Edmonton Criminal Defence Lawyers in Alberta

For your first meeting with an Edmonton criminal defence lawyer, please bring all important documents given to you by the police or the Court. This will allow our associates to learn the facts toward  fully understanding your case and present conscientious advice.

It’s also helpful to prepare a detailed written statement of your version of events. The sooner you can write a comprehensive account, the more useful it could be in court. Witness statements and injury reports such as photographs will also greatly help your criminal defence lawyer in building a persuasive case to bring to court for your defence. 

For more information on what to bring with you on your first consultation with one of our lawyers, please review the list provided here.

We can help in several ways! Depending on what you’ve been charged with and the severity of the charge or offence, our Edmonton team may be able to help and reduce your sentence, appeal your charge, or even have your charge completely dropped. At Martin G. Schulz & Associates, we have extensive experience and practice in assault, drug offences, impaired driving, criminal driving, sex crimes, property crimes, fraud, and youth offence cases.

Don’t be a victim, get representation. Give a call to our Edmonton firm at (780) 490-1100!

If a client finds themselves unable to afford further legal services, there are a number of Government-funded and charitable legal organizations here in Edmonton and around Alberta that would be able to assist you, depending on your charges, your penalty, and your income.

No matter the severity of the criminal offence you’ve been charged with, it is vital that you understand what your court papers detail and what actions you are required to take. Generally, court papers will also include a strict response timeline.

If you’ve been served and are unsure of your legal options, please feel free to contact our criminal law firm. Our lawyers will guide you through the legal process, ensure that all deadlines are met, and your interests stay protected.

An individual with a criminal record, no matter their criminal history, will experience the following difficulties:

• Difficulty finding employment
• Challenges with finding safe, affordable housing
• Being seen as an “unfit parent” during family law or child custody proceedings
• Failure to receive grants and student loans
• Inability to apply for citizenship
• Inability to volunteer with the community or select nonprofit organizations
• Obtaining a professional license

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, it is crucial that you fight it before it causes a lasting effect on your life moving forward. For a free consultation with one of our criminal lawyers and to see what options are available to you, be sure to call and book an appointment at 780-490-1100.

It is important that you hire and retain a lawyer who is experienced and familiar with the Edmonton criminal court system. At Martin G. Schulz & Associates, our criminal defence lawyers aren’t just experienced with criminal law; we specialize in criminal and personal injury law. Our lawyers also extend their legal services to cover family, business, real estate, and immigration law.

For more information, please be sure to contact our Edmonton office.

We strongly advise that you do not give a statement to the police until you have consulted with one of our criminal defence lawyers. These statements are often requested while an individual is experiencing a high level of stress and has no idea of the type of charges that are potentially being laid against them. In addition, a statement might not address the whole picture, and any vagueness or inaccuracies can be used against you in court.

We strongly encourage that individuals seek the legal aid of our criminal justice lawyers who will assess the situation and give a just, unbiased opinion on whether giving a statement to the police is in their best interests.

Yes! Our criminal lawyers extend their experienced criminal justice services to clients across the Alberta region, including Calgary, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, St. Albert, and beyond. To book your free consultation, be sure to contact our Edmonton office or reach out to us online.

No, not necessarily. In order for the Crown to prosecute you, they must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Even if you are guilty of a criminal offence, that does not mean that the crown will be able to sufficiently prove that. Regardless of your guilt or innocence, you should always consult with an experienced criminal defence lawyer regarding your case and subsequent legal options. Their wealth of legal knowledge can be an invaluable resource, as there may be legal alternatives to pleading guilty that could be applied in your situation, and your lawyer will provide their expert opinion on what your best course of action would be.

An important first step you can make to support your own case is to write a detailed account of the incident in question, clearly labelled with “Solicitor/Client Privilege” at the top of the document. Outline the events that transpired as thoroughly as possible, including all of the pertinent facts and details. A significant amount of time may elapse between the incident taking place and your actual court case, recording the facts from your perspective while it is still fresh in your memory can be an incredible asset for your criminal defence and legal representation. Our ability to recall specific details, even for important circumstances such as criminal defence, can greatly diminish over time. Additionally, the act of physically writing these details down may jog your memory and help to uncover more useful information for your lawyer. No one other than your lawyer should read or review the statements that you have made on this document. It can also not be used against you in court, as it has been made “in contemplation of litigation”, which means that it is a privileged legal document.

Bail is a sum of money that must be promised to a court as an assurance that an individual that has been arrested and charged with a criminal offence will return on time for their appointed court date. If that individual does not appear for their scheduled court date, legal proceedings may be brought against both that individual and the other person (known as a surety) that signed off on their bail. The full amount of the bail can be seized by the court, and a bench warrant will be issued for failure to appear.

Following an arrest, individuals that have been charged with a criminal offence will be brought before a bail hearing within 24 hours, where it will then be determined if they are eligible to be released on bail while awaiting trial. If it is determined that the alleged offender is eligible for bail, they must then have a third party act as their ‘surety’, guaranteeing that the alleged offender will return on time for their scheduled court appearances, under penalty of forfeiting a financial sum prescribed by the court. Not everyone will be eligible for release on bail, or eligible to serve as a surety for that matter. In order to serve as a surety for a friend or relative you must:

• Not have a criminal record
• Be over the age of 21
• Pay the specified amount, if payment is required
• Attend the bail hearing
• Be able to supervise the accused offender

If you have any questions or concerns regarding bail, sureties, or bail hearings, our experienced Edmonton criminal lawyers are standing by to help answer them. Please reach out to Martin G. Schulz & Associates so that we may review your case and provide you with expert legal advice.

A criminal defence lawyer is responsible for defending individuals who have been accused of sexual assault. They provide legal representation, advice, and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring their client's rights are protected.

In a sexual assault case, a criminal defence lawyer plays a crucial role in providing assistance. Their help can encompass several aspects, including:

• Legal guidance: A criminal defence lawyer offers valuable legal advice and clarifies the charges that have been levelled against you.
• Case investigation: They undertake the task of investigating the case, which involves gathering evidence and conducting interviews with relevant witnesses.
• Defence strategy development: Tailoring a defence strategy specifically for your case is another area where a criminal defence lawyer can contribute their expertise.
• Negotiation with the prosecution: If appropriate, the lawyer can engage in negotiations with the prosecution, aiming for reduced charges or a plea bargain.
• Court representation: In court, the lawyer acts as your representative, presenting your defence before the judge and jury.
• Safeguarding your rights: Throughout the entire legal process, the criminal defence lawyer ensures that your rights are protected.

Yes, criminal defence lawyers can also provide legal representation and support for victims of sexual assault. They can guide victims through the legal process, help file police reports, seek protective orders, and provide advice on potential legal actions or compensation claims.