Facing Criminal Charges in Calgary?

A criminal prosecution can impact every aspect of your life, financial security, and your family’s stability. At Bulwark Law, our lawyers are committed to providing our clients with strategic defences to all sorts of charges: violent offences, drug possession and sale, firearms possession, sexual assault, property offences, and white-collar crime. Our lawyers strive to defend our clients with a combination of legal knowledge, an understanding of the criminal prosecution process, and negotiating skills. We focus on having criminal charges withdrawn or minimized, but if we need to, we have the trial experience to defend your case before a judge and jury fully.

A Top 3 Criminal Defence Lawyer in Calgary

Criminal Cases We Take

• Assault: Assault is defined as the intention to apply force to someone else directly or indirectly without that person’s consent. There are degrees of severity ranging from common assault and assault with a weapon to various forms of sexual assault.
• Bail: The most crucial goal of a bail hearing is the release of the defendant pending trial so that you can continue to work, support your family, and be available to assist your legal team as they build a viable defence to any charges. This critical stage of any criminal prosecution requires rigorous advocacy that provides you with the most options during the period of time pending trial.
• Driving Offences: Whether charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, recklessness, or vehicular homicide, the lawyers at Bulwark Law will defend you and your continued right to drive with rigour, understanding the enormous impact that loss of driving privileges can mean to our clients.
• Financial Crime: Financial crimes include fraud, money laundering, and counterfeiting, among others. Any prosecution for financial crime should be met with a rigorous and strategic defence to avoid prison and a conviction that can impair your future capacity to find meaningful employment.
• Murder/Manslaughter: Murder and manslaughter charges are the most serious criminal charges anyone can face. Defending against such charges requires a sophisticated investigation of police tactics, and a full understanding of the science behind DNA, forensics, ballistics, undercover police operations, and the ability to challenge any false science, such as blood splatter, lie detection, and various other law enforcement tools.
• Pardons: A criminal conviction can impede your ability to secure employment, travel to the United States and abroad, and obtain financing for a business or home. After specified waiting periods, one might be eligible to apply for a pardon. This is a complex procedure that is best done by experienced criminal defence lawyers who know the intricacies of the law, and who know how to create a compelling narrative to support your application for a pardon.
• Sexual Assault: Whether facing charges of domestic assault, date rape, or sexual assault of varying degrees, your well-being is best protected by securing experienced legal counsel as soon as possible to develop a viable defence strategy.
• Theft/Robbery: Theft is taking another’s property without permission, and the degree charged depends on the value of the property stolen. Robbery is charged when violence or the threat of violence is used to steal or extort property from another. Both are serious charges that require a skilled defence developed by experienced criminal defence lawyers that is based on the evidence, the nature of the police investigation, and the prosecutor.
• Weapons Offences: Canada highly regulates the possession of weapons under the Criminal Code and Firearms Act. Whether charged with possessing a firearm, carrying a firearm in public, concealing a firearm, or unauthorized possession, penalties can be severe. Using a firearm or other weapon during the commission of a crime can also enhance any penalties upon conviction.

How a Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyer Can Help You

Never try to represent yourself. Instead, remain silent and hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin the task of constructing a viable defence. A skilled criminal defence lawyer knows how to investigate the police, challenging their methods and how they secure evidence and witness testimony. In addition, an experienced criminal defence lawyer can develop the right strategy, negotiate successfully with prosecutors, and prepare for trial if necessary.

When prosecutors face defence lawyers with a strong record of success, such as those at Bulwark Law, they are more likely to consider withdrawing charges or charging lesser offences. Your future, and your family’s future, require rigorous defence from the beginning of any criminal prosecution. Don’t hesitate to seek knowledgeable legal guidance.

Contact Bulwark Law Today

Your freedom and future are at stake when facing criminal charges. At Bulwark Law, our compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled lawyers have a reputation among Calgary prosecutors and judges for aggressive representation. Call us today at 403 678 7360 or complete the contact form to arrange your free initial consultation.

Criminal Defence FAQ

At Bulwark Law, we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights. Below are answers to common questions about criminal cases.

Q: How much does a criminal defence lawyer cost in Calgary?

Legal fees vary as lawyers set their own rates. Many accept Legal Aid certificates, which can cover costs for eligible clients. At Bulwark Law, we do not bill by the hour but rather offer flat fee billing. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your legal issue, as well as to discuss fees and payment options.

Q: What are Canada’s self-defence laws?

Self-defence is legal in Canada if there’s a real or perceived threat to your safety or another’s. The response must be reasonable under the circumstances.

Q: How long does a DUI stay on your record?

A criminal DUI (or “impaired”) conviction stays on your criminal record until you apply for a record suspension (pardon): 5 years for a summary offence and 10 years for an indictable offence. It may also affect your driver’s abstract, depending on the requested time period (3, 5, or 10 years). This is not to be confused with the impaired driving regime set out under various regulatory regimes, which vary by province – these are not criminal convictions, but their consequences can often mirror a criminal DUI/impaired. These convictions can stay on your driving record forever.

Q: When can a judge deny bail?

Bail may be denied under section 515(10) of the Criminal Code for:

1. Ensuring the accused appears in court (e.g. the person is a flight risk).
2. Protecting public safety (e.g. there is a high risk of reoffending).
3. Maintaining confidence in the justice system (e.g. the seriousness of the charge).

Q: How can I find out if there’s a warrant for my arrest?

Warrants can be issued for missed court dates, probation violations, or criminal charges. A lawyer can help you verify the warrant, arrange your surrender, and negotiate bail. Visiting a police station or courthouse can confirm a warrant but may lead to immediate arrest. Consult a lawyer first.

Q: What should I do if I’m arrested in Calgary?

Stay calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask to speak to a lawyer. Avoid answering questions or signing anything until you consult legal counsel.

Q: Can I get a criminal charge dismissed before trial?

Yes, charges may be dismissed if your lawyer finds flaws in the evidence, procedural errors, or violations of your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Q: What is the difference between summary and indictable offences?

Summary offences are less severe, with lighter penalties, while indictable offences are more severe and may result in harsher sentences. Most offences are hybrid and can be prosecuted either way. Whether the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment can also impact how long you have to wait to apply for a record suspension (pardon).

Q: Will a criminal conviction affect my ability to travel?

Yes, a conviction can restrict travel, especially to countries like the U.S., where even minor offences may lead to entry denial. A record suspension (pardon) may help.

Q: Can the police search my home without a warrant?

Generally, police need a warrant to search your home. Exceptions include emergencies, consent, or evidence in plain view. Consult a lawyer if a search occurs.

Q: What is a plea bargain, and should I consider it?

A plea bargain is an agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive a reduced sentence. It can save time and avoid trial, but it’s crucial to consult a lawyer to assess its fairness.

Q: How long does a criminal trial take in Alberta?

Trial length depends on the case’s complexity and court schedules. Some cases are resolved quickly, while others take months or even years to get to trial. For the trial itself, some trials can be as short as a couple of hours, while others can take days. More complex cases and more serious charges can even have trials that last weeks.

Q: Can I get a criminal record removed in Canada?

Yes, through a record suspension (pardon), which removes a conviction from your record. Eligibility depends on the type of offence and time passed since the sentence was completed.

Q: What happens if I miss my court date?

Missing a court date may result in a warrant for your arrest and additional charges. Contact a lawyer immediately to address the issue and minimize the consequences.

Q: Do I have to attend every court appearance?

In many cases, your lawyer can attend procedural court dates on your behalf. However, you must be present for certain appearances, like a trial or sentencing. If you do not have a lawyer, you will have to attend every scheduled court appearance.