R. v. G.S.G.

(Cochrane, P.C.).  The client was charged with causing a disturbance in relation to a boisterous event that occurred outside of a camper.  The police also identified the presence of cocaine -- a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Up until this event the client had never had any interactions with the criminal justice system.  This case is important because it helps to illustrate options to avoid a criminal record outside the expensive and uncertain process of a trial. In this case, the client has meritorious defences; however, experienced Cochrane criminal lawyers (and indeed, experienced criminal defence lawyers in Calgary and elsewhere) recognize that even the best defences, professionally presented can still fail at trial.  Accordingly, given the summary nature of the offence combined with the fact that "causing a disturbance" is one of the least serious types of crimes in the Criminal Code of Canada, the best option with guaranteed certainty was the Alternative Measures Program (AMP). Alternative measures is effectively a second chance program whereby participants need not admit "guilt", but must only take a measure of responsibility for their behaviour. Once in the program participants work closely with the program coordinator to make amends -- this is usually done by way of a community donation and/or community service course. Once the program conditions have been satisfied, the charge(s) are WITHDRAWN by the Crown and the accused person will not have a criminal record. If you have been charged with any offence in Cochrane, Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, call Alberta criminal defence lawyer, David Chow. David is a local Cochrane criminal lawyer and longstanding Calgary criminal defence lawyer.