What does "limited scope" mean in a criminal matter?

It means you can get a lawyer's help with specific parts of your case — like understanding the evidence against you or entering a plea — without retaining someone to run the whole file through trial. It's a practical option if you're representing yourself or just need clarity before deciding what to do.

What is "disclosure," and why would I want it reviewed?

Disclosure is the information the Crown has to share with you about its case — police reports, witness statements, and other evidence. It can be a lot to make sense of on your own. When I review yours, I'll explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Crown's case, point out potential defences or Charter arguments, and flag anything that appears to be missing — so you can make decisions with the full picture.

What's a Charter argument?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects certain rights — for example, against unreasonable search, or the right to speak to a lawyer. If those rights weren't respected during your arrest or investigation, it can sometimes affect the evidence or the case against you. Part of reviewing your disclosure is spotting whether any of those issues might apply.

Do you take criminal cases all the way to trial?

Yes, depending on the nature of your charge. If your charge is complex I know a number of senior criminal lawyers that specialize in serious or complex criminal law that I can refer you to.

How do I decide whether to plead guilty?

It's a significant decision, and it's worth making with a clear understanding of the case against you first. Reviewing the Crown's disclosure — the evidence, and any weaknesses or Charter issues in it — helps you weigh your options before you decide anything. My disclosure review service is built for exactly that moment.

Can you help me if I'm representing myself?

Yes. Many people handle their own matter but want a lawyer's eyes on the Crown's case or help at a specific step. Reviewing your disclosure and assisting with a guilty plea are both designed to support self-represented people.

How do I know if I qualify for Legal Aid?

Fill out the questionnaire on Legal Aid Alberta's website to find out if you qualify. Eligibility usually comes down to your income and the type of matter you're dealing with.

Criminal Lawyer in Cold Lake

People make mistakes. If the RCMP made one, I can help resolve it. If you did, I can help you reach an outcome that makes sense and gets you back on track.

Most of my criminal work is through Legal Aid. Find out if you are eligible, and apply here. If you do not qualify, I offer flat fee services for most aspects of a criminal file.

Flat Fee Criminal Law Services

Consultation ($150 + GST)
Disclosure Review ($500 + GST)
Bail & Release Conditions
- Bail hearing at Court of Justice ($1,000 + GST)
- Bail review at Court of King’s Bench ($1,500 + GST)
- Modify release conditions ($500 + GST)

Guilty Plea
- Attendance at court to enter guilty plea ($250 + GST)
Not Guilty Plea
- Attendance at court to enter not guilty plea and set the matter for trial ($250 + GST)
- Trial ($250 per hour + GST)
Charter Argument
- $2,000 + GST for preparation of application and written submissions
  - $500 is applied as a discount towards trial preparation if the matter proceeds to trial
Fitness Argument ($250 per hour + GST)
Sentencing
- Joint submission with Crown on sentence ($250 + GST)
- Ordering and review of Pre-Sentence Report or Gladue Report ($250 + GST)
- Contested sentencing hearing ($750 + GST)
Additional Information (multiple sets of charges)
- If you're facing charges on more than one court file (a separate "Information" for each), each additional file is billed at 50% of the fees above.

These prices do not include disbursements which may include ordering transcripts, travel, reasonable meals on days where in person attendance at court is required, and printing.

Legal Aid

I'm currently accepting Cold Lake files through Legal Aid Alberta. If you've been approved and have your certificate, I'd be glad to hear from you.

Not sure whether you qualify? Eligibility usually comes down to your income and the type of matter you're dealing with. You can check and apply directly with Legal Aid Alberta: find out if you qualify.

Criminal Law FAQs

It means you can get a lawyer's help with specific parts of your case — like understanding the evidence against you or entering a plea — without retaining someone to run the whole file through trial.
It's a practical option if you're representing yourself or just need clarity before deciding what to do.
Disclosure is the information the Crown has to share with you about its case — police reports, witness statements, and other evidence. It can be a lot to make sense of on your own.
When I review yours, I'll explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Crown's case, point out potential defences or Charter arguments, and flag anything that appears to be missing — so you can make decisions with the full picture.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects certain rights — for example, against unreasonable search, or the right to speak to a lawyer.
If those rights weren't respected during your arrest or investigation, it can sometimes affect the evidence or the case against you. Part of reviewing your disclosure is spotting whether any of those issues might apply.
Yes, depending on the nature of your charge.
If your charge is complex I know a number of senior criminal lawyers that specialize in serious or complex criminal law that I can refer you to.
It's a significant decision, and it's worth making with a clear understanding of the case against you first. Reviewing the Crown's disclosure — the evidence, and any weaknesses or Charter issues in it — helps you weigh your options before you decide anything. My disclosure review service is built for exactly that moment.
Yes. Many people handle their own matter but want a lawyer's eyes on the Crown's case or help at a specific step. Reviewing your disclosure and assisting with a guilty plea are both designed to support self-represented people.
Fill out this questionnaire on Legal Aid’s website to find out if you qualify.

Message Linnée

Have a legal question or ready to book a consultation? I'm available to help clients throughout Cold Lake and the Lakeland region.