an indictable offence is 10 years behind bars. 2022 statistics in Edmonton indicate neighbourhoods such as Downtown Edmonton, Norwood and Central McDougall have some of the highest rates of assault charges in the city.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offences include sexual interference, exploitation, and most commonly sexual assault. A sexual offence is committed when the complainant did not consent to the activity that forms the subject matter of the charge. The Sexual Assault Section investigators in Edmonton are dedicated to investigating these crimes and do not hesitate to press charges against those they suspect have been involved.
Property Crimes
Crimes against property are serious charges in Canada. In particular, Edmonton has been noted as having a significantly higher rate of property crimes than the rest of Canada, including breaking and entering, theft of property and vandalism.
Traffic Crimes
Traffic offences and violations are breaches of provincial legislation that can result in significant fines, driving suspensions or jail time. Edmonton statistics from 2018 indicate 378,619 speeding tickets were issued by photo and laser radar.
Fraud
Fraud is a type of non-violent property offence that covers a broad range of acts, such as using another person’s credit card without their knowledge or consent, falsifying insurance or employment-related records, or engaging in complex schemes that result in a substantial financial loss to an individual or a corporation.
Successful Cases
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038
Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Charge Stayed;
No Criminal Record
Case Number: 75790038