Criminal Defence in Richmond
Criminal Defence Lawyers in Richmond
A criminal charge or a driving prohibition in Richmond can move fast, and the first few days often feel like the hardest part. Maybe you were stopped near the bridges heading into Vancouver or the airport, asked for a breath sample at the roadside, and handed paperwork you did not fully understand. Maybe police called and asked you to come in for a statement. Whatever happened, you have decisions to make right now, and what you say and do next matters.
Here is the part that gets lost in the worry. You are presumed innocent, and the Crown has to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. That burden never shifts to you. A charge is an accusation, not a conviction, and there is real work to be done between the two. That work starts with reading the disclosure the Crown is required to hand over, checking how the evidence was gathered, and making sure your rights were respected at every step.
We defend people in Richmond facing criminal charges and driving offences, including impaired driving, refusing a breath sample, and Immediate Roadside Prohibitions. We will sit down with you, walk through exactly what you are charged with, explain the likely path through the process, and be straight about your options. The goal is simple. You should understand your situation and feel like someone is in your corner.
How we help in Richmond
Impaired driving and over 80 charges
We review how the traffic stop happened, how the breath or blood samples were taken, and whether the testing followed the rules. Small problems in that chain can matter a great deal to the case against you.
Immediate Roadside Prohibitions
An IRP is handled outside the criminal courts and the timelines are short. We help you understand the review process, the grounds you can raise, and the deadline you have to act before your right to challenge it is gone.
Bail and release conditions
If you or a family member is being held, getting a fair release matters quickly. We prepare for the bail hearing and push back on conditions that are heavier than the situation calls for.
Disclosure and case review
We get the Crown's disclosure, go through it carefully, and explain what the evidence actually shows. You will know where the case is strong, where it is weak, and what that means for your choices.
Negotiating with the Crown
Not every case should go to trial. Where it makes sense, we speak with the Crown about resolving the matter, including options that may reduce the charge or the consequences you are facing.
Trial defence
When the right move is to fight the charge, we hold the Crown to its burden. We test the evidence, cross examine witnesses, and make the legal arguments that put your defence forward in court.
Common questions
I was charged in Richmond. Which court will my case be in?
Criminal charges from Richmond are generally dealt with in BC Provincial Court, and some matters proceed in Supreme Court depending on the offence and the choices made along the way. Once we see your paperwork and the disclosure, we can tell you where your matter is being heard and what the next appearance is for.
Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?
Please do not decide that on your own. The Crown still has to prove its case, and pleading guilty has consequences that can follow you for years, including a record and effects on travel and work. It is worth having a lawyer review the disclosure first so you understand what you are actually facing before you make any decision.
What is the difference between an Immediate Roadside Prohibition and a criminal impaired driving charge?
An IRP is a driving prohibition issued at the roadside and reviewed through an administrative process, not a criminal trial. A criminal impaired driving charge goes through the courts and can lead to a criminal record. The two can arise from the same stop, and each has its own deadlines and ways to respond, so it helps to get advice on both quickly.
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Criminal Defence in nearby cities
- Criminal Defence in Surrey
- Criminal Defence in Abbotsford
- Criminal Defence in Delta
- Criminal Defence in Langley
- Criminal Defence in New Westminster
- Criminal Defence in Port Coquitlam
- Criminal Defence in Vancouver
- Criminal Defence in Victoria
Talk to us about Criminal Defence in Richmond
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.