Categories > Legal
The Top 9 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Calgary
- Matt Browne - Browne Criminal Defence
- Yoav Niv – Yoav Niv Law
- Alberta Legal
- Muenz Criminal Law
- Michael Oykhman – Oykhman Criminal Defence Law
- Greg Dunn – Dunn & Associates
- Susan Karpa – Susan Karpa Criminal Defence Lawyer
- Cory Wilson – Cory Wilson Criminal Defence Lawyer
- Tonii K. Roulston – Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence
- Aryan Sadat
- FAQ about criminal defense lawyers
1. Matt Browne – Browne Criminal Defence
Website: https://bcdlaw.ca/
Address: 1842 14 St SW Calgary, AB T2T 3S9; 31 Bastion Square Victoria, BC V8W 1T9
Contact Details: +14033330992; [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:30 AM-10:30 PM
Google Reviews | 5/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 5/5 |
Credentials | 5/5 |
Client Servicing | 5/5 |
Financing | 5/5 |
Areas of Expertise | 5/5 |
Pros
- Has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia as well as the Provincial and Court of King’s Bench of Alberta
- Has assisted clients charged with violent offences, drug offences, firearm offences, property offences, driving offences, and administration of justice offenses
- Matt’s engineering background is of great assistance when dealing with complex forensic issues
Cons
- No promos yet
- Busy during peak days
We recently engaged Matt Browne as our criminal defense lawyer, and our experience was exceptional. His services are highly commendable, demonstrating a profound understanding of legal nuances.
Efficiency is a hallmark of Matt Browne’s practice. Our case was handled promptly and with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting a commitment to swift and effective resolution.
The quality of Mr. Browne’s legal counsel is unparalleled. He adeptly navigated complex legal issues, ensuring that we felt confident and well-informed throughout the entire process.
In terms of cost, Matt Browne provides outstanding value for his expertise. His transparent fee structure and clear communication about potential expenses contributed to a stress-free experience during a challenging time.
Matt Browne’s commitment to his clients is evident in every aspect of his service. His responsiveness and willingness to address our concerns reinforced our confidence in his ability to safeguard our legal interests.
2. Yoav Niv – Yoav Niv Law
Website: https://yoavniv.ca/
Address: Unit 800, 510 5 St SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3S2
Contact Details: (587) 968-6721 | [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9-5
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Score Consistency | 5/5 |
Credentials | 5/5 |
Client Servicing | 5/5 |
Financing | 4.5/5 |
Areas of Expertise | 5/5 |
Pros
- Diverse Legal Background
- Certifications and Teaching Roles
- Personalized Attention
- Responsive and Supportive
Cons
- Closed on Weekends
Yoav Niv Law is a Calgary-based legal practice specializing in criminal defense, led by Yoav Niv, a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in defending a broad spectrum of criminal, quasi-criminal, and regulatory charges at both trial and appeal levels.
We’re impressed with how Yoav Niv has a comprehensive legal background, having worked on a variety of cases, including sexual assault, white-collar crime, narcotics, firearms, terrorism, internet crime, and homicide. His experience spans across Alberta and Ontario, covering all court levels.
Yoav has defended complex cases involving multiple complainants, police corruption, wiretaps, international search and seizure, and large-scale drug importation, demonstrating his capability to handle intricate legal matters.
Certified as a Fraud Examiner, Yoav also contributes to legal education through his roles in the University of Calgary Law Faculty’s Advocacy Course and the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education Program.
What we like is Yoav’s commitment to listening to clients, explaining possible outcomes, and maintaining open communication. This personalized approach helps clients feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.
What we appreciate is his prompt responses to texts, emails, and phone calls, which helps alleviate stress during challenging times. His direct and forceful approach in court is also highly valued.
3. Alberta Legal
Website: https://albertalegal.ca/
Address: 304 8th Ave SW, Suite 501, Calgary, AB T2P 1S2, Canada
Contact Details:
- Call: (587) 602 – 5787
- Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Contact for more information
Google Reviews | N/A |
Nice Local Reviews | N/A |
Total Reviews | N/A |
Score Consistency | N/A |
Credentials | 4.5 |
Client Servicing | 5/5 |
Financing | 4/5 |
Expertise | 5/5 |
Pros
- Strategic Approach
- Reputation of Success
- Client-Centered Values
Cons
- Operating hours unavailable
Alberta Legal is a reputable law firm specializing in criminal defense.
With a focus on diligence, strategy, and a reputation for success, their team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to representing clients facing serious allegations with professionalism and reliability.
Alberta Legal takes a strategic approach to each case, recognizing that no two cases are the same.
We like how they meticulously analyze the details and evidence to build solid legal arguments unique to each situation, maximizing the chances of success in court.
