How a Calgary Defence Lawyer Approaches High-Profile Criminal Cases
                     
How a Calgary Defence Lawyer Approaches High-Profile Criminal Cases
Contents
Understanding What Makes a Case “High-Profile” in Calgary ................................................................. 2
Legal and Strategic Challenges in High-Profile Cases .............................................................................. 3 
How Calgary Defence Lawyers Manage Public and Media Relations ...................................................... 4 
Defence Strategy Development in High-Stakes Cases............................................................................. 6
The Importance of Experience and Discretion ........................................................................................ 8
Contact Details of Calgary Defence Lawyer ............................................................................................ 9
Understanding What Makes a Case “High-Profile” in Calgary
High-profile criminal cases in Calgary aren’t just about the charges—they're 
about visibility, impact, and public interest.
Here’s what typically qualifies a case as high-profile:
 Involvement of Public Figures or Corporations: When elected 
officials, celebrities, business executives, or high-ranking professionals 
are charged, the case often becomes newsworthy.
 Serious or Sensational Charges: Offences like homicide, large-scale 
fraud, or organized crime attract significant legal and media attention.
 Political or Cultural Sensitivity: Cases involving allegations of hate
crimes, police misconduct, or public trust violations often take centre 
stage in local news and debates.
 Media Coverage and Community Attention: Calgary-based outlets like
CBC Calgary, CTV News Calgary, and Calgary Herald can amplify a 
case’s exposure, influencing public perception and adding pressure to the 
legal process.
Why reputation matters:
In high-profile matters, a Calgary defence lawyer must not only defend against
legal consequences but also manage the client’s public image—whether to 
prevent professional fallout, mitigate jury bias, or simply preserve dignity.
Legal and Strategic Challenges in High-Profile Cases
Here are the key challenges a Calgary defence lawyer must address:
Managing Prejudicial Media Coverage While Ensuring a Fair Trial
Media coverage can shape public perception long before a trial begins. In Calgary, 
where local media like CTV News Calgary and Calgary Herald often cover major 
criminal matters, defence lawyers must take proactive steps to prevent the 
narrative from becoming biased.
 Use of Publication Bans: Lawyers often request bans under Section 486 of 
the Criminal Code to prevent media from reporting sensitive case details 
that could influence jurors.
 Courtroom Decorum and Discretion: Strategic decisions such as 
minimizing public statements and avoiding unnecessary pre-trial 
hearings can help limit media exposure.
 Monitoring Social Media: Defence teams may also monitor online
discourse to prepare for potential public misconceptions or to argue 
for measures ensuring a fair trial.
Jury Bias Concerns in Smaller or Tightly Connected Communities
While Calgary is a large urban centre, high-profile cases can still attract strong 
public opinions, especially if the accused or victim is locally known. This 
poses serious risks when assembling an impartial jury.
 Extensive Juror Vetting: During jury selection, defence lawyers carefully 
screen potential jurors for prior knowledge, social connections, or 
exposure to media narratives.
 Voir Dire Hearings: These pre-trial procedures help assess whether 
a juror’s views may compromise impartiality.
 Venue Change Requests: In extreme cases, the defence may request 
a
change of venue to a different judicial district if media coverage 
has saturated the local pool.
Balancing Public Interest with Client Confidentiality
In high-profile cases, there’s often a push for transparency, especially if 
the matter
involves public figures or has societal implications. However, a defence 
lawyer’s duty is to protect their client’s confidentiality and fair trial rights.
 Selective Disclosure: Defence teams must carefully manage what 
information is shared with the court and public, ensuring client privacy 
is upheld.
 Negotiating In-Camera Hearings: Some proceedings may be held in 
private to avoid releasing sensitive or prejudicial information to the 
public.
 Client Coaching: Clients are advised on how to avoid media traps, 
control
their statements, and maintain discretion throughout the case.
Increased Pressure from Law Enforcement and the Crown to “Set an 
Example”
When public attention is high, police and prosecutors may feel 
compelled to push
for maximum penalties, using the case to demonstrate a strong stance on 
crime. This can result in:
 Harsher Charging Decisions: The Crown may opt for more serious 
charges or resist plea deals to reflect public expectations.
 Aggressive Investigation Tactics: Law enforcement may use high-
intensity surveillance, search warrants, or media engagement to bolster their 
case.
 Need for Strong Advocacy: A Calgary defence lawyer must challenge 
overreach, hold authorities accountable to Charter standards, and prevent 
the
client from becoming a scapegoat for broader societal issues.
How Calgary Defence Lawyers Manage Public and Media Relations
Here’s how Calgary defence lawyers strategically handle media and 
public scrutiny:
Seeking Publication Bans or Sealing Orders to Protect Client Identity 
or Evidence
To shield sensitive information, lawyers often request court-ordered bans or
sealing orders under the Criminal Code of Canada or common law 
principles. These tools are used to:
 Prevent publication of identifying information about the accused, 
especially in cases involving youth or vulnerable parties.
 Protect evidence or witness identities that could be prejudiced by 
public exposure.
 Avoid pre-trial publicity that could bias jurors or lead to 
public misinterpretation of the case.
In Calgary, these orders are especially critical in cases that attract coverage 
from local outlets like CTV Calgary, CBC News, or Global News.
Controlling Information Shared in Public Filings or During 
Court Proceedings
Public court documents are accessible to journalists and the public. 
Defence
lawyers must be mindful of what is included in motions, affidavits, or 
other filings.
