Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Team in Alberta
At Liberty Law, we have dedicated ourselves to the defense of individuals facing criminal charges across Alberta for over three decades. Our firm combines the personalized attention of individual lawyers with the collective strength of a team, ensuring every client benefits from our extensive experience and collaborative approach. We meet weekly to discuss evolving legal precedents and share insights, maintaining a comprehensive legal library that supports our work in both trial and appellate courts. Our lawyers include former judges, Supreme Court clerks, and legal educators, reflecting our commitment to excellence in criminal defense.We prioritize accessibility, offering free initial consultations and after-hours support for emergencies, while advocating fiercely for our clients' rights throughout the legal process. Our approach integrates proactive investigation strategies, leveraging private investigators and experts when necessary to build robust defenses. This philosophy has earned us recognition as one of Alberta's most respected criminal defense firms, with a track record that includes handling some of the province's most complex cases.
Services
Homicide Defense
Sexual Assault
DUI Charges
Drug Offenses
Appeals
Weapons Offenses
Domestic Violence
Theft Offenses
Young Offenders
Professional Discipline
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of combined experience in Alberta criminal defense
- Our team includes former judges and Supreme Court clerks with specialized expertise
- We offer 24/7 emergency legal consultation for urgent cases
- We implement a collaborative team approach with weekly case strategy sessions
- Our lawyers teach at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law
What people say
Excellent lawyer
Very professional
Amazing lawyer
Best lawyer
Fantastic job
Services
Homicide Defense
Our homicide defense team handles first-degree, second-degree, and manslaughter cases with strategic precision. We challenge police interrogation tactics, investigate alternative scenarios, and leverage forensic experts to build comprehensive defenses. Our lawyers include former judges with deep understanding of murder charge complexities, ensuring clients receive representation that matches the severity of these life-altering accusations.
Sexual Assault
Specializing in defending sexual assault allegations, we address consent issues, examine complainant credibility, and challenge evidence admissibility. Our approach considers both legal strategy and reputational protection, handling cases from initial investigation through trial. We navigate complex evidentiary rules and mandatory minimum sentences with experienced advocacy.
DUI Defense
We defend all DUI charges including over-80 offenses, refusal cases, and repeat violations. Our strategies challenge breathalyzer accuracy, police procedure, and impairment assessments. We address license reinstatement, ignition interlock programs, and long-term consequences like travel restrictions, working to minimize both legal penalties and personal impact.
Drug Offenses
Our defense covers possession, trafficking, and production charges under Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. We challenge search and seizure procedures, examine chain-of-custody issues, and negotiate plea bargains when appropriate. Our team understands evolving drug policy and its application in criminal defense contexts.
Professional Discipline
We represent professionals facing disciplinary actions before regulatory bodies, including medical, legal, and teaching boards. Our defense addresses allegations impacting licensure and career standing, combining legal strategy with understanding of professional conduct expectations across various industries.
People
Brian Hurley
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Recognized for successfully defending complex assault cases, Brian Hurley brings decades of criminal law experience. He combines courtroom tenacity with strategic thinking to protect client rights, maintaining a strong track record in Alberta's legal community.
Kim Hardstaff
Criminal Defense Attorney
Specializing in client advocacy, Kim Hardstaff provides clear legal guidance while aggressively pursuing favorable outcomes. With extensive trial experience, she effectively represents clients facing various criminal charges across Alberta's justice system.
Shawn L. Gerstel
Criminal Law Specialist
Shawn Gerstel focuses on complex criminal defense cases, known for thorough preparation and client communication. His approach balances legal expertise with personal attention to each case's unique circumstances and evidentiary challenges.
Edward Apolonio Jr.
Legal Counsel
Edward Apolonio Jr. combines legal expertise with compassionate representation. He works closely with clients to develop defense strategies while maintaining strong courtroom advocacy skills for trial situations when necessary.
Honourable Ronald L. Berger K.C.
Senior Counsel
Former Alberta Court of Appeal judge with 22 years on the bench, Ronald Berger provides unparalleled legal insight. His judicial experience enhances our ability to handle complex legal arguments and appellate-level case strategy.
Questions
How do I choose the right Edmonton criminal lawyer for my case?
Consider experience in similar cases, trial record, and communication style. Schedule consultations to assess their approach and ensure you feel confident in their ability to handle your specific charges effectively.
What should I do if arrested or charged with a criminal offense?
Remain silent, immediately request legal counsel, and avoid discussing your case with anyone. Contact Liberty Law's emergency line to connect with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What are my rights during police questioning?
You have the right to remain silent, consult a lawyer, and be informed of arrest reasons. Exercise these rights immediately and request legal representation before answering any questions.
What potential consequences come with a criminal conviction?
Consequences vary by offense but may include jail time, fines, probation, employment restrictions, and international travel limitations. Our lawyers work to minimize these impacts through strategic defense approaches.
Can I afford an Edmonton criminal defense lawyer?
We offer flexible payment arrangements and work with clients to find affordable solutions. Recognizing legal representation's importance, we provide value-focused services across various budget considerations.
Do you handle appeals and post-conviction matters?
Yes, our team includes specialists in appellate law who have successfully argued numerous appeals. We examine potential legal errors from trial proceedings to pursue overturned convictions or reduced sentences.
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