With a history of successful outcomes, we’re not surprised that Alberta Legal has earned the respect of opponents and judges alike.
Their track record of professionalism and reliability instills confidence in clients, knowing they have experienced lawyers on their side who are respected within the legal community.
We like how Alberta Legal is committed to representing clients with empathy and understanding, recognizing the fear and anxiety that legal proceedings can bring. They strive to empower clients through the legal system, providing support and guidance during what may feel like a hopeless situation.
We highly recommend!
4. Muenz Criminal Law
Website: https://www.rickmuenz.ca/
Address: 2650 645 7 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 4G8
Contact Details: 403-543-6666
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30-5
Google Reviews | 4.8/5 |
Facebook Reviews | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Score Consistency | 5/5 |
Credentials | 5/5 |
Client Servicing | 4.5/5 |
Financing | 5/5 |
Areas of Expertise | 5/5 |
Pros
- Clear Communication and Support
- Extensive Experience and Knowledge
- Proven Track Record in Canadian Courts
- Comprehensive Defense Strategy
- Bilingual Services
- Flexible Payment Plans
Cons
- Busy During Peak Seasons
Muenz Criminal Law, led by Rick Muenz, stands out as a highly experienced and trusted criminal defense law firm in Calgary, Alberta. With more than 30 years of practice, the firm has earned a reputation for its proven results and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for clients facing criminal charges.
The firm takes a client-centered approach, ensuring that clients feel supported throughout the legal process. From the first consultation to case resolution, clients are provided with clear guidance, legal advice, and updates on their case’s progress. The firm’s transparency helps alleviate the stress that often accompanies criminal charges.
Rick Muenz’s experience is a significant advantage for clients. With a history of over 6,000 cases successfully defended, he brings an unmatched level of expertise. His specialization in criminal defense, including handling cases from murder to mischief, equips him with the necessary skills to tackle complex cases, particularly in sensitive areas like sexual assault. His past involvement as a lecturer and guest speaker at respected institutions and conferences further solidifies his authority in the field.
Muenz Criminal Law has achieved substantial success in all levels of Canadian courts, from Provincial Court to the Supreme Court of Canada. Their lawyers have handled high-profile cases, including more than 40 jury trials in the Court of Queen’s Bench, making them well-versed in courtroom strategies and litigation. This deep experience provides clients with confidence that their case will be represented with high-caliber legal skills.
Muenz Criminal Law emphasizes a personalized approach to defense. During initial consultations, they focus on understanding the specific charges and working closely with clients to build a strong defense strategy. They consider various possible outcomes, including plea bargains, reduced sentences, and avoiding convictions, while providing realistic assessments of the chances of success. This tailored approach ensures that clients’ best interests are always at the forefront.
For clients who speak Spanish or Italian, Muenz Criminal Law offers bilingual services. This feature ensures that non-English speaking clients can fully understand and participate in the legal process, reducing barriers to effective communication and ensuring a more seamless experience for international clients or those with language barriers.
Recognizing that legal expenses can be overwhelming, Muenz Criminal Law offers flexible payment plans to ease the financial burden on clients. These customized payment models are designed to accommodate clients’ financial situations while ensuring that they receive high-quality legal representation. This thoughtful approach to payment makes their services more accessible.
5. Michael Oykhman – Oykhman Criminal Defence Law
Website: oykhmancriminaldefence.com
Address: 396 11 Ave SW, Suite 840, Calgary, AB T2R 0C5
Contact Details: (403) 266-4440 (Office); (403) 234-0337 (Fax); [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:30 AM-11:30 PM
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.6/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Credentials | 4/5 |
Client Servicing | 4/5 |
Financing | 4/5 |
Areas of Expertise | 5/5 |
Pros
- Partial retainer fee in certain circumstances
- Offers legal services to low-income individuals
Cons
- Some reports on needing to improve client servicing
- Lack of information about payment options
Michael Oykhman is the founder and managing partner at Oykhman Criminal Defence. He’s also a senior lawyer at Savage Oykhman Law.
For 15 years, he has successfully defended hundreds of criminal cases. His areas of expertise are in Impaired Driving and Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS), criminal driving offences, and domestic assault among others.
He has appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta and at the Supreme Court – the highest court of the judicial system in Canada. This speaks a lot about the wealth of experience he has accumulated throughout his practice.
He’s also an Advising Lawyer for the University of Calgary’s Student Legal Assistance. It’s great to know that he provides legal services to low-income individuals.
Some of his past clients have mentioned their charges being withdrawn due to his level of professionalism, confidence, and outstanding work. It’s impressive that those clients can now maintain a clean record and go on to resume life on a new slate.
Oykhman Criminal Defence offers free consultation and a flexible payment plan. To help their clientele, each one is paired with the right lawyer while also considering their budget.
