CRIMINAL LAW
Welcome to Laws & Beyond, a leading criminal defense law firm in Calgary. As your legal representative, we will give you the personalized attention and care you deserve. Our priority is to get the best possible results for your case and make this unfortunate chapter in your life a thing of the past.
To schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation, please contact us immediately!
Areas Of Criminal Law
Domestic Violence
The majority of people associate domestic violence with physical abuse. Domestic violence, on the other hand, might encompass emotional or psychological assault.
Domestic violence is defined as any form of abuse performed by one person against another in a domestic relationship.
We recognise that any of these forms of abuse can be the basis for a criminal violation, in certain situations.
If you have been charged with domestic abuse, our skilled attorneys will work hard to develop defence tactics and negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges reduced. If you have been a victim, we can talk about how your safety can be safeguarded during the legal process.
Trespassing
Trespassing occurs when someone enters another person’s property without lawful authority, consent, or justification. This can take the form of:
- Walking on private property or driving an unauthorized vehicle on private land.
- Entering the property of another without permission.
- Refusing to leave private property after being asked by the lawful owner or person in charge.
Trespassing is classified as a summary offence, which implies it isn’t considered as serious as other indictable offences.
Trespassing, as minor as it may appear, can result in a penalty of up to $10,000.00. Criminal trespassing is not always the only charge you’ll face. You may also be charged with other related offenses such as:
- Mischief (for damaging property).
- Failure to Stop at Scene of Accident (when involved in an accident on either public or private property).
- Possession of Stolen Property.
Even if you are arrested for only one of these offenses, the entire arrest could become a criminal offense.
The best way to avoid all this? Seek legal advice from our team as soon as possible!
Lottery Offences
If you have been accused of a lottery offense in Calgary, you could face a fine of up to $5,000 or a jail time of up to 2 years less a day.
The most common types of lottery offenses include:
- Fraudulent Pre-Selection Winning Number Transaction.
- Adding To or Taking from a Lottery Pool with Intent to Defraud.
- Soliciting Prizes as an Agent of the Lottery Corporation.
This isn’t a complete list. This category includes any infraction involving a lottery or ticket in Calgary, regardless of severity.
We’re here to assist you sort through all of these charges and get your case handled as soon as possible!
Breach of Restraining Order
When someone has been subjected to abuse, harassment, or mistreatment, the courts will impose a restraining order. The order is in place to keep the victim safe.
When you’re charged with violating a restraining order, it usually implies you’ve disobeyed the provisions of the order by continuing to contact or be near the person who was the subject of the order.
This can take numerous forms, such as stalking or being physically present near someone without their agreement. You could face harsh penalties, including jail time, if you are proved guilty.
A restraining order can be trivial or without validity in some situations. In certain circumstances, we will work with the courts to have the charge dismissed entirely.
Theft under $5,000.00
If the value of the stolen property is estimated at less than $5,000.00, it can be classified as a “petty crime”.
Petty crimes are often considered to be less serious violations, and instead of jail time, they often result in a fine or community service hours. This means that a theft charge of less than $5,000.00 may be considered less serious than a theft charge of more than $5,000.00 or a theft of a motor vehicle.
This is not an entire list; some other stealing acts are classified as “petty crimes.” If you are charged with any of these offences in Calgary, we will work with you to achieve the best possible result.
Fraud under $5,000.00
Just like theft, if the value of what was stolen falls under $5,000.00, it is considered to be a “petty crime”.
Depending on the type of fraud you are accused of committing, there may be several penalties that range from community service hours to small fines.
This often turns out to be much less severe than fraud over $5,000.00 or fraud of a motor vehicle. Cheque forgery is another type of fraud that can be classified as “petty” if the amount stolen does not exceed $5,000.00.
Other forms of petty fraud include:
- 1. Obtaining credit by pretenses or identity theft.
- 2. Small claims court fraud.
- 3. Theft of electricity.
- 4. Possession of stolen property under $5,000.00 (stolen from any source).
- 5. Making a false statement to obtain insurance money or benefits under $5,000.00.
No matter how small or insignificant you think your possession or distribution charges are, it’s always a good idea to get legal advice from our team to make sure that everything is done properly and according to legal procedure.
Simple/Common Assault
When you threaten someone with bodily harm or punch, shove, grab, kick, poke (with a finger), or spit on them, you are committing simple assault.
It’s crucial to note that most simple assaults in Calgary result in little apparent damage and injuries that aren’t severe enough to warrant medical attention. However, based on the circumstances surrounding the occurrence, the Crown Prosecutor has the authority to upgrade simple assault charges to aggravated assault charges or other forms of assault charges.
Assault with a weapon (a firearm, a knife, etc.) is deemed more serious, and if proven guilty, will result in harsher punishment. The same goes for assault against an officer of the law or public service worker.
