A criminal defence lawyer in Calgary at Centobin Law Office represents individuals charged with assault, DUI, theft, domestic violence, drug offences, fraud, sexual assault, and other offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. We defend clients at Calgary Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta — from the moment of arrest through trial, sentencing, and appeal.
A criminal charge demands immediate legal action. Every hour without a defence lawyer increases the risk of self-incrimination, missed bail opportunities, and a weaker case strategy. Our criminal defence team reviews your charges, explains your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and builds a defence strategy from the first consultation.
Free Initial Consultation · Available 24/7 · Serving All Calgary Courts · Over [X] Criminal Cases Defended
As a criminal defence law firm in Calgary, Centobin Law Office defends every category of criminal charge prosecuted in Calgary Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Each case receives a defence strategy built around the specific charge, the Crown’s evidence, and the strongest path to acquittal, withdrawal, or reduced sentencing.
An assault lawyer in Calgary defends individuals charged under sections 265–268 of the Criminal Code, including simple assault, assault causing bodily harm, and aggravated assault. Penalties range from a conditional discharge to 14 years of imprisonment, depending on whether the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment. Our defence lawyers challenge witness credibility, raise self-defence and consent, and identify Charter breaches that can exclude evidence.
If you are facing assault charges, speak to an assault charges lawyer in Calgary who can evaluate your case immediately.
A domestic violence lawyer in Calgary defends charges arising from intimate-partner allegations, including assault, uttering threats, criminal harassment, and breach of protection orders. These charges often trigger emergency protection orders, no-contact conditions, and immediate consequences for custody, immigration status, and employment — before a trial even begins. We build a defence that addresses both the criminal charge and the collateral impact on your life.
Speak to a domestic violence defence lawyer in Calgary to understand your options before your next court date.
An impaired driving lawyer in Calgary defends charges under sections 320.14–320.19 of the Criminal Code, including impaired operation, refusal to provide a breath sample, and DUI causing bodily harm. Alberta impaired driving charges carry mandatory minimum penalties — including licence suspensions, criminal records, and potential jail time — even for first-time offenders. Our lawyers challenge the breathalyzer's accuracy, demand disclosure of maintenance records, and examine whether the police followed proper procedure during the stop and arrest.
Contact an impaired driving lawyer in Calgary to begin building your defence.
A drug charges lawyer in Calgary defends possession, trafficking, and production offences prosecuted under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in Alberta courts. Sentencing depends on the drug schedule, quantity, and whether the Crown alleges personal use or distribution. Our defence team challenges the search and seizure procedures, the reliability of the informant, and the sufficiency of the evidence linking you to the substance.
Talk to a drug charges lawyer in Calgary about the specific charges you are facing.
A theft lawyer in Calgary defends charges ranging from theft under $5,000 to robbery — an indictable offence carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under the Criminal Code. Theft under $5,000 and theft over $5,000 are treated differently in terms of procedure and penalty. Our lawyers examine surveillance evidence, identification procedures, and possession timelines to build the strongest available defence.
Get legal advice from a theft and robbery lawyer in Calgary before making any statements.
A fraud lawyer in Calgary defends charges involving deception for financial gain, from credit card fraud to complex financial schemes prosecuted as indictable offences in Alberta. The Crown must prove intent to deceive and that the accused actually caused a financial loss. Our lawyers dissect the financial evidence, challenge the Crown’s interpretation of intent, and negotiate outcomes that protect your record.
Consult a criminal lawyer experienced in fraud charges defence in Calgary to review the allegations against you.
A sexual assault lawyer in Calgary defends charges under section 271 of the Criminal Code, where a conviction carries serious penalties and mandatory sex offender registration. The stigma alone can cause irreversible personal and professional harm. Our defence lawyers scrutinize the complainant’s account, examine forensic evidence, and raise every available Charter defence — including issues with delayed disclosure, inconsistent statements, and procedural violations.
Speak confidentially with a sexual assault defence lawyer in Calgary to protect your rights from the earliest stage.
A bail hearing lawyer in Calgary prepares and argues bail applications to secure your release from custody while your criminal case proceeds through Alberta courts. Bail determines whether you wait for trial in custody or in the community. A strong bail plan — including a suitable surety, proposed conditions, and a release plan — significantly increases the likelihood of release. Our lawyers handle bail applications in Calgary Provincial Court, contested bail hearings, and bail review applications in the Court of King’s Bench.
