Calgary Criminal Lawyers

DAVID G. CHOW

(403) 452-8018
80+ 5-Star Google Reviews
20+ Years of Criminal Defence Experience
500+ Successful Cases

David Chow, a Calgary criminal lawyer and roadside sanctions lawyer (IRS).

"Don't blindly trust a website or an advertisement (including this one). Any lawyer can sell you online, not every lawyer can properly defend a case". 

I am a criminal defence lawyer and roadside sanctions lawyer. This means that I defend people who are accused off committing offences contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. I also defend people sanctioned under the Provincial Administrative Penalties Act (roadside sanctions).  Please understand, I am not a divorce lawyer, corporate counsel or a civil litigator (a lawyer who sues). My law practice is focussed ONLY in the fields of criminal defence and roadside sanctions.  Please understand, if you are not charged with a crime or facing a roadside sanction, I am not the lawyer for you.  


Hiring the right criminal defence lawyer might be the most important decision you ever make. Do not make your decision hastily or without reasonably considering your choice of counsel. The role of defence counsel is multifaceted. A good defence lawyer is not only educated in law and process, he or she must also be an experienced legal strategist who respects the presumption of innocence, Charter rights, the accused's personal and legal jeopardy and the client's financial situation. Even competitively priced legal representation can be expensive. It does not need to be unnecessarily so. Many cases can be resolved without a criminal record in a manner that mitigates the impact on your wallet.

The best criminal defence lawyers will consider all available options to bring achieve a positive outcome for your case. This includes advising you about diversion programs, resolution options and of course, if necessary, trial. 

David Chow is a full service Calgary criminal lawyer and Immediate Roadside Sanctions Lawyer. David offers a free initial telephone consultation.

Calgary Defence Lawyer

David is a calgary defence lawyer with over 20 years of experience

If you need a criminal defence lawyer, let David Chow put his unique perspective, skill and experience to work for you.  He has over 20 years of experience and a reputation for winning. Though there may be exceptions, the best criminal defence lawyers generally rely on a combination of experience, knowledge, imagination and strategic savvy in defending their client's best interest.  

The practice of criminal law is not only a legal process, it is a human process.  As a practice acutely impacted by human frailty, it is important to keep in mind that our criminal justice system is far from perfect. Every player in the criminal justice system is tainted by their life experiences and social outlook. Though some think judges and adjudicators are purely objective decision-makers, governed by solid logic, reason, common sense and the law, the fact is that the exact same case can be prosecuted, adjudicated and defended very differently from person-to-person.  Notwithstanding that experience should not be the determining factor in your choice of counsel, it is worth noting that the more experienced the lawyer, the more likely it is that the lawyer has encountered a situation similar to yours and therefore will be better able to strategize your case.  Of course, experience is not the only factor: intelligence, creativity, knowledge and motivation are also incredibly important. 

Keep this in mind in your search for the best criminal lawyer for you.

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Alberta Immediate Roadside Sanctions Lawyer

"In December 2020 the Alberta Government introduced new Provincial impaired driving legislation that in the view of this Alberta criminal lawyer, seriously erodes due process".

In December 2020, Roadside sanctions were introduced by the Alberta Government to combat impaired driving. Rather than prosecuting alleged impaired drivers using the criminal law, the Government created an administrative/regulatory model that favours the State. For example, police evidence is deemed to be under oath. By operation of legislation introduced by the Alberta Government in August 2023, SafeRoads is permitted by law to be non-transplant.  While adjudicators routinely view police with a halo of reliability and credibility, to the point of speculating to fill in gaps in their evidence, a massive number of SafeRoads decisions arguably reflect a clear bias against the motorist. Constitutional protections have been neutered.  While the criminal law is certainly far from perfect, it strives to pay homage to the truth. SafeRoads is, in the view of this criminal lawyer, a process where there is little regard for the truth. After all, why would the Government actively resist providing video in SafeRoads cases where the motorist disagrees with the police officer?  Why do adjudicators consistently interpret facts against a motorist knowing that there is evidence in the possession the State capable of resolving the fact at issue? 

Served with a Notice of Administrative Penalty (NAP)? To dispute your fine, vehicle seizure and driving suspension as result of Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) call for a free consultation. David Chow is a Calgary DUI lawyer and Alberta Roadside Sanctions lawyer who is prepared to help you at a reasonable price.  Remember, if you have been served a Notice of Administrative Penalty, time is of the essence -- you only have 7 days to file your dispute. An impaired driving charge or a roadside sanction can result in catastrophic personal consequences (such as loss of employment, high insurance premiums and the inability to properly care for your family). 

Hire the Right Defence Lawyer (Choosing Wisely)

"The best Calgary criminal defence lawyer is the one that you have retained only after exercising all due diligence. Research online but be cautious. Interview but listen. My advice, choose a lawyer, not a salesman or a friend. I wish you all the best".