We will work with you every step of the way, helping you prepare your defense and ensuring that we get the best possible outcome for your case.
Causing Disturbance
If the amount of the damages does not exceed $5,000.00, causing a commotion can be deemed a petty offence.
Fines and community service hours are common punishments for this type of infraction, and there is rarely any jail time involved. It’s vital to remember, however, that this normally excludes disobedience or interference with lawful instructions, as well as obstructing the process of justice. Common examples of causing a disturbance include:
- 1. Yelling and screaming in public.
- 2. Creating a disturbance at school or university.
- 3. Disturbing the peace by playing loud music at home late at night.
- 4. Violating curfew/parental restrictions (if applicable).
These types of offenses can be considered “petty crimes” if they do not result in significant damage or bodily harm.
If you have been charged with any form of assault or causing a disturbance, get in touch with our team for legal advice.
Harassments/Stalking
Harassments and stalking are deemed “petty” offences if the emotional or psychological harm caused is less than $5,000.00.
We have a legal team that will assist you in fighting for your rights in court so that you can get back on track legally.
If you made inappropriate phone calls, sent threatening text messages, or emails to someone without their agreement, you may be charged with harassment or stalking.
While this infraction is not as serious as other criminal offences, it nevertheless necessitates extensive legal assistance in order to have any of these charges dropped or reduced.
We can assist you in your case so that you are not convicted of any crimes that you did not commit.
Unlawful Assembly
Unlawful assembly is when three or more people get together with the intent to cause damage or harm.
If the amount of any damage does not exceed $5,000.00 and there are no additional major offences involved, it is deemed a petty offence.
If you’ve been charged with unlawful assembly, it’s critical that you get in touch with our lawyers to learn more about the charges.
Possession of More Than 30 GM Dried Marijuana
If the amount of dried marijuana in your possession does not exceed 30 grams, it is considered legal for personal use.
It’s crucial to clarify, however, that possessing marijuana plants or more than 30 grams of marijuana in public locations are still considered a crime.
For minor amounts of cannabis, the penalty is tickets (fines), while for large amounts, the penalty is a prison sentence of up to 5 years. Contact our team if you have been charged with possession and need assistance with your case.
Driving Under Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a serious crime in Calgary and can result in significant penalties, if found guilty.
Even the lowest range of blood alcohol content, 0.05-0.08%, is enough to be charged with this offense because it will indicate that you were impaired after consuming even one drink.
Sometimes, a person can also be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol content is below the minimum amount but they have been drinking for several hours.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or medication that causes impairment should be taken seriously because it could result in significant fines, license suspension and imprisonment.
If you have been arrested for impaired driving, contact our team for legal advice.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve!
You can expect nothing less than personalized attention and care when you work with us.
We are dedicated to providing outstanding client care and achieving the best possible outcomes for your case. We will fight for your rights in court, whether it's domestic abuse or a drug-related crime! To contact our legal team, please use our online contact form.
We are available 24 hours a day to assist you!
FAQ
Please reach us at info@lawsnbeyond.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
What does Summary Offence mean?
Summary offences are those that are less serious. The maximum penalty for a summary offence under the Criminal Code of Canada is normally a $5,000 fine and/or six months in prison. However, some summary offences, such as violating a probation order, have greater maximum punishments.
To cope with summary charges, Alternative Measures Programs (AMP) such as community service can often be negotiated with the Crown counsel.
To cope with summary charges, Alternative Measures Programs (AMP) such as community service can often be negotiated with the Crown counsel.
What are Indictable Offences?
Indictable offences are more serious. Maximum penalties for indictable offences vary according to the Criminal Code of Canada, and can include life in prison. Minimum penalties apply to some indictable offences. Theft over $5,000, break and enter, aggravated sexual assault, and murder are all common indictable offences.
What are Hybrid Offences?
These are crimes that can be prosecuted as either a summary conviction or an indictable offence. Frequently, it is the Crown counsel who decides how the offence will be prosecuted.
Contact Us
*30 mins consultation free, if retained
Contact us by phone, email, or online.
Suite #320, 634-6 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0S4
Phone: 403-300-5297
Fax: 403-300-5298
Email: info@lawsnbeyond.com
Hours
Mon
08:30 am – 05:30 pm
Tue08:30 am – 05:30 pm
Wed08:30 am – 05:30 pm
Thu08:30 am – 05:30 pm
Fri08:30 am – 05:30 pm
SatBy Appointment
SunBy Appointment
Tue08:30 am – 05:30 pm
Wed08:30 am – 05:30 pm
Thu08:30 am – 05:30 pm
Fri08:30 am – 05:30 pm
SatBy Appointment
SunBy Appointment
NOTE: Please do not send any confidential information or details about your case via this page or by email. We will not review any information sent to us, and we will not give advice until we have booked a consultation with you.