Criminal Law

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Calgary & Strathmore Criminal Lawyers

At Getz Collins and Associates, we understand the stress and overwhelm that can accompany criminal charges and provide unwavering support and top-tier legal representation. We have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against a wide range of charges throughout Alberta. Our commitment to our clients’ rights and well-being is at the core of everything we do.

Our experienced criminal defence lawyers have a deep understanding of Alberta’s legal landscape and are well-equipped to handle criminal charges of any complexity.

Breaches

Breach charges arise when an individual fails to obey court-ordered conditions. Examples of orders that, when violated, commonly result in breach charges include bail conditions, restraining or Emergency Protection orders, driving restrictions, weapons prohibitions, and probation terms.

Getz Collins and Associates has extensive experience representing clients against charges relating to breaches. Breach charges can result in significant financial penalties or imprisonment and can make it more difficult to obtain bail if arrested in the future. Our criminal defence team will assess the circumstances of your case and endeavour to reduce or eliminate charges whenever possible.

Statutory & Regulatory Offences

Statutory and regulatory offences are found in many provincial and federal statutes and carry a broad range of penalties. Getz Collins and Associates advocates for clients facing charges under a myriad of provincial legislation, including (but not limited to):

  • Alberta Health Act;
  • Consumer Protection Act;
  • Environmental Protection Act;
  • Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act;
  • Insurance Act;
  • Mental Health Act;
  • Protection Against Family Violence Act; and
  • Traffic Safety Act.

We also represent clients charged with offences governed by federal legislation, including (but not limited to):

  • Access to Information;
  • Canada Border Services Agency Act;
  • Cannabis Act;
  • Firearms Act;
  • Food and Drugs Act;
  • Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
  • Public Safety Act; and
  • Tobacco and Vaping Products Act.

Firearms Offences

Firearms offences are governed by strict laws to protect public safety and prevent gun-related crimes. The federal Firearms Act and Criminal Code of Canada regulate gun licencing, ownership permits, registration, and transportation. Firearms prosecutions can bring severe penalties and incarceration.

Getz Collins and Associates has extensive experience and knowledge of firearms and weapons offences. We provide clients charged under firearms legislation with swift, decisive action and effective legal strategies.

Driving-Related Offences & Drunk Driving

Road safety is a critical concern in Alberta, as reflected in the strict rules and regulations within the provincial Traffic Safety Act. This Act, in tandem with the federal Criminal Code, sets out numerous driving-related offences, including speeding, dangerous or distracted driving, impaired (drunk) driving, failure to obey traffic signals, and driving without a licence.

The penalties for driving-related offences – including hefty fines, imprisonment, and licence suspensions – can seriously impact an accused person’s life and livelihood. The criminal law team at Getz Collins and Associates has combined decades of experience defending clients against driving-related offences of any severity.

Drug Offences

Drug charges can involve numerous types of offences set out in provincial and federal legislation that regulates the use, possession, manufacture, and trafficking of drugs. Many such crimes are contained within the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada (CDSA), which classifies controlled substances based on their risk of abuse and harm. The CDSA and provincial laws set out significant consequences for the illegal use of controlled substances, including prescription drugs (such as opioids and stimulants).

Although now legalized in Canada, the manufacture, use, marketing, and sale of cannabis and cannabinoid products is also strictly regulated at both the federal (Cannabis Act) and provincial level (Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act).

Getz Collins and Associates understands the complex landscape of drug laws in Alberta and develops personalized, strategic legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique case.

Property Offences & Theft

For over 30 years, Getz Collins and Associates has represented clients charged with minor and serious property offences. Property offences can vary greatly in terms of severity and punishment. Numerous types of property offences are set out under provincial and federal criminal and regulatory legislation and municipal by-laws. Common property offences in Alberta include (but are not limited to) vandalism, break and enter, mischief, trespassing, and theft.

Violent Offences (Murder, Manslaughter, Assault, Threats)

Violent offences are among the most severe charges under Canadian criminal law and carry serious penalties, including substantial periods of incarceration. As the sentences for violent crimes significantly impact an accused’s Charter rights, it is critical to retain a criminal lawyer knowledgeable in the elements of these types of charges. Our criminal defence team has extensive experience representing clients charged with a broad range of violent offences, including:

  • Assault (including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, domestic/family violence, and sexual assault);
  • Child abuse;
  • Criminal harassment;
  • Elder abuse;
  • Uttering threats;
  • Murder and homicide (including attempted murder); and
  • Manslaughter.

Youth Offences

Youth offences are a sensitive area of Canadian criminal law and are governed by the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act. The youth criminal justice system aims to balance accountability and rehabilitation while focusing on the best interests of the youth offender. Minors facing criminal charges may benefit from early intervention and diversion programs directed at preventing recidivism.

The skilled criminal lawyers at Getz Collins and Associates passionately advocate for youth involved in the criminal justice system. We create individualized legal solutions to ensure, as much as possible, that criminal charges do not unduly hinder a young person’s future opportunities.

Getz Collins and Associates: Providing Dedicated Advocacy in Criminal Matters in Strathmore and Calgary

Since its inception in 1984, Getz Collins and Associates has been recognized as a cornerstone of legal excellence in Alberta. We offer relentless advocacy coupled with a client-centric, attentive approach. Our criminal law team has an established track record for successfully defending clients against criminal, statutory and regulatory charges in Strathmore, Calgary, Drumheller, Gleichen, Airdrie, Canmore, Lethbridge, Turner Valley, and the surrounding areas.

Getz Collins and Associates is a leading legal institution with offices located in Calgary and Strathmore. We provide top-tier legal solutions across several practice areas, including criminal law, civil litigation, labour and employment law, business law, family law, real estate, oil and gas, and estate law. To schedule a confidential consultation, please call 587-391-5600 or contact us online.

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