Criminal Defence Lawyer in Vancouver
As an experienced Surrey and Vancouver criminal defence lawyer, I provide my clients with quality representation and personal service.
- I will keep you informed of all aspects of your case.
- I will always advise you of all your options, including the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
- I will clearly explain the law as it applies in your case and the challenges you are facing.
- When you call, you will speak directly to me. If I am not available, I will get back to you promptly.
I defend all types of criminal charges. Whether you have been charged with a drug crime, a sex offence, fraud, assault or any other offence, including vehicle offences such as impaired driving, I will provide you with detailed, skilled and experienced representation at every stage. I handle all types of procedural matters, including seeking pardons, appeals and the return of property from civil forfeiture actions.
I not only defend people facing criminal prosecution, but also provide detailed counsel concerning newly emerging ventures such as medical marijuana grow operations. I can help ensure you are in legal compliance and avoid drug charges by providing detailed business and legal consulting services if you want to open up or invest in legal marijuana companies, whether in Canada or in the United States.
Legal Hot Topic
Are you a US citizen charged with a crime while trying to cross the border?
When the Stakes Go Beyond a Criminal Record
A criminal charge doesn’t affect everyone the same way. For a doctor, teacher, accountant, or any other regulated professional in British Columbia, an allegation alone before any conviction can trigger a licensing review that threatens the career they’ve spent years building. That’s a reality most people don’t think about until it’s already happening to them.
As a criminal defence lawyer with over 25 years of experience, I understand that for many of my clients, the professional consequences of a charge are every bit as serious as the legal ones. I have represented doctors, business executives, and other regulated professionals facing situations where a single misstep in how the case is handled, saying the wrong thing to investigators or missing an early opportunity to engage Crown counsel, can accelerate the damage well before trial.
What also sets my practice apart is my experience on both sides of the courtroom. I have served as an ad hoc Crown Prosecutor, which means I know how the prosecution builds its case and where it can be challenged. That perspective directly shapes the strategy I bring to every client’s defence.
I deliberately limit the number of cases I take on at any given time. This is not a high-volume practice where your file sits in a queue. Whether you are in Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, or anywhere else in British Columbia, you get direct access to me, not a rotating cast of assistants.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and needs real answers fast, take action with a trusted criminal defence lawyer. Contact Michael Shapray Criminal Defence Lawyer today for a free initial consultation.