A criminal charge in Vancouver can happen to anyone — a late-night traffic stop, a misunderstanding that escalates, a business dispute that crosses a legal line. Regardless of the circumstances, the Canadian criminal justice system is complex, and the consequences of a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. Securing an experienced Vancouver criminal defence lawyer as early as possible is the single most important step you can take.
At Vayeghan Litigation, we have spent over a decade defending individuals charged with offences across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. We understand the BC court system, the Crown’s strategies, and exactly how to build a defence that protects your future.
Your Charter Rights Matter — We Enforce Them
Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to remain silent and the right to retain counsel without delay. If police violated your Charter rights during an arrest or search, we can seek to have that evidence excluded — and in many cases, have charges stayed entirely.
Criminal Defence Practice Areas in Vancouver
Our criminal defence team handles the full spectrum of charges before the BC Provincial Court, BC Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. Below are the most common matters we defend — though we encourage you to call us regardless of the charge you’re facing.
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DUI & Impaired Driving
Defending over-80, impaired driving, and refusal charges. We challenge breathalyzer calibration, demand records, and procedural errors that can lead to a full acquittal.
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Drug Offences
Possession, trafficking, and production charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. We scrutinize search warrants and challenge unlawful police searches.
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Assault & Violent Crimes
Simple assault, aggravated assault, weapons offences, and robbery. We assess self-defence arguments and challenge witness credibility at every stage.
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Theft, Fraud & White-Collar
Shoplifting to complex fraud schemes. We negotiate resolutions that protect your professional reputation and avoid a criminal record where possible.
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Sexual Offences
Highly sensitive matters requiring aggressive, discreet representation. We examine disclosure, prior statements, and procedural fairness at every step.
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Domestic Violence
Vancouver police have a mandatory charge policy. We understand the nuances of domestic matters and work to protect your family, your home, and your record.
Why You Need a Vancouver Criminal Defence Lawyer — Not Just Any Lawyer
Criminal law in British Columbia is governed by the federal Criminal Code of Canada, but outcomes are shaped by local court culture, Crown prosecutors, and the specific judges assigned to Vancouver’s courtrooms. A lawyer with deep roots in the Vancouver legal community brings a meaningful advantage.
Knowledge of Local Courts
Vancouver Provincial Court at 222 Main Street, BC Supreme Court at 800 Smithe Street, and the Court of Appeal each have distinct practices and expectations. A Vancouver criminal defence lawyer who appears regularly in these courtrooms knows what works — from bail hearings through sentencing submissions.
Relationships With Crown Counsel
Many criminal matters are resolved through pre-trial negotiation, not trials. Productive, professional relationships with Vancouver Crown prosecutors allow your lawyer to explore resolutions that might include a stay of proceedings, an absolute or conditional discharge, or reduced charges — outcomes that could be unavailable to an out-of-area lawyer.
Understanding of BC-Specific Law
From the Cannabis Act implications to BC-specific impaired driving administrative penalties alongside Criminal Code charges, local criminal law expertise is not optional — it is essential.
What to Expect: Our Defence Process
Step 1 — Free Initial Consultation (Available 24/7)
Contact Vayeghan Litigation immediately after an arrest or charge. We will advise you on what to say (and what not to say) to police, review the circumstances of your matter, and outline your legal options — at no charge and with complete confidentiality.
Step 2 — Bail Hearing Representation
If you are held in custody, your first priority is securing release. We will appear on your behalf at a show cause hearing and present the strongest possible case for release on the least restrictive conditions.
Step 3 — Crown Disclosure Review
You have a constitutional right to full disclosure of the Crown’s evidence against you. We obtain and meticulously review every piece of evidence — police notes, video footage, witness statements, expert reports — looking for weaknesses, inconsistencies, and Charter breaches.
Step 4 — Strategic Defence Planning
Based on the disclosure, we build a tailored defence strategy. This may mean negotiating a withdrawal or plea with Crown, bringing pre-trial motions to exclude evidence, or proceeding to a full trial before a judge or jury.