Call a bail hearing lawyer in Calgary immediately after an arrest — timing is critical.
A mischief lawyer in Calgary defends against charges under section 430 of the Criminal Code, which covers property damage, obstruction of use, and interference with data. Charges can be laid summarily or by indictment, depending on the value of the damage. Our lawyers negotiate resolutions, challenge damage valuations, and pursue diversionary outcomes where the evidence supports it.
Discuss your case with a mischief charges lawyer in Calgary to understand the options available.
A dangerous driving lawyer in Calgary defends charges under sections 320.13–320.14 of the Criminal Code, including dangerous operation causing bodily harm or death, carrying maximum penalties of 14 years to life imprisonment. Our defence examines accident reconstruction evidence, witness statements, and whether the driving behaviour meets the legal threshold of “marked departure from a reasonable standard of care.”
Speak to a dangerous driving lawyer in Calgary before your first court appearance.
A criminal defence lawyer in Calgary protects you against criminal charges by investigating the Crown’s evidence, identifying legal defences, challenging Charter violations, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing you at trial in Alberta courts. From the moment you are charged — or even before formal charges are laid — a defence lawyer works to minimize the impact on your freedom, your record, and your future.
As a criminal defence law firm in Calgary, Centobin Law Office follows a structured defence process across all major criminal charge types — from summary conviction offences to the most serious indictable matters prosecuted in Alberta. Every criminal case we handle is built to protect your rights and pursue the strongest possible outcome:
We assess the charges, review the initial disclosure, and identify the most urgent issues — including bail, conditions of release, and any upcoming court dates at Calgary Provincial Court or the Court of King’s Bench.
Our lawyers request and examine all Crown disclosure — police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and digital records — to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and Charter violations.
Based on the evidence, we determine the defence approach: challenging identification, raising reasonable doubt, arguing self-defence, filing Charter applications to exclude evidence, or negotiating a resolution with the Crown prosecutor.
We represent you at every court appearance in Calgary. Whether the case resolves through negotiation, a preliminary inquiry, or a full trial, we advocate for the outcome that protects your freedom and your future. Our defence strategies are built around Alberta-specific sentencing patterns and Crown prosecution practices in Calgary courts.
Criminal offences in Canada are classified into three categories under the Criminal Code: summary conviction offences, indictable offences, and hybrid offences. The classification determines the court that hears the case, the trial procedure, the available penalties, and whether you have the right to a jury trial. A criminal defence lawyer in Calgary can explain how your specific charge is classified and what that means for your defence.
Summary offences are the least severe category under the Criminal Code. They are tried in Provincial Court without a preliminary inquiry or jury. Maximum penalties are generally up to 2 years less a day in prison and/or a $5,000 fine, though some exceptions exist. Examples include mischief under $5,000 and causing a disturbance.
Indictable offences are the most serious criminal charges prosecuted in Canada. Depending on the offence, you may elect trial by judge alone or by judge and jury in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Penalties range from 2 years to life imprisonment. Examples include robbery , drug trafficking, sexual assault , and fraud over $5,000 .
Most criminal charges laid in Calgary and across Alberta are hybrid offences — the Crown prosecutor chooses whether to proceed summarily or by indictment based on the severity of the circumstances. Common hybrid offences include assault causing bodily harm , impaired driving , and theft under $5,000 . How the Crown elects directly determines the available penalties, the court that hears the case, and the complexity of the defence.
Understanding the classification of your charge is the first step toward building an effective defence in Calgary.
A criminal record in Canada affects employment, travel, immigration, housing, and professional licensing — often for years after the sentence is served. Employers in Calgary and across Alberta routinely conduct criminal record checks in regulated industries, government, education, healthcare, and finance. The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom.
The specific impacts of a criminal conviction include:
Our criminal defence lawyers in Calgary fight to avoid a conviction or minimize the impact on your record from the start. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on how a criminal conviction affects your employment and career .
If you already have a criminal record, you may be eligible for a record suspension. Learn about pardons and record suspensions in Calgary .
If bail is denied at your initial hearing, a bail hearing lawyer in Calgary can apply for a bail review before the Court of King’s Bench under Section 520 of the Criminal Code. The reviewing judge assesses whether the original detention order was correct in law and whether new evidence or changed circumstances justify your release. Centobin Law handles bail reviews in Calgary for clients who were denied release at first appearance.