David Chow defends all criminal cases.

This includes all crimes of violence (such as domestic assault, threats, homicide), impaired driving (including Roadside Sanctions), firearms offences, property crimes (theft, fraud, possession of stolen property) and administrative offences (failing to appear, breaching bail conditions). 

There are many good defence lawyers in Calgary to choose from. The margin from one defence lawyer to another may be as little as the person who is right for you. While some defence lawyers are very good, they may be aloof, dismissive or difficult to communicate with. Some clients have no issue speaking to a legal assistance, while others want more direct contact. For sure, there are also many lawyers practicing in criminal law who may not be well suited for this type of work. Unless you have a specific experience with a lawyer, deciding who to hire could be a daunting task.

My advice, do not be easily sold. Any lawyer who claims to be the best, is probably not the best. Do not be pursued by websites claiming to rank the best criminal lawyers (including any websites ranking me). None of these websites necessarily reflect the best criminal defence lawyers.

Before you hire me, understand that I prioritize clients based on the nature of their upcoming court appearance. This means that if I am in trial, that client receives my full attention. I can also be quite blunt and might tell you things that you don't want to hear. Some potential clients do not appreciate this practice style.

I wish you all the best in your search.

OFFICE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY | FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION FOR CRIMINAL MATTERS

 

Testimonials

David is very knowledgeable and insightful and helpful when giving advice and education on matters I did not understand. He walked me through every process diligently and I could tell he really cares and wants to help his clients get what's best for them. I would recommend David to anyone if they needed a good lawyer.

- R.C.

His passion for his job is outstanding. He has absolutely incredible attention to detail. He was able to get the trial acquitted without me even having to take the stand. His prep sessions the week before court were very thorough and made us feel at ease because we were prepared for anything. From the very beginning he had a very confident approach to the case. David is extremely knowledgeable, hard working, detailed and an over-all great person. If your looking for a lawyer, your search should end here. We looked into a lot of lawyers and are so happy with our choice. We are forever grateful for his experience and hard work. Thanks so much David.

- AB

He got me a very favorable outcome in my case, and was very quick to communicate with me right after he had spoken to crown, and got me a wonderful resolution for my case, which could have gone so much worse. Also he was understanding and kind to me regarding my situation, and made a much more favorable solution to my issues which literally saved me. I'm so thankful for David and his expertise, kindness, and reliability. If myself or anyone I know ever ends up in a situation where legal representation is needed, I will go with and recommend David in half a heartbeat. Thank you so so much, David, from the bottom of mine & my family's hearts. You've done amazing to help me stay on the right path and I'm beyond grateful for you and everything that you've done for me over the last year or so. I can say with 100% certainty that David has saved me from a huge backward slide into a life I've fought so hard to get out of. I can't even express my gratitude to you !

- EF

Recent Case Results

SafeRoads v. B.B.

SafeRoads v. B.B.

(Alberta SafeRoads - Notice of Administrative Penalty/Roadside Sanctions).  An impaired driving complaint was lodged against BBB by an Informant with questionable motivation. Despite that dubious motive, police were required to investigate and properly did so. BBB was subject to a traffic stop, where the investigating officer made a Mandatory Alcohol Screening Demand (MAS demand). ...
R. v. C.N.C.

R. v. C.N.C.

(Calgary - Sexual Assault). This case concluded in July 2023 with a mid-trial stay of proceedings by the Prosecutor. This case involved a single count charging sexual assault; it was scheduled for a multi-day trial.  The complainant was cross-examined over the span of two-days. ...
SafeRoads v. S.E.

SafeRoads v. S.E.

(Alberta SafeRoads Lawyer - BAC at/over). SE was sanctioned for operating a motor vehicle with blood alcohol at or exceeding the legal limit. In SE's case, police executed a traffic stop and made a Mandatory Alcohol Screening Demand (MAS). Pursuant to s. ...

Calgary Defence Blog

A Defence lawyer's perspective on issues in criminal law

Court Adjourned: Farewell Justice Stevenson

As reported by the Calgary Herald, on December 11th, 2024, Justice Brian Stevenson said goodbye to his seat at the Judge’s Dias – a chair that he occupied for five-decades.   “If that’s all we have today I think we can adjourn,” he said. https://calgaryherald. com/news/local-news/calgary-judge-brian-stevenson-ends-illustrious-career-50-years#:~:text=Article%20content-,While%20no%20official%20records%20are%20kept%2C%20it's%20believed%20Stevenson's%20more,sitting%20judge%20in%20Canadian%20history. ...

A Holiday Season Message

CRIMINAL JUSTICE HOLIDAY SEASONWork in the criminal justice system both speeds up and slows down in the month of December.   December is a short month. Leading up to the Christmas holiday break, many Courts throughout Alberta are packed with criminal cases. ...