At Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence, we believe that a defence lawyer has one of the most important jobs. It is our job to protect the client from the state to ensure the police and the Crown Prosecutor are following the rules. As your defence lawyer, it is our job to protect you from the unlimited resource of the government that is prosecuting you.
We are your first line of defence. When we defend a case, we start strategizing at the investigation state before you are even charged. If you are arrested or charged with a crime, this can be a very stressful time. We can help. Our clients often tell us that they feel better because we have a strategy.
Call us and we’ll tell you what to do next to start protecting and defending yourself. The more you know, the more peace of mind you’ll have.
What to do if you are arrested
First and foremost, you need to know what to do if you are arrested in Alberta. If you’ve been arrested, it is crucial that you remain silent and exercise your right to a lawyer. Before you say anything, give us a call. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
You can provide police with your name, birth date, and address but you are not obligated or required to answer any other questions or give statements about the alleged crime, no matter how much the police coerce you into talking. Give us a call and we’ll make sure your rights are protected during the arrest.
Here’s what to do next after your arrest:
- Take photos of anything related to the alleged crime.
- Save all text messages, emails, Facebook messages, videos, or statements from the complainant.
- Write down what happened. If this is a crime involving violence, assault, or a sexual allegation, write down all past incidents that happened against you.
- Do not respond to any messages from the complainant.
- Do not share information with your family and friends or other inmates related to your arrest.
- Send all proof of communication and pictures to your lawyer or save it in a cloud drive to ensure that it won’t get lost.
Our practice areas
A criminal record can have serious consequences on your life – our goal is to protect your record and your freedom. We have successfully defended our clients who have been arrested or charged with the following criminal offences.
Sexual Offences – Including allegations of rape, sexual assault, and other sexual violations.
Child Pornography – We can defend you through the Charter if your rights were violated by an illegal search and/or by law of possession.
Homicide – Our firm defends at least two homicides per year. We are extremely detailed, vigilant, and experienced in navigating the complexity of homicide cases.
Domestic Offences – If you’ve been charged with a domestic offence, we will make sure that your side of the story is heard and provide a solution that protects you and your interests.
Firearm & Weapons – Our experienced lawyers leave no stone unturned when defending firearms charges to protect your freedom.
Internet Crime – Encompasses any crime or illegal online activity, including scams, harassment, voyeurism, and more. Along with our experience, we use resources such as forensic experts to defend your case.
Assault & Threats – When you’ve been charged with an assault or threat, there are defences you can use that can play in your favour. We will advise you on how to defend these charges to get you the best outcome possible.
Property, Fraud & Theft – Our strategic defence lawyers can turn a property, fraud, or theft charge with a prison sentence into one with no criminal record to protect your freedom.
Drug Offences – Never plead guilty to possession of drugs. A drug offence on your criminal record can impact your ability to work, travel, or stay in the country. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a drug offence, call us right away.
Marijuana – Although Canada has legalized the recreational use of marijuana, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is strict on its production, distribution, sale, and possession. We will advise you on how to proceed with a marijuana charge.
Youth Charges – If your son or daughter has been arrested or charged as a youth, our lawyer can successfully protect their future and defend their case.
DUI / Impaired Charges – A DUI charge can have punitive consequences from losing your license to imprisonment. We have the experience and knowledge to defend your DUI case to get you the best outcome.
Breach Charges – Any breach of conditions can result in a new criminal charge and imprisonment. Our lawyers can help change the conditions of a breach charge or help you avoid serious consequences.
Bail – Your freedom is at stake in a bail hearing during a criminal trial process. We will guide you through the process and work diligently to get you the result you want.
Appeals – We have extensive experience and success in winning appeals. Our lawyers are creative, relentless, and highly skilled in persuasive written and oral advocacy.
Asset Recovery – If your assets or property have been confiscated because of a crime, we can help you recover them.
Administrative Offences – Including quasi-criminal, regulatory crimes prosecuted under the Traffic Safety Act, Gaming and Liquor Act, Fisheries Act, Aeronautics Act, and Fair Trade Act to name a few. If you’ve been arrested or charged with an administrative offence, we can help.
