Criminal Lawyer in Surrey, BC
Being charged with a criminal offence is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face, and the decisions made in the early stages of a case often matter the most. We provide criminal defence representation across a range of matters, guiding clients through the court process with clear, practical advice at every stage. We understand that a criminal charge affects not just the immediate legal outcome, but a person's employment, immigration status, family life, and reputation. We work to understand the full picture of each client's circumstances and advise accordingly, always within the bounds of what the law and evidence support. If you are facing a criminal charge, early legal advice matters. We offer a free consultation to discuss your matter and explain your options.
Areas of Mastery
Early-Stage Case Strategy
Being charged with a criminal offence is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face, and the decisions made in the early stages of a case often matter the most. We provide criminal defence representation across a range of matters, guiding clients through the court process with clear, practical advice at every stage.
Understanding the Full Picture
We understand that a criminal charge affects not just the immediate legal outcome, but a person's employment, immigration status, family life, and reputation. We work to understand the full picture of each client's circumstances and advise accordingly, always within the bounds of what the law and evidence support.
Free Initial Consultation
If you are facing a criminal charge, early legal advice matters. We offer a free consultation to discuss your matter and explain your options.
What Happens After You're Charged in BC
Release or a bail hearing
Police can release you directly with a notice to appear and conditions, or hold you for a bail hearing where a judge decides whether you're released before trial and on what conditions. What happens here can shape the rest of the case, which is why getting advice before this stage matters.
First appearance
Your first appearance in Provincial Court is administrative: a judicial case manager or judge confirms you understand the charges. You are not required to enter a plea at this appearance, and most people don't. Duty counsel, a free Legal Aid lawyer, is usually available at the courthouse that day if you don't yet have your own representation.
Disclosure
Crown counsel must provide disclosure: the evidence and information behind the charge, including police reports and witness statements. Reviewing disclosure properly, before deciding how to respond to a charge, is one of the most important parts of early case work.
Deciding how to proceed
Once disclosure is reviewed, the case moves toward a plea, a resolution discussion with Crown counsel, or a trial date, depending on the charge and the evidence. This decision is yours to make, with legal advice, not something that should be rushed at a first or second appearance.
Trial or resolution
Cases that don't resolve earlier proceed to trial, where the Crown must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Every case is different, and how long this takes depends heavily on the charge, the court's schedule, and how many appearances are needed along the way.
Understanding the Numbers.
Legal Aid BC eligibility
Legal Aid BC provides representation for qualifying criminal matters based on financial need and the seriousness of the charge. Duty counsel is available for free at your first appearance regardless of income, for immediate, limited advice.
Retainer and fee structure
Private criminal defence is typically billed against a retainer, with fees varying by the complexity of the charge, whether it proceeds to trial, and how much disclosure needs to be reviewed. Ask for a clear estimate at your consultation.
Immediate Roadside Prohibition reviews
Requesting a review of an IRP costs $100 for a written review or $200 for an oral hearing, paid to RoadSafetyBC directly, separate from any legal fees for help preparing the review.
Who This Is For
Anyone in Surrey, BC facing a criminal charge, an Immediate Roadside Prohibition, or a domestic-related allegation. This includes first-time and repeat matters, and situations where a complainant no longer wants charges to proceed. Under BC's Violence Against Women in Relationships policy, Crown counsel, not the complainant, decides whether a domestic violence charge goes ahead, and police can recommend a charge regardless of the complainant's wishes or whether there's a visible injury.
Criminal charges often overlap with other areas we handle: Immigration law, Family law
Your First Consultation
Bring any paperwork police gave you: a notice to appear, release conditions, or an Immediate Roadside Prohibition notice, along with the date of your next court appearance if you have one. We'll explain the process ahead of you, what your realistic options are, and what we can and can't do at this stage, without promising a particular result before we've seen the disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's an administrative step, not a trial. A judicial case manager or judge confirms you understand the charges against you. You aren't required to enter a plea at this appearance. Duty counsel, a free Legal Aid lawyer, is usually available at the courthouse the same day.
No, and you should be cautious of anyone who tells you otherwise before reviewing the actual evidence. What we can do is review the disclosure carefully, explain your realistic options honestly, and advocate for the best outcome the law and evidence actually support.
Seven days from when the prohibition was issued. This is a hard deadline set by RoadSafetyBC, not something a court can extend after the fact. A written review costs $100, and an oral hearing costs $200, in addition to any legal fees for help preparing it.
A first Warn brings a 3-day driving prohibition and vehicle impound, a second Warn within 5 years brings 7 days, and a third brings 30 days. A Fail or a refusal to provide a sample brings a 90-day prohibition with a 30-day impound, plus reinstatement and towing costs on top.
Yes, particularly in domestic violence matters. Under BC's Violence Against Women in Relationships policy, Crown counsel decides whether a charge proceeds, not the complainant. Police can recommend a charge regardless of the complainant's wishes or whether there's a visible injury.
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer without delay, including duty counsel if you don't have your own. Politely stating that you want to speak to a lawyer before answering questions is not an admission of anything.
Read any conditions you've been given carefully and follow them exactly, since a breach can create a separate, more serious charge. Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone besides your lawyer, and get legal advice before your first appearance if at all possible.
It can, depending on your income and the seriousness of the charge. Duty counsel is available for free at your first appearance regardless of income for immediate, limited advice. Contact Legal Aid BC directly to find out whether you qualify for ongoing representation.
Require Decisive Action?
Engage our criminal defence lawyers for a confidential assessment of your matter.
SECURE REPRESENTATION