No. Each criminal case depends on its specific facts, the strength of the Crown’s evidence, the client’s personal circumstances, and the legal arguments that are genuinely available. Results shown are examples of what we have achieved in cases we found defensible. They are not a prediction of what will happen in yours. The Law Society of BC’s rules on advertising specifically caution against implying guaranteed results, and we do not.

These are legally different outcomes. A ‘withdrawal’ or ‘stay of proceedings’ happens when the Crown decides not to proceed with the charge, often after negotiation, alternative measures, or a defence submission that persuades the Crown the file is not suitable for prosecution. An ‘acquittal’ happens after a trial, where the court finds the Crown has not proven the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Both outcomes result in no conviction, but the paths to get there are different.

Section 24(2) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms allows a court to exclude evidence obtained through a Charter breach. This is typically an unlawful search, arbitrary detention, or breach of the right to counsel. The court can exclude the evidence where the defendant proves that admitting the evidence would bring the administration of justice into disrepute. When the main piece of Crown evidence (the drugs, the gun, the statement, the breath sample) is excluded, the Crown often has no case left. Section 24(2) exclusions are a recurring theme in our case results because Charter litigation is a core part of our defence practice.

Usually yes. Every imparted driving conviction leaves a criminal record. Other charges often carry a criminal record as well. A conviction can create problems with U.S. travel, insurance, and in many professions. Every conviction has collateral consequences, such as deportation for non-citizens. Before concluding a case is not worth defending, have a lawyer review the disclosure for Charter issues and evidentiary weaknesses. Many of our best results have come from files that clients initially described as ‘open and shut.’

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