Step 5 — Trial or Resolution
If the matter proceeds to trial, we are aggressive, meticulous advocates. If a negotiated resolution better serves your interests, we secure the best possible terms — protecting your criminal record, your employment, and your reputation.
Your Charter Rights: What Every Person Charged in Vancouver Must Know
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the most powerful tool in any criminal defence. When police fail to respect your constitutional rights, we act — and courts take Charter breaches seriously.
Section 10(b) — Right to Counsel
Upon arrest or detention, you have the right to be informed of your right to retain and instruct a lawyer without delay. If police denied or delayed this right, statements you made or evidence obtained afterward may be excluded at trial.
Section 8 — Protection Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure
Police cannot search your home, vehicle, or person without lawful authority. We scrutinize every search warrant and warrantless search for constitutional defects. Evidence obtained through an unlawful search can often be excluded under section 24(2) of the Charter.
Section 11(b) — Right to Trial Within a Reasonable Time
Following the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R v Jordan, charges can be stayed if the time to trial exceeds established ceilings. We track every case date and will bring a Jordan application where delay is unreasonable.
The Real Cost of a Criminal Conviction in BC
Many people underestimate how far the consequences of a criminal conviction extend beyond any sentence imposed by the court.
Employment
Most professional licensing bodies in BC — including those governing healthcare, law, finance, and real estate — conduct criminal background checks. A conviction can bar you from your profession or cost you your current job.
Immigration and Travel
Non-citizens convicted of a criminal offence in Canada may face deportation, loss of permanent residency, or inadmissibility. Even Canadian citizens may find their ability to enter the United States restricted following certain convictions.
Housing and Licensing
Landlords, licensing bodies, and volunteer organizations routinely conduct criminal record checks. A record can close doors years after any sentence has been served.
This is why fighting a charge — even when the facts seem unfavourable — is almost always worth exploring with an experienced Vancouver criminal lawyer before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vancouver Criminal Defence
How much does a criminal defence lawyer cost in Vancouver?
Criminal defence legal fees in Vancouver typically range from $200–$500+ per hour depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the matter. Vayeghan Litigation offers a free initial consultation. Some straightforward matters may be handled for a flat fee. Legal Aid BC may cover fees if you meet income eligibility requirements — we can advise you on this during your consultation.
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Vancouver?
Exercise your right to silence — you are not required to answer police questions beyond basic identification. Clearly and calmly state: “I want to speak to a lawyer.” Then stop speaking. Contact a criminal defence lawyer as soon as you are given the opportunity. Do not discuss your case with anyone — including family — until you have spoken with counsel.
Can charges be dropped before trial in BC?
Yes. Crown counsel has the discretion to stay or withdraw charges at any point if, in their assessment, there is no reasonable prospect of conviction or it is not in the public interest to proceed. An experienced criminal defence lawyer can identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case early and bring these to Crown’s attention through pre-trial discussions or formal submissions.
Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes — this may be the most important time to have a lawyer. A criminal defence lawyer can often negotiate the charge itself down to a lesser offence, seek a conditional or absolute discharge (which means no criminal record), or present mitigating factors that result in a significantly lighter sentence than the Crown seeks.
What is a conditional discharge and how do I qualify?
A conditional discharge means you plead or are found guilty, but the conviction is not formally registered — instead, you serve a probation period. If you complete it successfully, no criminal record appears for most purposes. Discharges are available for less serious offences where there is no minimum sentence, and where the court finds it is in your best interests and not contrary to the public interest.
How long does a criminal case take in Vancouver?
Summary offences in BC Provincial Court can often be resolved in several months to a year. Indictable matters before BC Supreme Court — particularly those going to trial — may take one to three years. Under the Supreme Court of Canada’s R v Jordan framework, charges can be stayed if the delay becomes unreasonable (18 months for provincial court, 30 months for superior court).
Serving Clients Throughout Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
Vayeghan Litigation regularly appears in courts across the Lower Mainland, including:
Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, Langley, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Delta, White Rock, Chilliwack
Get Your Free Consultation Now
Available 24/7 for arrests, bail hearings, and urgent criminal matters across Metro Vancouver.📞 Call (778) 653-3995
