If you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are facing criminal charges in Edmonton, you should obtain legal advice immediately. Early decisions affect bail, release conditions, disclosure strategy, and how the Crown builds its case.
Kurie Moore LLP is a criminal defence law firm ased in Edmonton. We represent individuals charged with Criminal Code offences in the Edmonton Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Wealso advise individuals who are under investigation but have not yet been formally charged.
Criminal law in Alberta is procedural and evidence-driven. The first steps taken in a file often shape how the matter proceeds months later. Protecting your legal position from the outset is critical.
Partner | Criminal Lawyer
Scott Kurie is a seasoned and experienced trial lawyer who has been
successful in defending people on charges ranging from driving
offences to murder. With over a decade of criminal court
experience, Scott has represented clients facing charges from
driving offences to drug trafficking to murder before every level of
court in Alberta.
Associate | Criminal Lawyer
Methal Fayad brings a fresh perspective and passionate advocacy to
our criminal defence team. Working alongside Scott, Methel is
committed to providing thorough, meticulous defence strategies
tailored to each client's unique situation.
What Happens After You Are Charged in Edmonton
Criminal cases in Alberta follow a defined legal process. While each matter depends on the charge and the evidence, most cases proceed through the same stages in the Edmonton Court of Justice and, where required, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Understanding this process reduces uncertainty and allows informed decision-making.
Police Investigation and Arrest
A criminal case often begins with a police investigation by the Edmonton Police Service or the RCMP. This stage may occur before formal charges are laid and can significantly affect how the case develops.
- Police interviews of witnesses
- Requests for statements
- Search warrants & seizures
- Collection of forensic evidence
- Charges may be laid by arrest, warrant, or summons, and early statements may later become central evidence in court.
Bail and Release Conditions
After arrest, a decision is made whether you remain in custody or are released while your case proceeds. Bail determines what restrictions apply and what obligations must be followed before trial.
- Judicial interim release hearing
- Assessment of public safety
- Evaluation of release plan
- Imposition of conditions
- The court may impose conditions such as no contact orders, curfews, or travel limits, and breaches can result in new charges.
First Court Appearance and Case Management
Most matters in Edmonton begin in the Court of Justice of Alberta. The first appearance establishes scheduling, disclosure timelines, and the procedural structure of the file.
- Formal confirmation of charges
- Request or receipt of disclosure
- Scheduling future court dates
- This stage sets the framework for how the case progresses and missing a court date can result in a warrant for arrest.
Disclosure and Legal Assessment
Disclosure is the evidence the Crown intends to rely on at trial. Careful review of this material is required before decisions about resolution or trial are made. Evidence is analyzed to assess strength, identify legal issues, and determine available defence strategies.
- Police occurrence and investigation reports
- Written or recorded witness statements
- Photographs, video, or audio recordings
- Forensic laboratory or expert reports
- Body-worn camera or surveillance footage
- The evidence is analyzed to assess strength, identify legal issues, and determine available defence strategies.
Resolution, Trial, or Sentencing
After disclosure review, a case may resolve through negotiation or proceed to trial. At trial the Crown must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and sentencing follows if there is a finding of guilt.
- Withdrawal of charges by the Crown
- Peace bond agreements where appropriate
- Negotiated resolution discussions
- Trial before a judge or judge and jury
- Presentation and testing of evidence in court
- At trial the Crown must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and sentencing follows if there is a finding of guilt.
Legal Representation at Every Stage
A criminal defence lawyer does more than appear in court. The role begins at the investigation stage and continues through bail, disclosure review, negotiations, trial, and sentencing. Each stage involves legal analysis, procedural management, and strategic decision-making.
Effective representation requires familiarity with Alberta criminal procedure, evidentiary standards, and Charter principles.
Protecting Charter Rights
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms governs police conduct and state action. A criminal defence lawyer assesses lawful detention, search compliance, proper statements, and right to counsel.
Charter issues can significantly affect the admissibility of evidence.
Reviewing and Testing Evidence
Every criminal case is evidence-driven. Legal review includes assessing witness reliability, identifying inconsistencies, reviewing forensic methodology, and examining disclosure completeness.
Not all evidence is equal, and not all allegations meet the legal standard of proof.
Managing Court Procedure
Criminal law is procedural. We manage scheduling, file applications, conduct bail hearings, and ensure compliance with court orders.
Procedural errors can negatively affect a case. Structured management reduces avoidable
risk.
Strategic Advice
Every case involves choices. Advice is based on strength of evidence, applicable law, collateral consequences, likelihood of conviction, and sentencing exposure.
