Diverting Charges Outside of the Criminal Justice System in Calgary

What are Non-Criminal Resolutions?

This page provides location-specific information on diversion programs in Calgary. For a broad overview of diversion more generally, please see our general diversion FAQ.

Who is Eligible for Non-Criminal Resolutions?

While certain circumstances are more likely to be resolved through non-criminal resolution, the discretion to divert a charge out of the criminal system lies solely with the Crown Prosecutor.

In Calgary, there is a specialized unit of prosecutors called the Early Case Resolution (ECR) unit dedicated to reviewing cases for resolution.

Whether you are eligible for a diversion program, and what specific diversion programs are available to you is highly context specific. It will depend on several factors, including the specific charges you are facing and your criminal history.

For more information on eligibility, please see our general diversion FAQ or contact one of our dedicated criminal defence lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case.

Types of Non-Criminal Resolutions

Many different diversion programs are available in Calgary. These include the Alternative Measures Program, the Youth Extrajudicial Sanctions Program (for people aged 12 up to 18), peace bonds (Criminal Code s.810 or common law), and Mental Health Diversion.

Moreover, Indigenous offenders may access the Calgary Indigenous Court (CIC). The CIC was established in 2019 and seeks to take a culturally relevant, restorative, and holistic approach to justice. The court primarily handles bail and sentencing hearings, and if probation is seen as a just solution, the offender may be provided with a Healing Plan to help reintegrate them into their community.

What’s Next?

To learn more about how we can help, please contact our team of Calgary criminal defence lawyers. We will conduct a thorough review of your situation and tailor a precise strategy that targets your successful defence.

Resolutions FAQs 

  1. What is the adult alternative measures program?
  2. How can I get my charges diverted to the alternative measures program?
  3. What is mental health diversion (MHD)?
  4. How can I get mental health diversion?
  5. What is a peace bond?
  6. How will a peace bond affect my criminal record?

Client Reviews

Fantastic defence team! Mateya Selders was puntual at every instance. She skillfully guided me through my case from its dreadful start to successful finish. Combined with her legal know-how, experienced team, and exceptional service; she has made an otherwise tragic turn of events into a memorable hinderence.

5 stars can’t even come close to convey my gratitude. Thank you Mateya and the Strategic Criminal Defence team!

G.C.

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.

I can’t thank enough to Joseph Beller. I got into a funny situation charged by CPS. This is a horrible place to be in, anyone who needs help should reach out ASAP.

He was very professional, calm, made the case go very smooth, good communication, answered my questions. Reliable! He cares about his clients, I trusted him 100%.

Charges have been withdrawn within a few months. 100% recommend him and his team to anyone in need! I wish more lawyers would be like him!

C.R.

Had my first criminal offence and unfortunately ended up with assault charges after drinking too much. Greg took the time to review the evidence and noted that there was actually no assault on one of the allegations! He was so patient with me and dealt with my fear and anxiety amazingly, answering my million questions all hours of the day. It took forever, due to delay from prosecution, but I ended up with a resolution of a peace bond that was acceptable while also allowing me to deal with the consequences of my actions. I hope to never be in a position to see Greg again, however, I highly recommend him and his team for these tough situations!

M.E.
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.
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