The 5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Edmonton to Call When Everything’s on the Line
Someone I know was accused of shoplifting at a small store in Old Strathcona, even though it was just a misunderstanding. Soon, his family and friends were messaging each other, trying to find a good lawyer to help.
Dealing with criminal charges or helping someone who is can be stressful and confusing. You need a lawyer who replies quickly, knows the local courts, and explains your options clearly.
Here is a list of the best criminal defence lawyers in Edmonton who meet all these needs.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton?
In Edmonton, criminal defence lawyer costs vary based on the type of charge and the complexity of the case.
Simple cases, like minor offences or summary charges, usually cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
More serious or complex cases, such as indictable offences or trials, often involve fees ranging from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case details.
Additional services, like bail hearings or urgent consultations, may increase costs slightly, typically falling in the $200 to $400 per hour range.
1. Strategic Criminal Defence Edmonton
Address: 9844 106 St
Phone: (587) 930‑7877
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Strategic Criminal Defence in Edmonton comes across as a firm that’s very process-driven, in a good way.
Their team doesn’t just rely on guesswork or shortcuts. The lawyers break down the case in plain terms, explain how the court process usually plays out, and point out which parts of the situation really need attention.
We like that instead of broad reassurance, there’s a clear plan tied to specific charges. It makes the approach feel thought-through and not scripted.
They’ve handled over 10,000 criminal cases over the years, which gives off that “they’ve seen it all” vibe. They’re clearly very experienced!
Another thing that stands out is how much ground they cover. They take on cases ranging from impaired driving and drug charges to youth and violent offences, showing they can adjust their approach as needed.
Their setup also makes sense for people facing urgent legal problems. They offer free consultations so you can ask questions early, and their flat fees or payment plans make budgeting easier.
On top of that, being reachable outside regular hours is another detail worth mentioning.
That said, they mainly operate in Western Canada, so anyone outside the area might need to look at other firms.
Skilled and attentive service
“Very big thanks to Ellen Sutherland for taking on my case with a positive outcome. I was dealing with 3 charges and she managed to get them all withdrawn from the court. I am very satisfied and I would recommend her to anybody! From start to finish, she always kept me informed with any updates and assured me that my case was in the best hands. Kudos to Ellen and her amazing team!!”
- Calin Cebuliak, Google Review
Professional and attentive
“Anny Wang provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all details. Her attitude to the work she does not only saved my money at closing, it also helped me to avoid other problems. Normally, we don’t even think about such problems ahead. Anny Wang knows them all and may foresee them. I never had to use a lawyer in the past and I was sure glad that I hired her. She did exactly what she said she would do for me.. I would recommend her to anyone in need of a criminal charges.”
- Roshan Oad, Google Review
2. Pringle Law
Address: 10150 100 St NW #300
Phone: (780) 424‑8866
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Pringle Law isn’t your typical criminal defence firm. We heard their team is very down-to-earth, and a past client’s experience supports that.
He was wrongly charged with sexual assault and went through depression after losing the support of his family and friends, all while struggling financially. Pringle Law stepped in and actually helped him without making it about money.
This kind of approach is new to us, since nowadays, it feels like everything revolves around money. It really shows that they genuinely focus on supporting clients.
Their team’s experience is impressive, too. They’ve handled cases at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and some team members even teach criminal law at the University of Alberta.
That combination of real-world practice and teaching keeps them sharp and prepared for complex situations.
They handle cases like theft, fraud, and internet crimes. They support clients through every stage, from police investigations and bail hearings to appeals.
The only small snag is that their office sticks to typical business times. It could be tricky if you need after-hours support.
Compassionate and dedicated
“Curtis is very kind, respectful and very patient while trying very hard to clear my matter in court. He is very dedicated to making sure you serve your matter without having a criminal record. I can say he is a compassionate to his clients and a good listener and will answer any questions you have for him. Im very blessed that I met this amazing lawyer. 👏 I would recommend you and your family to Curtis if your looking for a great lawyer.😃”
- Angela Rouel, Google Review
Highly skilled, strategic, effective
“Nothing but great things to say about Stephen’s abilities and professionalism. A long overdue case for an impaired that could have had some dire consequences. Was facing multiple criminal convictions in regards to this. Stephen took all factors into consideration, including a lot of empty holes in the prosecution, worked out a plan with Crown counsil. Long story short, he saved me from a great deal of issues in my life (employment, license etc.) Managed to get me a traffic fine in latter of the rest. Truly a great lawyer. Highly recommend him, and most definitely will be using his services again should I ever need (knock on wood) Thank you for everything Stephen!”
- Skuiggles Klg, Google Review
3. Rory Ziv
Address: 10150 100 St NW Unit 700
Phone: (780) 686‑7948
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
If you want a team that takes a hands-on approach to serious cases, Rory Ziv and his team are a good option to consider.
They’ve worked on high-stakes cases like murder, human trafficking, and complex drug offences, showing they can handle challenging situations.
They don’t rely on a standard approach. Instead, they look closely at each case and adjust their defence to fit the details, so no two cases are treated the same.
In addition, what stood out from conversations with people who’ve worked with them is how meticulous they are and how they find angles and small details others might overlook.
That mix of precision and strategic thinking makes them a strong choice if you want a defence team that goes beyond the basics.
We also like that, even in tough cases, they avoid confusing legal terms and don’t make promises they can’t keep. This makes things much clearer and easier for clients.