The objective is informed decision-making grounded in law, not assumption.
Criminal Charges We Defend In Edmonton
Kurie Moore LLP represents individuals charged with a wide range of Criminal Code offences in Edmonton and throughout Alberta. Each matter is assessed based on the specific facts, the available evidence, and the applicable law.
Legal advice is provided only after careful review of disclosure and procedural history.
Impaired Driving and DUI Offences
Including SafeRoads Alberta appeals, refusal to blow, and impaired by drug charges.
- Operation while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Refusal to comply with a demand
- Immediate roadside sanctions
- Ignition interlock requirements
Impaired driving cases frequently involve technical issues related to roadside screening devices, breath testing procedures, and Charter compliance.
Assault and Domestic Assault Charges
Domestic assault, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, and uttering threats.
- No contact release conditions
- Removal from a shared residencey
- Restrictions affecting family access
- Bail supervision requirements
- Parallel family court implications
Even where a complainant does not wish to proceed, the Crown controls the prosecution
Sexual Offences
Sexual assault, sexual interference, and internet- related offences. Highly sensitive defence.
- Historical allegations
- Consent analysis
- Digital communications
- Publication restrictions
Early legal advice is important due to the reputational and professional consequences that can arise even before trial.
Drug Offences
Possession, trafficking, and production. Challenging search warrants and wiretap evidence.
- Search warrant challenges
- Confidential informant evidence
- Surveillance operations
- Vehicle searches
- Charter-based exclusion applications
The legality of police conduct can significantly affect the admissibility of evidence.
Firearms and Weapons Offences
Possession of unauthorized firearms, weapons trafficking, and usage in commission of offence.
- Licensing issues
- Storage and transportation requirements
- Mandatory minimum sentencing provisions
- Reverse onus bail considerations
- Firearms prohibitions
These matters often carry significant long-term consequences.
Property and Fraud Offences
Theft over/under $5000, fraud, mischief, and white-collar financial crimes.
- Financial documentation review
- Digital transaction analysis
- Business or employment implications
- Restitution considerations
- Negotiated resolution discussions
Each file requires detailed evidence review before strategy is determined.
Youth Criminal Matters
Representation under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) focusing on rehabilitation.
- Separate procedural protections
- Publication bans
- Diversion programs
- Sentencing principles specific to youth
- Rehabilitation-focused outcomes
Youth cases require careful handling to minimize long-term impact.
Consequences of Being Charged
Criminal charges can affect more than court outcomes. Even before a matter is resolved, an allegation may have practical consequences that extend into employment, licensing, travel, and family life. Legal strategy should account for these risks from the outset.
Employment & Professional Licensing
Can affect employment status, professional regulatory licences, security clearances, eligibility for government contracting and workplace disciplinary proceedings.
Certain professions require mandatory reporting of charges. Release conditions may also prevent attendance at a workplace or contact with colleagues.
Immigration & Travel
Criminal matters can affect travel and immigration status. Potential consequences include potential inadmissibility to the US, impact on permanent residence applications, citizenship complications, travel restrictions due to release conditions and border questioning based on pending charges.
Even charges that do not result in conviction may create travel complications..
Firearms & Property
Certain charges may trigger immediate firearms prohibitions, seizures of registered weapons, long-term ownership restrictions, revocation of Possession ansd Acquisition Licences, and Court-ordered forfeiture.
These consequences may arise before a case is fully resolved.
Family & Reputation
Criminal allegations can affect parenting arrangements, access to children, family court proceedings, public reputation, and community standing
Domestic-related charges often carry immediate no contact conditions that affect living arrangements and family dynamics.
Long-Term Record Implications
A conviction may result in a permanent criminal record, impact on background checks, difficulty securing employment, limitations on volunteer opportunities, and future sentencing implications.
Strategic decisions made early in a case can influence whether these long-term consequences arise.
Experienced Representation in Edmonton Courts
Experienced Representation in Edmonton Courts
Kurie Moore LLP represents individuals in the Edmonton Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Criminal matters in Edmonton are governed by specific scheduling practices, procedural expectations, and prosecutorial approaches that differ from other regions.
Although based in Edmonton, we also represent clients from communities throughout Alberta who require defence counsel familiar with Edmonton procedure or who have matters transferred to Edmonton courts.