Being denied bail is not the final word. Under the Criminal Code, you have the right to seek a review of the detention order.
We represent clients at Calgary Courts Centre weekly, handling bail hearings, trials, and negotiated resolutions across all criminal charge types. Our lawyers know the Crown prosecutors, the court procedures, and the judges who hear criminal matters in Calgary.
Our defence strategies are built around Alberta sentencing patterns, Crown prosecution practices in Calgary, and the procedural realities of Calgary Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench. Generic legal advice doesn’t win cases — local knowledge does.
From summary conviction offences to the most serious indictable charges, Centobin Law Office handles the full spectrum of criminal law in Calgary. You work with one firm from arrest through to resolution — no referrals, no handoffs.
Criminal charges do not wait for business hours. We respond to calls and inquiries promptly because timing determines bail outcomes, access to disclosure, and defence preparation—call (403) 249-1733 to speak to a criminal lawyer now.
We explain the charges, the court process, and the realistic range of outcomes. No legal jargon without explanation. No surprises about procedure, costs, or timelines.
A criminal charge threatens your job, your immigration status, your family, and your reputation. Our defence strategy accounts for every collateral consequence — employment impact, travel restrictions, immigration admissibility, and professional licensing — not just the courtroom result.
Meet the Centobin legal team and read client reviews and case outcomes to understand how we work.
Criminal defence lawyer fees in Calgary depend on the severity of the charge, the complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial in Alberta courts. Summary conviction defences typically cost less than indictable offence trials, which require more preparation, court appearances, and legal research. Centobin Law Office offers a free initial consultation so you can understand the charges and estimated costs before committing to representation.
Yes — criminal charges in Calgary can be withdrawn or stayed before trial if the defence demonstrates insufficient evidence, procedural errors, Charter violations, or if the Crown prosecutor accepts an alternative resolution such as a peace bond or diversion program. The likelihood of withdrawal depends on the offence, the evidence, and how early a criminal lawyer in Calgary gets involved.
Jail is not automatic for a first-time offence in Alberta. Sentencing depends on the charge, the circumstances, and your criminal history. For many first-time offenders in Calgary courts, outcomes include conditional discharges, absolute discharges, probation, fines, or community service. However, certain offences — including impaired driving — carry mandatory minimum penalties under the Criminal Code even for first convictions.
A Canadian criminal conviction can result in denial of entry to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection has access to Canadian criminal records through shared databases and routinely denies entry for DUI convictions, drug offences, and other criminal charges. A record suspension or a US entry waiver may restore travel eligibility. A criminal lawyer in Calgary can advise on how your specific conviction affects cross-border travel.
Contact a criminal defence lawyer in Calgary before making any statements to police. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Anything you say can be used against you in Alberta courts. A defence lawyer advises you on what to say, what not to say, and whether to agree to police procedures like lineups or polygraphs.
A summary offence is less serious and tried in Provincial Court. In contrast, an indictable offence is more serious and may involve a jury trial in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Most charges laid in Calgary are hybrid offences, meaning the Crown chooses how to proceed. The classification affects maximum penalties, trial procedures, and your right to elect the mode of trial. A criminal defence lawyer in Calgary can explain how the Crown is likely to proceed with your specific charge.
A typical criminal case in Calgary takes 6 to 18 months from charge to resolution, though complex indictable matters heard in the Court of King’s Bench can take longer. Factors include the volume of Crown disclosure, the court’s schedule, whether expert evidence is required, and whether the case goes to trial or resolves through negotiation with the Crown prosecutor in Calgary.
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | After-hours consultations available by appointment
Location: Calgary, AB — Serving all Calgary courts and surrounding areas in Alberta
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Davis
This legal team easily guided me through a complicated family law matter. Their team was responsive and knowledgeable and always had my best interests at heart.
Ethan
I needed help with a commercial dispute, and Centobin Law resolved it efficiently. Their attention to detail and commitment to my case was outstanding.
Liam
I was facing criminal charges and didn’t know where to turn. This law firm not only defended my rights but treated me with respect and understanding throughout the process.
Aiden
I couldn’t have asked for better representation during my divorce. Centobin Law truly cared about my situation and fought for my best interests.
Lucas
I was impressed by the way they handled my immigration case. The lawyers were knowledgeable and helped me through every step of the process.
Jack
Centobin Law Office was there for me when I needed legal representation the most. Their team was professional, prompt, and gave me the results I needed.
