Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyers
Shim Law | Criminal Defence Lawyers in Calgary
Charged with a criminal offence? Your future can change before trial.
When facing criminal charges in Alberta, having an experienced and dedicated legal team on your side is crucial. At Shim Law, our Calgary criminal defence lawyers, will provide strategic defence and unwavering advocacy to protect your rights. Whether you’re dealing with impaired driving, assault allegations, or complex white-collar crimes, our Calgary-based criminal defence lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Dedicated Criminal Defence Representation in Calgary
Our Calgary criminal defence lawyers provide strategic, results-driven advocacy backed by extensive courtroom and negotiation experience. We take a meticulous approach to every case to safeguard your future.
From your first call, you can expect clear guidance, timely communication, and committed representation at every stage of the criminal process. Shim Law’s Calgary criminal lawyers are focused on achieving the strongest possible outcome for your case.
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Criminal Defence Lawyers in Your Language
Facing criminal charges is stressful enough. Get legal advice in the language you are most comfortable with. Select your language below.
Why Choose Shim Law for Criminal Defence?
Proven Track Record
Our team has successfully defended Calgary clients across a wide range of criminal charges.
Experienced Legal Team
We specialize in criminal law and understand how to navigate the Alberta legal system.
Personalized Approach
Every case is unique, and we tailor our defence strategies to achieve the best possible outcome and to your needs.
High Standards
We hold the prosecution to the highest standards, challenging the evidence, and fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Our Calgary Criminal Defence Services
Comprehensive Legal Representation for All Criminal Offences in Calgary
Assault | Domestic Violence (DV)
Assault or domestic violence charges carry serious consequences. Our Calgary team defends your rights and seeks the best possible outcome.
We provide strategic defence for assault and DV cases, helping clients navigate legal challenges and protect their future.
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
Drug-related charges can carry severe penalties. At Shim Law in Calgary, we fight to protect your rights and challenge the evidence against you.
Whether possession, trafficking, or production charges, our team builds strong defences to minimize legal consequences.
Conviction | Sentence Appeals
If you believe you were wrongfully convicted or received an unfair verdict, our Calgary legal team can review your case and fight for a just outcome.
We advocate for reduced penalties, alternative sentencing options, or sentence modifications to ensure a fair resolution.
Driving Offences | IRS | Impaired Driving
DUI and IRS penalties can impact your license, employment, and future. Our Calgary law firm challenges evidence to defend your rights.
From failed breathalyzer tests to roadside suspensions, we provide skilled defence for all impaired driving cases.
Homicide | Other Serious Offences
High-stakes cases demand experienced defence. We handle murder and serious offence charges with strategic advocacy.
With decades of legal experience, we fight to protect clients facing the most serious allegations.
Sexual Assault | Luring | Sexual Exploitation | Voyeurism
Being accused of a sexual offence can be life-changing. We provide a strong defence while protecting your reputation and rights.
Our Calgary defence team carefully examines evidence and challenges allegations to ensure a fair legal process.
Theft, Mischief, and Trespassing
Property-related offences can lead to criminal records and lasting consequences. We work to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Whether minor theft or serious mischief, we provide committed and strategic legal defence, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
White-Collar Crime
Fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crimes demand a strategic and experienced legal defence. Our Calgary team protects your rights in complex investigations.
White-collar crime cases often involve complex financial records and investigations. We have the experience to challenge the prosecution’s case and seek the best possible resolution.
Youth Criminal Defence
Representing young offenders in Calgary with a focus on rehabilitation, legal protection, and guiding them through the youth justice system to achieve the best possible outcome.
Young offenders deserve a second chance. We work to protect their future, reduce long-term consequences, and keep cases out of adult court when possible.
Need Immediate Legal Advice in Calgary?
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our experienced legal team in Calgary is ready to provide immediate guidance and a strong defence. Contact us now to protect your rights.
Meet Our Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyers
Our dedicated legal team brings over 40 years of combined experience in criminal law. We fight tirelessly for our clients, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
William Wister
Senior Legal Counsel
Jared Goruk
Associate
Abeer Chabara
Associate
Kuinton Lam
Associate
Eileen Hsieh
Student at Law
Legal Resources & Insights
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Recent Case Successes
We take pride in delivering positive outcomes for our clients. Here are a few examples of recent victories:
IRS Sanctions Cancelled
Successful challenge of the police’s failure to ensure and properly explain a Roadside Appeal, leading to the cancellation of suspensions and fines.
Assault With Weapon
Charge withdrawn, negotiated for peace bond.
Assault
Charge withdrawn, negotiated for peace bond, no-go-no-contact condition removed.
Fraud Case Acquittal
Advocacy in challenging intent, resulting in a full acquittal of all charges.
Discharge on Assault Charges
Successful advocacy with seeking a Conditional Discharge for an assault, avoiding a criminal record for the client.
Strangulation
Charge reduced to assault; no-go-no contact condition removed.
newsworthy
Featured in the News
Shim Law was involved in a high-profile international child abduction case, covered by Lethbridge News Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right Calgary criminal lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. Look for a criminal lawyer who specializes in criminal law rather than general practice. Experience with the courts and judges is critical, as is a proven track record in cases similar to yours, like impaired driving, drug offences, domestic violence, or theft. A good lawyer will be transparent about legal fees, explain strategies clearly, and make you feel confident in their ability to represent you. Reading reviews, asking about trial experience, and scheduling a confidential consultation are excellent ways to decide. Above all, your criminal defence lawyer should combine strong courtroom skill with compassion and dedication to your defence.
