Edmonton Criminal Defence Lawyer
Facing a criminal charge? Sutherland Criminal Defence provides clear, strategic legal representation focused on protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Strong Legal Representation When You Need It Most
Facing a criminal charge can create uncertainty about your freedom, your family, your employment, and your future. You may not know what the charge means, what decisions need to be made, or what will happen next.
Sutherland Criminal Defence provides clear, strategic legal representation from the beginning of the case through resolution or trial. Ellen takes the time to understand your circumstances, review the evidence carefully, and explain your options in plain language.
You will receive direct and honest advice about the risks you are facing, what can realistically be done, and how to move forward.
Criminal Defence Practice Areas
Sexual Offences
Discreet and carefully prepared representation for sexual assault allegations, historical offences, internet-based offences, and related charges.
Criminal Driving Offences
Legal representation for impaired driving, dangerous driving, refusal allegations, driving prohibitions, and other Criminal Code driving matters.
Domestic Assault
Clear guidance for charges involving a spouse, partner, or family member, including no-contact conditions, restrictions on returning home, and related allegations.
Parole Board Assistance
Support with parole hearings, release planning, conditions, revocation matters, written submissions, and preparation before the Parole Board of Canada.
24/7 Emergency & Bail Legal Help
Urgent assistance for arrests, detention, outstanding warrants, bail hearings, release conditions, and alleged breaches.
View All Practice Areas
Explore the full range of criminal defence services available and find the legal support that best fits your situation.
How We Can Help
Every case is different, but you should understand what is happening and why each decision is being made. Throughout the process, Ellen provides clear communication so you understand what is happening and what the next step will be.
1. Understand Your Immediate Situation
Ellen will help you understand the charge, your release conditions, upcoming dates, and any immediate concerns that may need to be addressed.
2. Review the Evidence
Police documents, disclosure, witness information, digital records, timelines, and other evidence are reviewed carefully to identify the legal and factual issues that may affect the case.
3. Explain Your Options
You will receive a clear and realistic assessment of the case, including the potential risks, possible defence options, and whether the matter may be resolved or should move toward trial.
4. Build a Strategy for Your Case
Depending on the circumstances, this may include communicating with the Crown, addressing release conditions, completing further investigation, negotiating a resolution, or preparing the case for court.
Experience You Can Rely On
Ellen Sutherland has represented clients in matters ranging from provincial offences to complex murder trials, appearing in provincial trial courts and the Court of Appeal.
Meticulous Preparation
Every file is examined carefully. Ellen considers the evidence, police procedure, legal issues, personal circumstances, and potential consequences before developing a strategy.
Direct and Honest Advice
You will not receive false reassurance or unnecessary fear. Ellen explains the strengths, risks, and available options clearly so you can make informed decisions.
Personal Attention
Criminal charges can affect every part of your life. Ellen provides attentive and discreet representation while taking the time to understand the circumstances behind your case.
Serious Criminal Defence Experience
Sutherland Criminal Defence represents clients facing complex matters involving violence, fraud, weapons, drug trafficking, sexual offences, impaired driving, bail, and parole.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact a lawyer as early as possible, particularly before giving a statement to police, entering a plea, contacting someone connected to the allegations, or making decisions about your release conditions.
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Have any police, release, court, bail, or driving-related documents available. It is also helpful to know your upcoming court dates and provide a brief explanation of what has happened.
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The next steps depend on your case. They may include reviewing your documents and release conditions, requesting disclosure, examining the evidence, discussing the matter with the Crown, and preparing for a resolution or trial.
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Not every case proceeds to trial. The available options depend on the evidence, the legal issues, your circumstances, and the Crown’s position. Ellen will explain the options after reviewing the case.
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Yes. Sutherland Criminal Defence provides 24-hour emergency and bail assistance. If you have been arrested, are being held for bail, or have another urgent matter, call 587-415-9855.
Get Clear Advice About What Comes Next
Ellen offers complimentary 30-minute consultations by phone, virtually, or in person. Contact Sutherland Criminal Defence to discuss your charge and learn more about the next steps.
Consultations are free, private, and confidential.
Available 24/7 (587) 415 - 9855
