Areas of Practice

Dedicated Criminal Defence Lawyers in Calgary

Comprehensive Criminal Law Services

At Shim Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal charges in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Our legal team has extensive experience handling a wide range of criminal cases, providing strong advocacy, personalized defence strategies, and unwavering support to our clients.

Strong Advocacy and Personalized Legal Strategies

No matter how complex your case may be, our skilled defence lawyers will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. From early case resolutions and charge withdrawals to court trials and appeals, we stand by you at every stage of the legal process.

Why Choose Shim Law for Criminal Defence?

Proven Courtroom Experience

Our lawyers have successfully defended clients at all levels of court in Alberta, from the Alberta Court of Justice to the Court of King’s Bench and the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Strategic Defence & Case Preparation

Every case is unique, and we meticulously analyze evidence, witness statements, and legal precedents to build the strongest defence possible.

Protecting Your Rights Under the Canadian Charter

We ensure that your Charter rights are upheld, challenging unlawful searches, wrongful detentions, and breaches of due process in your case.

Our Criminal Defence Services

Assault | Domestic Violence
Being accused of assault, domestic violence, or other violent offences can have serious consequences, including jail time and a criminal record.
Our lawyers build strategic defences, challenge evidence, and advocate for reduced or dismissed charges wherever possible.
Controlled Drugs & Substances Act
Drug charges can carry severe penalties, from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences.
Whether you are facing simple possession, trafficking, or production charges, our team will examine all available defences and Charter rights violations to protect your future.
Conviction | Sentence Appeals
Our team can assess your case, identify legal errors, and fight for justice through the appeals process.
Unjust or excessive sentences can be appealed. We work to present strong legal arguments to secure a fair and just outcome for our clients.
Driving Offences | Impaired Driving | IRS
We represent individuals accused of dangerous or reckless driving, working to mitigate penalties and protect their driving records.
Our lawyers analyze breathalyzer results, roadside testing procedures, and Charter rights violations to build a strong defence.
Homicide | Serious Criminal Offences
Our team handles complex cases like homicide and manslaughter with strategic, thorough defence.
We take a thorough approach to evidence, strategy, and advocacy to ensure every client receives a fair trial.
Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Voyeurism
From sexual assault to online-related offences, we provide strong legal advocacy while ensuring a fair trial and due process.
We provide aggressive defence while ensuring due process and the protection of our clients’ rights.
Theft | Mischief | Trespassing
Property-related offences such as theft, fraud, mischief, and embezzlement require a tailored defence strategy.
Our lawyers assess financial evidence, challenge prosecution claims, and work to minimize penalties or seek case dismissals when possible.
White-Collar Crime
Fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes require a strong legal defence. We protect 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
Young offenders require specialized legal representation that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
We defend youth facing criminal charges, advocating for their rights and pursuing alternatives such as rehabilitation programs, community service, and diversion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defence in Calgary

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence in Calgary, it’s normal to have questions about your rights, possible outcomes, and how a defence lawyer can help. Our Calgary criminal defence team has put together answers to some of the most common questions about charges ranging from assault and DUI to theft and serious offences. 

These FAQs are designed to give you clear guidance and help you understand your legal options before you take the next step.

summary offence charges in Canada

If you’ve been charged with an assault or face domestic violence charges in Calgary, contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer immediately. These charges can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, restraining orders, and a permanent criminal record. A skilled criminal lawyer in Calgary will review your case, challenge the evidence, and build a strong defence strategy to protect your freedom and your reputation. Legal advice early in the process can also help to secure bail, procure evidence, or resolve the case without a conviction.

Drug charges in Calgary, such as possession, trafficking, or production, are taken seriously and can carry lengthy jail sentences. A Calgary criminal defence lawyer experienced in drug offences can look for Charter Violations, such as an illegal search and seizure, and may be able to have the evidence excluded. They will also negotiate with the Crown to seek reduced penalties or alternatives to jail, especially for a first-time offender. If you’ve been charged with a drug offence in Calgary, getting a local criminal lawyer on your side as soon as possible is essential to protecting your future.

Driving offences such as impaired driving (DUI), refusing a breathalyzer, or dangerous driving can result in licence suspensions, fines, and even jail time. A Calgary defence lawyer can review the police narrative to see if there are the requisite grounds for the cancellation of an NAP. If you’re facing criminal charges, a criminal defence lawyer in Calgary can challenge evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, or have charges withdrawn. If your job depends on your driver’s licence, it’s essential to act quickly and hire a lawyer familiar with Safe Roads procedures and Alberta traffic laws.

Yes. If there were errors in the applying the law or facts to the verdict or your sentence, you can appeal your conviction or sentence. A Calgary criminal appeals lawyer can review your trial record and advise you of grounds for appeal. Appeals must be filed quickly, so contacting a criminal appeals lawyer in Calgary right away is key. Whether you want to challenge a guilty verdict, reduce your sentence, or both, strong legal representation is critical for navigating Alberta’s appeal process.

Murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, and other serious violent offences carry some of the harshest penalties under Canadian law. If you are under investigation or charged with any one of these offences, hiring an experienced Calgary criminal defence lawyer is essential. Your lawyer will protect your rights, review the allegations, work with expert witnesses, and build a strong defence. With these charges, your entire future is on the line, and an experienced criminal lawyer in Calgary can give you the best chance at a successful defence.

Sexual assault charges have life-changing consequences, including jail time, a permanent criminal record, and registration in a national sex offender registry. A Calgary sexual assault lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the Crown evidence, and ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process. These cases are highly sensitive and require skilled legal advocacy to protect your future. If you are facing sexual assault allegations, contact a Calgary criminal lawyer immediately to discuss your defence strategy.

Minor charges like shoplifting, property damage (mischief), or trespassing can lead to probation, fines, a criminal record, and restrictions on future employment and travel. A Calgary defence lawyer can negotiate reduced charges, seek resolutions like the alternative measures program (AMP) diversion, or seek withdrawal of the charges. Don’t risk your future over what may seem like a minor incident. Working with a criminal defence lawyer in Calgary ensures that your rights are protected and your case is handled properly.

“White-collar” crimes can include fraud, embezzlement, forgery, insider trading, and other financial offences. These charges often involve complex investigations, forensic accounting, and lengthy police disclosure. A Calgary defence lawyer specializing in white-collar crime will review financial records, challenge the Crown’s evidence, and develop a strong defence. Because they involve severe penalties, including prison time and significant fines, hiring a skilled criminal defence lawyer in Calgary is essential to protect your reputation and future.

If your child is charged with a criminal offence, the case will fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which focuses on rehabilitation more than punishments. A Calgary youth defence lawyer can help protect your child’s rights, minimize the penalties, and advocate for diversionary alternatives to keep their future intact. Legal guidance is important because even a youth record can still impact their education, employment, and travel until it gets expunged.

Your Defence Starts Here

At Shim Law, we understand that every criminal case is unique, and your defence strategy should be too. Our Calgary-based team is skilled in trial advocacy, negotiations, and strategic planning to secure the best possible results. We provide clear communication, transparent guidance, and unwavering support at every stage of your case.

If you or a loved one is facing charges, call us today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Calgary criminal lawyer.

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Legal Representation in Multiple Languages

At Shim Law, we proudly serve clients from diverse backgrounds and offer legal representation in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Arabic.

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