Criminal Charges Lawyer in Vancouver

If you are facing criminal charges, an experienced criminal charges lawyer in Vancouver can help you understand the allegations, protect your rights, and prepare a focused defence.

Being investigated for a criminal offence can be unsettling. Even before a conviction, an investigation or charge may affect your employment, reputation, family life, travel, immigration status, or ability to obtain certain opportunities.

Legal advice at an early stage may help you understand the investigation, protect your rights, and assess your options. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer may assist before charges are laid, during a police investigation, throughout court proceedings, or at trial.

Types of Criminal Charges We Defend

Drug offences, including trafficking, importation, production, and possession.
Violent offences, including assault, robbery, weapons offences, manslaughter, and murder.
White-collar offences, including workplace theft, fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime.
Sexual offences, including sexual assault, voyeurism, and sharing intimate images without consent.
Criminal negligence and other offences under the Criminal Code.

How a Vancouver Criminal Defence Lawyer Can Help

Reviewing the allegations and available evidence.
Advising you about communication with police or other investigators.
Assessing whether Charter rights may have been breached.
Challenging searches, seizures, statements, warrants, or production orders.
Negotiating with the Crown where appropriate.
Preparing for applications, hearings, trial, and sentencing.
Presenting a focused defence based on the facts of your case.

Why Choose Us

At Desbarats Law, we combine proven experience in serious criminal defence with a personalized, client-first approach. As a boutique firm, we provide dedicated attention, strategic advocacy, and clear guidance at every stage of your case. Our focus is simple: protect your rights, build a strong defence, and achieve the best possible outcome for your future.

Personalized, Client-Focused Approach

We take the time to understand your story, your concerns, and your goals. Every defence strategy is tailored to your unique circumstances, never one-size-fits-all.

Strategic and Results-Driven Advocacy

We build strong, detail-oriented defence strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or litigation.

Boutique Firm, Dedicated Attention

As a boutique practice, we limit our caseload to ensure each client receives focused, responsive, and hands-on legal support throughout the entire process.

Confidential, Judgment-Free Support

We understand the stress and sensitivity of criminal charges. You can expect discretion, respect, and unwavering support from your first consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when it is time to retain a lawyer?

It is best to retain a lawyer as early as possible in the process to ensure that your rights are fully protected.

If the police approach me to talk to me, do I have to speak to them? What are my rights?

Determining whether or not it is in your interest to speak to the police is not always a simple exercise. If you are unsure, you should seek legal advice immediately.

After being arrested I was photographed and fingerprinted. Will my information be in the police file forever?

There is a process apply to have photographs and fingerprints destroyed once a criminal matter has concluded. When you are able to apply varies depending on the outcome of your charge. Ultimately the decision is at the discretion of the police. An experienced lawyer can assist you in this process.

What happens at a first court appearance on a criminal charge? Will I need to be prepared to argue my case?

A first appearance in court for someone who is out of custody is primarily administrative in nature. If a charge has been approved against you, your matter will be called and your attendance noted for the record. If you have retained a lawyer, that lawyer’s name will be added to the record. Your case will then be adjourned to another date so that you have time to review the details of the case against you. Those details (called “disclosure” or “particulars”) will be provided to you or your lawyer. Additionally, if you do not have a lawyer, the court will give you time to hire one. It is common for there to be multiple appearances in a criminal case before anything of substance occurs, such as a trial.

I was arrested and held in custody. How do I get out?

If you are held in custody after being charged with a criminal offence and if the prosecutor is seeking your detention (seeking to keep you in jail until your trial), you can apply for bail, also called “Judicial Interim Release”. If you are released, the judge may impose certain conditions, such as a cash deposit. You could also be subject to restrictions on your liberty (i.e. an address or area you must not attend, or a person you must not contact). Whether or not you are released, and the specific conditions imposed, will depend upon the details of the case and your personal circumstances. A lawyer can assist you in putting your best foot forward in an application for release.

Can the police come into my residence to look around?

In some circumstances, yes. If the police have a warrant to search your residence they have a legal right to enter the premises to conduct their search. There are some other circumstances where the police may enter a residence without a warrant to carry out their duties, for instance where someone is at imminent risk of being harmed. The police should provide you with their legal authority.

I have a full-time job. Going to court is very inconvenient. How often will I need to go?

A judge or justice of the peace will decide how often you need to return to court throughout your court case. For many court appearances, you may be able to have a lawyer appear on your behalf if you sign a document called a “Counsel Designation Notice”.

The police seized my belongings. Am I able to get them back?

Possibly, yes. Exactly how to go about having your belongings returned to you will depend on the reason they were seized. In some cases, the police may simply agree to return your belongings. In other cases, it may require an application to the Court. It is always a good idea to consult with a lawyer to understand the process.

I am being accused of committing an offence, but I believe I am a victim. What can I do?

In British Columbia, the police do not lay a charge. It is a Crown prosecutor who decides whether or not to proceed with a criminal charge. While you cannot force the police or the Crown to start a prosecution against another person, you can provide information to the police and/or Crown for their consideration. However, it is wise to seek legal advice before doing so. A lawyer can assist you in approaching the authorities in a manner that will shield you from inadvertently providing information that may be used against you in a prosecution.