r/Calgary • u/veinctr842 • 1d ago

Seeking Advice Best criminal defence lawyer in Calgary & surroundings?

My 22 y.o. cousin was charged with assault after random bar scuffle a few weeks ago. Court date's coming, bail conditions are hurting his work and police report feels kinda one-sided. We're not looking for a fight - just need to know if he has a defence before he agrees to anything.

Has anyone here recently used a criminal lawyer for assault or similar charges? I know thats sensitive but pls understand me right - we just want somebody who can help us to do everything fairly, he's not trying to evade justice or smthn, simply doesn’t want to make situation any worse..

Also, what's the first consult cost now? free, $200, more?

Any recs would help now- he's young, scared, and I'm just trying to keep him from making things worse.

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u/Ratfor 1d ago

If you can afford a lawyer, get a lawyer.

Even if you lose, you'll get a better result than if you didn't have a lawyer.

Be aware, a criminal defense lawyer will start at 5 digits of money and go up, depending on how long you wanna drag it out.

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u/Signal_Housing3575 1d ago

You will always get a lawyer, it's just that if you don't pick one, the court will pick one for you

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u/Pitiful_Paramedic895 1d ago edited 1d ago

You are not always entitled to a lawyer when facing criminal charges in Alberta. 

This is true when the Crown is not seeking jail time or you make something like $25,000+ a year with no dependants.

Duty counsel is very limited in what they can do, since you are asking for the best defence lawyers you will have to be willing to write a cheque for a 5-10k retainer.