Drug Lawyer Calgary

Drug offence charges are prosecuted under federal legislation, such as the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and, in some cases, the Criminal Code. Offences may involve cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, or other scheduled substances. The law treats prohibited and controlled substances differently based on factors such as quantity, packaging, location, alleged conduct, and the accused’s connection to the drugs.

A drug offence conviction can result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment for the most serious trafficking, production, or importation cases. Even when life imprisonment is unlikely, a conviction may still lead to jail time, probation, restrictions, and a criminal record that can limit employment opportunities. Prior convictions, involvement with weapons, multiple charges, or allegations of organized activity may result in harsher sentences.

Wyman & Williamson provides experienced legal representation for individuals facing drug charges in Calgary and across Alberta. Jillian Williamson’s practice includes drug offences, sexual offences, violent crime, and firearms offences. Her background as a Crown Prosecutor offers valuable insight into prosecutorial strategies. James Wyman has represented clients at all court levels in Alberta and the Supreme Court of Canada, focusing on serious and complex criminal matters.

When facing the criminal justice system, you need more than general advice. You require a defence strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case.

A strong defence begins before trial, with a thorough review of the police file, witness statements, disclosure, search records, surveillance, phone evidence, and each stage of the legal process.

Our lawyers critically assess the Crown’s case and ask probing questions.

• Did the Crown prove knowledge and control?
• Can they prove possession beyond a reasonable doubt?
• Was the substance properly tested?
• Was the search lawful?
• Did police cross the line?
• Is the Crown’s case based on circumstantial evidence?
• Are there gaps, assumptions, or insufficient evidence?

In possession cases, the key issue is often whether you had knowledge of the drugs. In trafficking cases, the Crown must prove intent to traffic. The prosecution may rely on evidence such as packaging, cash, messages, scales, location, movement, or associations. However, evidence alone does not establish guilt, and assumptions are not proof.

An experienced drug trafficking lawyer can challenge the foundation of the case, not just its surface elements. This may involve Charter litigation if police searched a vehicle, home, phone, bag, or person without proper authority. It can also include contesting a search warrant, seeking to exclude evidence, negotiating with the Crown, or proceeding to trial.

The right drug offence lawyer will also consider alternatives to trial. Depending on the charge, background, record, and facts, the alternative measures program may be available. In other cases, a strategic defence may focus on reducing the charge, avoiding a criminal record, or fully contesting the case.

You have the right to remain silent. Exercise this right. Do not explain, argue, speculate, or attempt to resolve the matter without first obtaining legal advice.

Firearm and Drug Charges Withdrawn After Charter Breach

In this Calgary case, our client faced firearm possession and drug possession charges after a traffic stop. Police searched the occupants and vehicle after observing open liquor, but the defence challenged whether the search exceeded legal limits. The Charter issues were significant. All charges were withdrawn.

Read the Firearm and Drug Charges Case

Drug Trafficking Charges Withdrawn

The client was accused of cocaine trafficking, a serious drug offence. These cases often involve surveillance, police interpretation, alleged transactions, and significant pressure from the Crown. Our defence identified weaknesses in the evidence, leading to the withdrawal of trafficking charges.

Read the Drug Trafficking Case

Possession of Drugs

An allegation of possession does not guarantee the Crown can prove the offence and this is exactly what happened here. Drug possession cases often depend on knowledge, control, location, and whether the accused can be directly linked to the substance. Early legal representation is essential in these matters.

Read the Drug Possession Case

If you are charged, under investigation, or concerned that police may be building a drug case against you, get in touch with our team before making any decisions. Early action can significantly influence the outcome.

Wyman & Williamson defends clients in drug cases, firearms offences, impaired driving, sexual offences, violent crime, and other criminal matters. Our practice is dedicated to criminal law and defence. We recognize the seriousness of criminal charges and the urgency when the legal system is in motion.

The “war on drugs” has resulted in many individuals facing severe consequences before their perspective is considered. We do not treat your case as routine paperwork. We thoroughly examine the facts, police conduct, evidence, Charter issues, and the circumstances behind each allegation. For a free consultation, contact us today.