- Airdrie
- Bonnyville
- Canmore
- Drayton Valley
- Fort Saskatchewan
- Jasper
- Medicine Hat
- Red Deer
- St. Albert
- Wetaskiwin
- Athabasca
- Brooks
- Chestermere
- Drumheller
- Grande Prairie
- Leduc
- Morinville
- Sherwood Park
- St. Paul
- Whitecourt
- Barrhead
- Calgary
- Cochrane
- Edson
- High River
- Lethbridge
- Olds
- Slave Lake
- Strathmore
- Beaumont
- Camrose
- Cold Lake
- Fort McMurray
- Hinton
- Lloydminster
- Peace River
- Spruce Grove
- Vegreville
Clients from outside Edmonton are often required to travel for court proceedings. We assist by managing appearances, coordinating scheduling, and ensuring procedural requirements are handled properly. Court procedure, scheduling practices, and prosecutorial approaches vary by jurisdiction. Familiarity with Edmonton courts is part of effective representation.
Experienced Representation in Edmonton Courts
Criminal defence requires careful analysis, procedural discipline, and informed judgment. Legal strategy must be grounded in evidence, statutory interpretation, and court practice.
Kurie Moore LLP represents individuals at every stage of the criminal justice process in Edmonton. Each file is approached through structured review rather than assumption.
Our work includes detailed analysis of disclosure and evidentiary strength, review of police conduct and Charter compliance, preparation for bail hearings and release planning, strategic resolution discussions where appropriate and trial preparation and courtroom advocacy.
Decisions are made based on law, evidence, and realistic assessment of risk.
Court procedure varies by jurisdiction. Familiarity with Edmonton scheduling practices, courtroom expectations, and prosecutorial approaches supports efficient case management.
Regular court appearances allow us to anticipate procedural requirements, prepare appropriately for bail and trial, address evidentiary issues efficiently, manage timelines realistically, and navigate resolution processes effectively.
Effective representation combines legal knowledge with procedural familiarity.
Criminal charges create uncertainty. Clients require direct and understandable guidance regarding their legal position.
We provide clear explanation of the charge and procedure, honest assessment of evidentiary risks, practical advice regarding available options, guidance on collateral consequences and transparent discussion of possible outcomes.
Legal advice should reduce confusion, and provide experienced guidance to reduce negative outcomes.
Common Questions About Criminal Defence
When should I contact a criminal defence lawyer?
You should contact a criminal defence lawyer as soon as police contact you, you are arrested, or you believe charges may be laid. Early legal advice helps protect your rights and reduces the risk of making statements that may later be used as evidence.
Do I need a lawyer if I have not been charged yet?
Legal advice is often appropriate if you are under investigation or police have requested an interview. A lawyer can explain your legal position before you provide a statement or respond to police inquiries.
Should I speak to police to explain my side?
You are not required to provide a statement to police. Anything you say may be used as evidence. Speaking with a lawyer before answering questions allows you to understand the potential consequences.
What happens after I am charged in Edmonton?
After charges are laid, you may be released with conditions or required to attend a bail hearing. A court date will be scheduled in the Edmonton Court of Justice, and the Crown will provide disclosure. The matter then proceeds through procedural stages toward resolution or trial.
What are release conditions?
Release conditions are court-ordered restrictions that apply while your case is ongoing. They may include no contact orders, curfews, reporting requirements, or travel restrictions. Breaching a condition can result in additional criminal charges.
What is disclosure in a criminal case?
Disclosure is the evidence the Crown intends to rely on in court. It typically includes police reports, witness statements, recordings, and forensic results. Disclosure must be reviewed before decisions about resolution or trial are made.
How long does a criminal case take?
The timeline depends on the nature of the charge, the complexity of the evidence, and court scheduling availability. Some cases resolve within months. Others take longer if a trial is required.
How much does a criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton cost?
Legal fees depend on the type of charge, the complexity of the case, and whether the matter resolves early or proceeds to trial. After reviewing your situation, a lawyer can explain the expected fee structure.
Can a lawyer help if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes. Legal representation is important even if you intend to plead guilty. A lawyer can advise on sentencing exposure, collateral consequences, and whether alternative resolutions may be available.
Will a criminal charge affect my job or ability to travel?
It may. Criminal charges and convictions can affect employment, professional licensing, immigration status, and international travel. These risks should be considered when evaluating legal strategy.
Obtain Legal Advice Before The Case Progresses
Criminal matters can escalate quickly once police become involved. Statements given early, missed court dates, or breaches of release conditions can significantly affect the outcome of a case. Legal advice at the earliest stage allows you to: Understand your rights and obligations avoid unnecessary legal risk, address bail and release conditions properly, review disclosure before decisions are made, develop a structured legal strategy.
If you are facing criminal charges in Edmonton or believe charges may be forthcoming, the next step is to obtain confidential legal advice from a criminal defence lawyer.
Consultations are confidential and protected by solicitor-client privilege.