They require a retainer fee before any work is done regarding a case. But in certain situations, it’s possible to pay a partial retainer so the lawyer can start with the initial steps, which is greatly appreciated for those unable to pay a large sum at once.
Oykhman Criminal Defence has several offices across Canada. So you might now always get to talk directly to Oykhman when he has a case in a different city.
However, it’s disappointing to hear that after hiring their services, a client was not believed by the lawyer immediately and was told to accept the charges. We hope this incident doesn’t happen again.
6. Greg Dunn – Dunn & Associates
Website: https://www.dunnandassociates.ca
Address: Suite 2610, 801 – 6th Avenue SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 3W2
Contact Details: (403) 233-0443 (Office); (403) 233-0907 (Fax); [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Yellow Pages Reviews | 4.5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Credentials | 5/5 |
Client Servicing | 5/5 |
Financing | 4/5 |
Areas of Expertise | 4/5 |
Pros
- 20 years of experience
- Open 24 hours daily
- Worked on high-profile cases
Cons
- Lawyers go back and forth between two offices
- Some clients only met with lawyer on the day of the trial
Greg Dunn of Dunn & Associates has an impressive 20 years of experience under his belt. His practice areas include Impaired Driving, Drug Offences, Fraud & Theft, and Manslaughter & Murder.
He has defended clients at every level of Court in Alberta, the Provincial Court of British Columbia, and the Supreme Court. We think this clearly shows his expertise in the law.
In 2009, Calgary’s Avenue magazine recognised Dunn’s achievements when he was chosen as one of their Top 40 under 40. This is a testament to his bright career as one of the city’s accomplished individuals.
He was legal counsel on several high-profile cases including the Bolsa New Year’s Day Massacre, Rat Torture Case, and the Arkansas Death Penalty Extradition Case. We think this reflects the trust major clients have in his skillset.
We believe that he has also established a reputation in the industry because he’s regularly consulted and invited as a lecturer regarding criminal justice matters.
Dunn is an annual lecturer at the Calgary Police Service Major Crimes Investigations Course. He’s also one of CTV’s Prime Time Crime Panel’s regular contributors.
Several past clients have praised his calm demeanour, honesty, and expertise. We understand that being charged with a criminal case can be incredibly terrifying, so we give it to Dunn and his team for displaying cool confidence under pressure.
Dunn & Associates is open 24 hours every day through phone and e-mail. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, a booked appointment is needed first before clients can enter the office.
We’ve heard that some clients only had phone meetings and met with their lawyer for the first time on the day of the trial. Although this might be a good option during the pandemic, some people might want to discuss the case with their lawyer personally beforehand.
Besides Calgary, they also have a second office in Saskatoon. This means that their team is divided into two locations and you might not get to hire the lawyer you initially wanted.
7. Susan Karpa – Susan Karpa Criminal Defence Lawyer
Website: https://www.susankarpa.com
Address: Suite 201, 535 – 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A8
Contact Details: (587) 888-7149; [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday 7 AM-11:30 PM
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Canuck Reviews | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Credentials | 4/5 |
Client Servicing | 5/5 |
Financing | 5/5 |
Areas of Expertise | 4/5 |
Pros
- Offers legal aid
- Block fees instead of hourly rates
Cons
- Does not accept appeal cases
- Least number of practice areas
With over 20 years of experience in criminal defence and over 1,600 successful cases under her belt,, Susan Karpa definitely deserves to be on our list.
Karpa graduated with a degree in Criminology at the University of Ottawa and studied law at the University of Alberta. As a law student, she volunteered her time at the Student Legal Assistance.
She assisted counsel at the crown prosecutor’s office. This gave her insight into the prosecutor’s viewpoint and police investigation which would later on become valuable knowledge as a criminal defence lawyer.
Now in criminal defence, her practice areas include assault, possession of child pornography and luring, drug offences, and firearms and weapons offences.
As her way of giving back to the community, she assists students of Webber Academy for the Law Day Mock Trial competition. She also volunteers as a mentor for law students at the Calgary Legal Guidance.
We’d like to note that she works on block fees instead of hourly rates. The cost will depend on the difficulty of the case rather than for every consultation, which means there’s no worry about being charged for every phone call or e-mail.
Regarding payment plans, we like that clients can opt to pay for her services in installments. This means full service with regular monthly payments for those who cannot afford to pay in full immediately.
They also offer legal aid services, which is of great benefit to financially-strapped clients with a decent case.
Unfortunately, they do not accept appeal cases. So you might want to find a different lawyer if you need to file an appeal.
Clients rave about Karpa’s responsiveness and sense of urgency. One previous client, Bruce R, mentioned that Karpa was on holiday when he called their office, but she still managed to contact him the very next day.
