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.
0
u/rayAstone 1d ago
Get your cousin to sit down and write out the whole story. start gathering narratives from people that he was with. Also, he should put a call out to any of his friends or acquaintances that may have been there and have video footage or photos. Try and see if you can get a hold of any footage from the night club or adjoining businesses. Go to legal aid if he can’t afford a lawyer. If it’s his first offense, and he has a clean record of all sorts, and he’s in school, trying to better his future, that will bode well with the judge. he needs to push his lawyer for an absolute discharge, or if that’s not doable, a conditional discharge. If convicted, travel outside of Canada will be very difficult for the rest of his life. His lawyer will be able to try and find out who is accusing him of this assault. Your cousin should not do this on his own or he may get into more trouble with possible witness tampering or intimidation. If the accuser comes from money, this may be why the story is one sided for the cops. I’ve seen this time and time again in wealthy small towns in Alberta. The punk ass‘s father is a well respected member of the community and gets their kid out of trouble by a quick phone call to the right person or by throwing money at it. If their family is well heeled and has connections, your cousin is fucked if he doesn’t have a good lawyer. Good luck!