If you are convicted of a criminal offence in Calgary, the consequences depend on the nature and severity of the charges. Penalties can range from fines and probation to lengthy jail terms. A conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, travel, immigration status, and professional licensing. In some cases, you might be eligible for alternatives such as a conditional discharge or alternative measures diversion, especially for first-time or less serious offences. Your Calgary criminal lawyer will advocate for the most lenient penalty possible and may explore appeal options if errors were made at trial. The outcome of your case is never guaranteed, but strong legal representation could make a significant difference in protecting your future.
Yes! Criminal lawyers can be hired on a limited-scope retainer.
The cost of hiring a criminal lawyer in Calgary depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of the charges, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Some defence lawyers bill on an hourly basis, while others may charge block fees for certain types of cases such as DUIs or simple assault. On average, legal fees can range from a few thousand dollars for less serious matters to tens of thousands for complex trials. While cost is an important factor, it should not be your only consideration, your future and freedom are on the line. Many firms, including Shim Law, offer payment plans and flexible billing to ensure you have access to experienced legal representation when you need it most. Always ask for a clear breakdown of costs before retaining Counsel so you understand what to expect.
If you are arrested in Calgary, remain calm and remember your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer without delay. Don’t answer police questions or make statements until you have consulted a criminal lawyer in Calgary. Anything you say can be used as evidence in court. Contact a criminal lawyer immediately so they can advise you on how to proceed and begin protecting your rights. Your lawyer can help you with bail, gather evidence in your favour, and prepare a defence strategy. Acting quickly and relying on professional legal advice can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
You have the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the right to know why you are being arrested or detained. If you are unsure of your rights, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
The length of a criminal case varies depending on the complexity of the charges, court availability, and legal procedures. Some cases may be resolved quickly, while others can take months or even years. A lawyer can provide a better estimate based on your specific case.
Lawyers can file a designation of counsel (DOC) with the court where they can appear on your behalf. However, you will still need to appear in court for trial and sentencing, for example.
Client Feedback & Reviews
At Shim Law Criminal Defence, we take pride in providing dedicated legal representation and achieving the best possible outcomes for our Calgary clients. See what our past clients have to say about their experience with our criminal defence team.
I was recently falsely accused by the Calgary police. Fortunately, attorney Wade Ma and his professional team promptly and successfully defended my rights. I felt so relieved! Chinese lawyers are few and far between in Calgary, and I'm grateful to Ma's team for helping me resolve this urgent matter.
I highly recommend Kuinton Lam. He is very professional, knowledgeable, and patient in providing legal advice. His explanations were clear and easy to understand, and he took the time to make sure I felt confident about every step. I really appreciate his professionalism and support — truly excellent service!
Five-star review! A first-class team of lawyers! Kuinton Lam is a criminal lawyer who can speak Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese). Very professional and can help clients avoid false accusations from the police!
Kuinton Lam is my attorney. He is very attentive and responsible. Every time I consult him, he can answer questions promptly and patiently. He also considers my financial pressure from my perspective and helps me achieve the best results.
I'm pleasure of working with Shim Law and have been deeply impressed by their professionalism and dedication. From the outset, they took the time to thoroughly understand my case and provided clear and forthright guidance every step of the way. Their team, especially Kuinton Lam, was extremely responsive and kept me informed throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Shim Law for legal needs. Thank you all!
Wade Ma is a patient guy to guide me to understand my situation and helps me to solve the problem. He explains in detail and follows my case professionally. He is a good lawyer.
I highly recommend Kuinton as a lawyer and he is a very professional lawyer. Kuinton is diligent and responsible in his work, always providing timely responses. He is very thorough at every step of the process with my case and I very appreciate him. I hope Kuinton can continue to help more people who need assistance.
We had a great experience with Shim Law! Their efficiency and professionalism made the entire process smooth and stress-free. A special thank you to Sergiy Golovko and Kuinton Lam, whose expertise and service attitude were truly outstanding. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with any questions we had. We highly recommend Shim Law to anyone looking for reliable legal support!
I had a fantastic consultation with Student-at-Law Kuinton Lam at SHIM LAW. From start to finish, Kuinton was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. He took the time to thoroughly understand my situation, listened carefully to my concerns, and provided clear, practical legal advice that was easy to understand and incredibly helpful.
Kuinton’s expertise and attention to detail were evident throughout our conversation. He explained the legal aspects of my case with patience and precision, ensuring I felt informed and confident about my next steps. His approachable and calm demeanor made what could have been a stressful process feel manageable and reassuring. I’m truly grateful for his guidance and support.
Wade Ma’s professionalism and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes make him a highly recommended advocate for anyone in need of legal assistance.
Thank you Kuinton Lam and Selena Slen
Five-star praise! We have a first-class legal team! Kuinton Lam A criminal lawyer who speaks Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese). Very professional and can help the client stay away from false accusations by the police!
I have no words to describe how grateful I am to William Wiister . I was helpless , but William Wister went the extra miles to help me. , I am so grateful to William Wister and his team Ramandeep.
Thank you very much
Great service. They cater to many different languages and pay exceptional detail to every case. Would recommend.
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Are you or your loved one facing criminal charges? Time is of the essence. Get your legal defence in Calgary today.