Consultations are typically free, however, if your case is increasingly sophisticated and you require immediate advice, a fee may be warranted. For example, if you need assistance with an impending arrest or an ongoing interrogation, a proper retainer may need to be completed. Regardless, most consultations will not require a fee and we will ensure we provide as much help and information as we can prior to discussing the necessity of one.
Our consultation will consist of:
- A review of relevant documents, such as those provided to you by the police;
- A discussion about the incident(s) in question;
- An explanation of court processes; and
- An assessment of the possible outcomes that could result in your case.
At Oykhman Criminal Defence in Calgary, our lawyers are dedicated to providing you with strategic advice during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision going forward.
Yes! Oykhman Criminal Defence focuses exclusively on criminal defence and our lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in criminal law. We believe this will be of substantial benefit to you as you can trust that we have the expertise to help resolve your case.
Our lawyers in Calgary have rich backgrounds in criminal justice, ranging from presiding over the Criminal Defence Lawyer’s Association (Calgary), conducting numerous trials at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Alberta, and working at the Provincial Court of Alberta. We have dedicated our careers to the practice of criminal defence and know that we can bring the level of zealous advocacy you need to assist you with your criminal charge.
A number of factors may affect the length of time it takes to resolve your case, namely, the complexity of your case and your priorities. For example, if you are willing to plead guilty without hesitation, your file may be resolved relatively quickly. On the other hand, if you do not want to plead guilty and would like to proceed to trial, your file may require more time and resources to be resolved.
As a general rule of thumb, cases that go to trial take longer to conclude. Similarly, if you have a complex file which requires a large amount of disclosure and several witnesses, there may be delays in resolving your case as it will take longer to prepare and organize the required materials.
It is important to convey any concerns you may have about the speed with which your case is resolved to your lawyer so that the course of action which is preferable to you is undertaken. However, in some situations, a more calculated approach may need to be taken irrespective of your personal objectives. For example, it might be sensible to adjourn a trial date or a hearing to demonstrate that reasonable steps are being taken towards rehabilitation. The benefit of this is that the judge may be persuaded to decide more favourably to you, on account of evidence of your progress. On the other hand, it could be useful to accelerate the court process if the Crown Prosecutor has made an oversight that is advantageous to your file.
At Oykhman Criminal Defence in Calgary, our philosophy is to provide the highest level of quality service to our clients, not to finish as quickly as possible. Our defence lawyers take great care to review client’s files, consider client’s needs and strategize the most effective way to handle a case.
The cost of our services depends upon the experience of the lawyer you retain and how complex your file is. For example, the rates for a senior partner may differ from that of an entry-level associate.
Our team of lawyers in Calgary use a flat-rate system, so you will know, upfront, the total cost of whichever service you require from us. The flat-rate system provides the costs for each stage of the court process, regardless of how long it takes us to fulfill the required service or the number of queries you make.
Retaining a criminal defence lawyer may be a consequential decision that affects your future. This is why it is important to invest in the right firm and the right lawyer for you. Contact our office in Calgary for a free consultation and for more information about fees and payment structures.
You have a constitutionally protected right to silence if and when you are arrested or detained by police. This means that you do not need to give a statement, despite any recommendations suggesting otherwise. In other words, you are under no obligation to make a statement which may be self-incriminating.
Anything that you say to the police can be used to convict you in a court of law if you are charged with an offence (i.e., there is no such thing as saying something “off the record”). This is why it is critical that you seek out legal advice and representation before becoming involved with law enforcement or a criminal investigation.
Typically, a police officer will indicate that you have the option to speak with a lawyer if they require a statement from you. If you are given this opportunity, it is likely in your interest to contact a lawyer who can explain whether you should give a statement. In the context of a criminal charge or a criminal offence, a criminal defence lawyer will be able to assist you in examining the potential risks involved in you giving a statement.
If I don’t provide a statement, will I look guilty?
Given that your right to silence is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you will not look guilty if you choose not to provide a statement to the police. Having this right means that the absence of a statement from you cannot lead to an inference about your blameworthiness.
In a court of law, the fact that you refuse to give a statement cannot be used as an argument against you. In fact, you may be able to preserve your innocence better if you choose not to give a statement to the police because, in remaining silent, you avoid the risk of accidentally divulging information that is unavailable to the Crown, and which can implicate you in a crime.
If the police have asked you to make a statement or if you are under the impression that you may be a suspect in a criminal case, contact us immediately. We can help you navigate this likely overwhelming process, inform you of your rights and responsibilities in communicating with the police and assist you in resolving any criminal charges that there may be against you.
When you hire a criminal defence lawyer, it is important that you hire the best. Whether you are found guilty or receive a charge that will show up on your criminal record, a criminal record can have serious consequences that can affect your future employment, ability to travel, personal freedoms and your overall wellbeing.
At Oykhman Criminal Defence in Calgary, our team of lawyers have over 60 years of criminal defence experience combined. We are passionate about advocating for our clients and ensuring the best possible outcome. We understand how stressful these situations can be and are fully committed to ensuring you feel supported, understood, and advocated for from start to finish. Specifically, we prioritize ensuring that a charge will not appear on your criminal record and ensuring that if you do receive a sentence, it is fair and reasonable in considering not only your current situation but your future as well.
To hire one of our lawyers, you can schedule a free consultation. This will give you the opportunity to determine whether we are the right fit at no expense to you.
We have successfully defended a range of criminal offences including but not limited to:
- Impaired Driving (Immediate Roadside Sanctions, Criminal Driving Charges, etc)
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Offences (Possession, Trafficking and Distribution, Importation, Manufacturing etc.)
- Violent Offences (Assault, Aggravated Assault, Sexual Assault etc.)
- Youth Offences
- Administration of Justice (Failure to Comply with Conditions, Escape or Help Escape from Custody, Prisoner Unlawfully at Large, Failure to Appear, Breach of Probation etc.)
- Criminal Driving
- Assault and Threats
- Sexual Offences (Sexual Interference, Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Assault etc.)
- Property Crimes (Breaking and Entering, Being Unlawfully in a Dwelling, Mischief, Theft, Robbery, Trespassing at Night, Forcible Entry etc.)
- Traffic Crimes and Traffic Violations
- Pardons and Record Suspension
To learn more about cases we have successfully defended, visit our Successful Cases page.
Our firm defends clients across Alberta from our two central offices located in Calgary and Edmonton.
To access our services in Calgary and southern Alberta, you can visit our office located at:
396 11 Ave SW #840
Calgary, AB T2R 0C5
You can also give our Calgary office a call at (403) 630-8835.
To access our services in Edmonton and northern Alberta, you can visit our office located at:
9707 110 St NW #410
Edmonton, AB T5K 2L9
You can also give our Edmonton office a call at (587) 930-7877.