However, since they are a smaller, boutique firm, they have fewer layers of support compared to bigger firms. Keep this in mind if you want a team with more resources.
Highly respected and formidable
“Rory is the ONLY defence Lawyer I trust and recommend to anyone looking for a great Lawyer practicing Criminal Law. He recently helped a young student that I sent to him after being charged with a very satisfying result. Rory is highly respected amongst the Criminal Defence Bar, not only in Edmonton but in Toronto where he also works. I am also a lawyer and a former Crown Attorney. I had to deal opposite to Rory in the courtroom. Rory’s legal skills are impressive and he rarely looses a case which makes him a strong adversary for the Crown.
You are in good hands with Rory. Don’t look any further and call him today!”
- Stéphanie Tsotsos vs, Google Review
Compassionate and dedicated service
“In a world that people are caring less and less about others, Rory Ziv is a shining example of the complete opposite. He has compassion, understanding, and true concern for his clients. Not only as a lawyer, but as a man as well. His work ethic is top shelf. I hadn’t even left his office, and he was already working on my case. The outcome of which was better than I had anticipated. It was a pleasure meeting and having Rory represent me. He absolutely restored my faith in the legal profession. I also look forward to just sitting down for a cup of coffee with him one day. Rory is a good man, and a good lawyer that I have no problem referring anyone to. And his Legal Assistant, Sharline, was a lot of help as well. She knows and does her job very well, and had some great advice along the way as well. Great man, great lawyer, and great team. Thank you to the whole Ziv Law Group.”
- Marton Kiss, Google Review
4. Liberty Law LLP
Address: 10110 107 St NW #300
Phone: (780) 784‑7500
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Liberty Law LLP earned a spot on this list thanks to their strong experience and the talented team supporting them.
With 24 lawyers, their team brings over 280 years of combined trial and appellate experience. It’s reassuring to know your case is in such capable hands.
What immediately caught our attention is how collaborative they are. Lawyers meet weekly to share insights, research, and strategies, so each case benefits from the full team’s expertise.
It doesn’t feel like just one lawyer is working on your case. Instead, it feels like the whole team is considering every angle.
We also noticed how proactive they are. They often bring in private investigators and expert witnesses to find important details that go beyond what’s in police reports.
Their team even includes a retired judge and law instructors. It’s really handy for tricky cases or appeals, and reinforces that they’ve got every angle covered.
When it comes to how they work, we appreciate how they value the client behind each case. They treat people with respect and without judgment, so your case feels treated as important, not just routine.
The only small downside is that their popularity can sometimes mean slower response times.
Professional and innovative
“I have the say my defense council was impeccable!!!! The level of professionalism and how he walked me through step by step was helpful and innovative. I would like to share my gratitude to the legal team here and to most of all to Edward F Sacher. Edward validated the trust I had in him every step of the way. I high recommend him to anyone. Thanks so much Edward for your hard work and helping me.!!?”
- Tanner Dunn, Google Review
Efficient, exceptional client support
“I wish I could add up more stars while writing this review for you Kim. When I was going through crisis,I had no idea what to do and where to go? And so I browsed Liberty Law LLP and chose Kim and her team as a defense lawyer(of course). I would like to highly recommend her to everyone if you really want your charges dropped . She is very experienced and knowledgeable .My case was handled by her very quickly and thoroughly. Also ,thanks to Mr Jed as he always replied me in a timely manner no matter if it was by email or phone.
Thanks again Kim Hardstaff and her team.Thanking you from depth of my heart 💕”
- The Best, Google Review
5. Chadi & Ibrahim LLP
Address: Suite 2101, 10060 Jasper Avenue
Phone: (780) 429‑2300
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Chadi & Ibrahim LLP kept surfacing in our research and conversations, and the consistent praise made us take a closer look at their work.
The firm has been around for over thirty years, and their team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience. They’ve handled over 30,000 cases in Alberta, so they’re clearly familiar with many different legal situations.
When it comes to criminal law, they take on cases ranging from DUI and drug charges to more serious violent and financial crimes.
One thing that stood out to us is how organized their process appears. Based on our research and what others have said, they focus on strategy from the start and explain how a case is likely to progress.
Having that kind of clarity can be a big help when you’re facing uncertainty.
Their track record of setting legal precedents in trials and appeals strengthens their reputation and shows they can handle complex cases.
In addition to criminal defence, they offer help with personal injury, family law, and real estate. That’s especially useful if you’re dealing with multiple legal matters at once.
That said, because they cover several areas, the experience might feel less specialized than a firm that only handles criminal law, depending on your needs.
Exceptional and effective service
“Ms. Cunningham is an exceptional lawyer. She handled my case with professionalism, compassion, and confidence. Thanks to her expertise and dedication, my criminal charge was dismissed. I’m truly grateful for her hard work and highly recommend her to anyone needing strong legal representation.”
- Tajinder Singh, Google Review
Skilled and reassuring service
“I had an excellent experience working with Ms. Cunningham. From the very beginning, she was confident, knowledgeable, and reassuring. She handled my case with professionalism and skill, ultimately getting the charges against me dropped. Throughout the process, she kept me informed and made sure I understood every step. I truly felt like I was in good hands. I highly recommend Ms. Cunningham to anyone in need of a strong and dependable lawyer.”
- Pamela Krushell, Google Review