Being arrested can be one of the most stressful and confusing experiences in a person’s life. Whether the arrest relates to assault, impaired driving, drug offences, fraud, or another Criminal Code charge, the steps you take immediately can significantly impact your case. If you are unsure about your rights or what happens next, obtaining legal advice as soon as possible can make a meaningful difference in protecting your freedom and your future.
At Centobin Law Office, our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Calgary regularly assists individuals throughout Calgary who have been detained, questioned, or formally charged by police. We understand the Alberta criminal justice system and recognize how crucial the first few hours and days can be when building a strong defence strategy and safeguarding your rights under Canadian law.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Do Not Resist Arrest
When police officers place you under arrest, it is essential to remain calm and cooperative. Resisting arrest or becoming confrontational can lead to additional charges, such as obstruction of justice or assaulting a peace officer.
In Calgary, arrests may occur:
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At your home
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During a traffic stop
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At your workplace
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In a public setting
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Based on a warrant
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Without a warrant (if police have reasonable and probable grounds)
Even if you believe the arrest is unfair, do not argue or physically resist. Your time to challenge the legality of the arrest comes later in court—not at the scene—with the guidance of an experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer who can properly assess the circumstances and protect your rights.
Step 2: Understand Your Charter Rights
Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have important legal protections the moment you are detained or arrested.
Your Key Rights Include:
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The right to be informed of the reason for your arrest
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The right to remain silent
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The right to speak to a lawyer without delay
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The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure
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The right not to be arbitrarily detained
Police must inform you of your right to counsel. Once you request a lawyer, questioning must stop until you have had a reasonable opportunity to consult one.
As a Criminal Defence Lawyer, we frequently assess whether police respected your Charter rights. If violations occurred, we may bring a Charter application to exclude evidence or seek a stay of proceedings.
Step 3: Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
Exercising your right to remain silent is one of the most important steps you can take after an arrest. You are required to provide basic identifying information, but you are not obligated to answer any question about the alleged offence. Many people believe that explaining their side of the story will help. In reality, statements made during police interviews are often used as evidence in court.
Police may use various interview techniques to obtain admissions. Even casual comments in a holding cell or police vehicle may be recorded.
We strongly advise that you clearly state:
“I wish to speak to a lawyer and I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
Then remain consistent in asserting that right.
Step 4: Contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer Immediately
Contacting a criminal defence lawyer immediately should be your top priority after an arrest in Calgary, and Centobin Law Office responds quickly to urgent matters, including weekend and evening arrests. Early legal intervention can make a substantial difference in:
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Bail outcomes
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Release conditions
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Evidence preservation
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Negotiations with the Crown prosecutor
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Defence strategy development
Call us immediately at +1 403-249-1733 if you or a loved one has been arrested in Calgary.
Step 5: Understand the Bail Process in Calgary
The bail process in Calgary decides whether you go home or stay in custody while your charges proceed. If police do not release you, you will be brought before a justice of the peace or judge for a bail hearing, typically within 24 hours. After an arrest, you may be:
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Released by police with conditions
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Held for a bail hearing
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Issued a promise to appear
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Given an undertaking with restrictions
At a Bail Hearing, the Court Considers:
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Risk of failing to attend court
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Risk to public safety
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Confidence in the administration of justice
Conditions may include:
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No-contact orders
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Curfews
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Reporting to a bail supervisor
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Travel restrictions
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Abstaining from alcohol or drugs
Our role as defence counsel is to argue for your release on the least restrictive conditions possible.
Step 6: Do Not Discuss Your Case With Anyone Except Your Lawyer
Discuss your case with nobody except your lawyer, because communications become evidence — text messages, emails, and social media posts are regularly used in criminal prosecutions. Avoid discussing the details of your arrest with:
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Friends
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Family members
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Co-workers
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Social media contacts
Even conversations with friends may be subpoenaed in certain cases.
Your discussions about the case should be limited strictly to your lawyer, where solicitor-client privilege protects confidentiality.
Step 7: Comply Strictly With Release Conditions
Complying strictly with your release conditions is essential, because a breach is treated as a fresh offence rather than a technicality. Breaching bail conditions can result in:
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Additional criminal charges
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Revocation of bail
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Stricter future release terms
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Detention pending trial
Even minor breaches—such as accidental contact in a domestic violence matter—can lead to serious consequences.
If your conditions are unrealistic or problematic, we can apply to vary them through the court.
Common Criminal Charges in Calgary
Centobin Law Office represents individuals in Calgary across the full range of criminal charges, from summary matters to the most serious indictable offences. The charges we handle include:
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Assault and domestic assault
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Sexual assault
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Impaired driving (DUI)
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Drug possession and trafficking
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Fraud and theft
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Mischief charges
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Dangerous driving
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Bail breaches
Each charge carries unique legal elements that the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Happens After You Are Charged?
After you are charged, the criminal process continues through a fixed sequence of stages, from your first appearance in Provincial Court through to resolution or trial. Following your arrest and release, the process moves through:
1. First Court Appearance
You attend Provincial Court in Calgary to address the charges.
2. Disclosure
The Crown provides evidence, including police reports, witness statements, video, and forensic evidence.
3. Resolution Discussions
Your lawyer negotiates with the Crown, explores withdrawal options, or considers alternative measures programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Answer Police Questions If I Am Innocent?
No. Even innocent statements can be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Always speak with legal counsel first.
How Soon Should I Call a Lawyer?
Immediately. The earlier we are involved, the more effectively we can protect your rights.
Can Charges Be Dropped?
Yes, depending on the evidence, procedural issues, and negotiation strategy.
What to Do If You Are Arrested in Calgary: Key Takeaways
Being arrested in Calgary can feel overwhelming, but the steps you take immediately can shape the outcome of your case. Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, request legal counsel, and avoid discussing your situation with others. Most importantly, contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Calgary as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected from the outset.At Centobin Law Office, we stand ready to act as your trusted Criminal Defence Lawyer, guiding you through every stage of the criminal justice process with professionalism, discretion, and determination. Call us today at +1 403-249-1733 to protect your future.