Compared to other firms on our list, they have the least number of practice areas. They also have one phone number available on the website and we think it would be better if they can add another for potential clients.
8. Cory Wilson – Cory Wilson Criminal Defence Lawyer
Website: https://wilsoncriminaldefence.com
Address: Main Floor 1842-14 St SW, Calgary, AB T2T 3S9
Contact Details: (403) 978-6052 (Office); (403) 263-1111 (Fax); [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday: 24 hours (by appointment only)
Google Reviews | 5/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.1/5 |
Total Reviews | 2/5 |
Score Consistency | 5/5 |
Credentials | 4/5 |
Professionalism | 5/5 |
Financing | 4/5 |
Areas of Expertise | 2/5 |
Pros
- Wide range of criminal law expertise
- Hands-on approach
- Flat rate fixed fee
Cons
- Small team
- By-appointment only
Cory Wilson has defended clients ranging from murder to regulatory offences. He graduated from the University of Calgary Law School where he focused on criminal and constitutional law.
After graduation, he articled at Bennett Jones LLP, a corporate law firm with over 500 lawyers and advisors. This shows his potential in the field of law by being hired by a big law firm after only graduating.
We’re impressed to know that Wilson will personally handle your case instead of handing it over to a junior attorney or an articling student. This will definitely give his clients the confidence that their case will not go to a lawyer that wasn’t even their first choice.
We’ve gotten word from several clients that he personally handles all cases no matter the severity. His assistant, Gina, has also been praised for her friendliness and professionalism.
Several of Wilson’s clients have mentioned that he was transparent and focused on the case, providing regular updates. He was also able to get the best possible outcome for them.
They offer free consultation with no obligation. We appreciate that they have a flat rate fixed fee, which means that you will only pay the price quoted to you – avoiding any hidden or additional charges.
For payment options, they accept VISA, MasterCard, debit, and e-transfers. Aside from that, they also offer flexible, no-interest payment plans.
Hiring a lawyer can be expensive. So it’s great to know that they offer legal aid for those who don’t have the money.
9. Tonii K. Roulston – Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence
Website: https://calgarydefence.com
Address: 1019 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0L5
Contact Details: (403) 474-8188, (403) 474-8883 (Fax), [email protected] (Office), [email protected] (Roulston)
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 AM-4:30 PM
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Total Reviews | 3/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Credentials | 4.5 |
Client Servicing | 4/5 |
Financing | 5/5 |
Expertise | 4/5 |
Pros
- Known for her strong defence strategies for sexual assault charges
- Legal fees available on website
Cons
- Office closed on weekends
- Early closing time
- Small team
When looking for someone to represent you on false sexual assault charges, Tonii K. Roulston is a good bet. She is a managing partner at Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence.
She earned her J.D. at the University of Calgary where she majored in Political Science and minored in Economics. She also volunteered for 3 years at Student Legal Assistance during her time in law school.
She was also an articling student at Calgary Legal Guidance. This is where she offered legal services to low-income individuals.
We’d like to point out that the retainer fee will depend on the lawyer in the range of $75–$3000. On average, we think this is reasonable because some lawyers in Calgary charge a minimum of $2,500.
It’s also good to know that they offer a payment plan. But it will still depend on how the client’s charges and how it will progress.
Only certain lawyers at their firm can represent their clients through legal aid. While this implies that you have a more limited selection of lawyers at your disposal, we can’t complain as this service is offered for free.
Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence has two other locations in Lethbridge and Red Deer. With a relatively small team, it might be difficult to book her immediately.
9. Aryan Sadat
Website: https://www.aryansadat.com/
Address: 2440 Kensington Road NW, Calgary AB
Contact Details:
- Phone: 403-457-1550
- Direct: 403-521-6369
- Fax: 403-457-1552
- E: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm
Google Reviews | 4.8/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | N/A |
Total Reviews | N/A |
Score Consistency | N/A |
Credentials | 4.5 |
Client Servicing | 5/5 |
Financing | 4/5 |
Expertise | 5/5 |
Pros
- Knowledgeable lawyer
- Various legal services
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Closed on weekends
- Limited information on his website
Aryan Sadat currently practices with Llewellyn Law in Alberta, while expanding his practice in Ontario.
His expanding law practice focuses on civil litigation, family law, criminal law, corporate law, immigration law, and real estate law.
We like that he can cover a variety of cases in each practice area he focuses on.
He’s an incredibly excellent and knowledgeable lawyer, and we think he might just be the one who can help you.
He has an unmatched sense of determination and drive to get the job done at the soonest time possible.
Reliability is a trait we think describes him perfectly. We can easily get in touch with him with any concerns. And like we said, he gets us results.
There’re little information about his law background on his website, and we hope we this can be addressed. Other than testimonials about him, we’d like to see more of his experience in law.
Overall, we highly recommend!