 Strategic Language Use: Lawyers craft filings with neutral, 
non- inflammatory language to reduce sensationalism.
 Limiting Detail: When possible, lawyers may avoid disclosing 
unnecessary personal or sensitive information in court records.
 In-Camera Requests: For highly sensitive matters, Calgary lawyers 
may ask the judge to conduct certain hearings privately to prevent media
dissemination.
Advising Clients on Public Statements or Media Appearances
A single comment to the press or a post on social media can severely damage 
a client’s defence. That’s why a crucial role of a defence lawyer is preparing 
the client for the spotlight.
 Media Training: Lawyers counsel clients on how to handle reporters, 
avoid offhand comments, and maintain composure.
 Strict Media Silence Policies: In most high-profile cases, clients 
are advised to avoid speaking to the media altogether.
 Reviewing Statements: If a public comment is necessary, it is usually 
written and reviewed by the legal team to prevent misinterpretation or 
legal
risks.
Working with PR Professionals to Manage Reputation if Needed
In especially complex or damaging cases, defence lawyers may partner 
with
professional public relations consultants to manage the client’s reputation 
outside the courtroom.
 Coordinated Messaging: PR teams work with legal counsel to ensure all 
public messaging aligns with the legal strategy and does not interfere 
with proceedings.
 Online Reputation Management: In today’s digital age, this 
includes managing search results, news coverage, and social media 
narratives.
 Crisis Communication: For clients facing backlash in their 
professional
lives, PR professionals help mitigate long-term damage to careers and 
public image.
Defence Strategy Development in High-Stakes Cases
Here’s how defence strategy is developed in high-stakes criminal cases:
Early and Aggressive Case Assessment: Preserving Evidence, 
Interviewing Witnesses
The defence process begins well before the first court date. Lawyers must act
quickly to gather facts, secure records, and ensure crucial evidence is not lost.
 Preservation of Surveillance or Digital Records: Defence counsel 
sends preservation requests to third parties, such as businesses or 
cellphone providers, to avoid losing time-sensitive data.
 Witness Interviews: Private investigators or defence team members 
may begin interviewing key witnesses while memories are still fresh.
 Identifying Weaknesses in the Crown’s Case: A detailed review of police 
procedures, disclosure, and timelines helps uncover flaws that may be
pivotal to the defence.
Working with Expert Witnesses (e.g., Forensic Analysts, Digital 
Specialists) In complex cases—especially those involving financial crime, 
internet-based allegations, or violent offences—technical expertise is critical.
 Forensic Analysts: Experts may assess physical evidence, such as 
DNA, fingerprints, or ballistic reports, to challenge the Crown’s 
narrative.
 Digital Evidence Specialists: In cases involving computers, mobile phones, 
or surveillance footage, digital experts can analyze metadata, recover 
deleted files, or identify manipulation.
 Psychological and Medical Experts: When mental health or injury claims
are raised, defence lawyers may bring in specialists to offer context 
and credibility.
In Calgary, these experts must also be able to present their findings clearly to 
a judge or jury.
Anticipating Crown Strategy and Preparing for Complex Trial 
Procedures High-profile cases often mean the Crown will allocate additional 
resources and pursue a strong conviction. Defence lawyers must anticipate the 
prosecution’s tactics well in advance.
 Pre-Trial Conferences and Legal Argument Preparation: Many 
strategic decisions happen outside the trial room, including negotiations, 
procedural motions, and evidentiary disputes.
 Mock Trials or Trial Simulations: In particularly complex cases, defence 
teams may conduct trial simulations to test arguments and prepare the 
client.
 Detailed Trial Preparation: Cross-examination strategies, visual aids, 
and narrative framing are carefully developed to engage and persuade 
jurors.
Filing Charter Applications Where Rights Violations Occurred (e.g., 
Unlawful Search, Delayed Trial)
A cornerstone of Canadian criminal defence, Charter applications are often the
first line of attack in high-profile cases.
 Unlawful Search or Seizure (Section 8): If Calgary police conducted a 
search without proper warrant procedures, the evidence may be 
excluded.
 Right to Be Tried Within a Reasonable Time (Section 11(b)): Delays
caused by systemic backlogs or Crown inefficiency can result in 
charges being stayed.
 Right to Counsel and Silence (Sections 10(a) & (b)): Violations 
during arrest or interrogation can be grounds for suppressing statements 
or other
evidence.
The Importance of Experience and Discretion
Here’s why experience and discretion are critical when navigating Calgary’s 
high- profile criminal landscape:
Why Choosing an Experienced Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyer Matters 
Not all defence lawyers are equipped to handle the demands of a high-profile 
case. An experienced Calgary lawyer brings deep knowledge of Alberta’s legal 
system, familiarity with Crown prosecutors, and insight into how high-stakes 
cases unfold.
 Understanding the Local Legal Environment: Knowing how Calgary 
courts handle media-sensitive cases and what strategies resonate with 
judges and jurors can provide a significant edge.
 Proven Case Management Skills: Veteran lawyers know how to anticipate
procedural roadblocks, manage complex timelines, and work 
efficiently under pressure.
 Negotiation and Trial Confidence: Whether seeking a discreet resolution 
or preparing for trial, seasoned counsel can advocate assertively and 
credibly
on behalf of the client.
Need for Discretion, Strong Legal Acumen, and Comfort in High-Pressure 
Court Environments
In high-profile matters, every move is scrutinized. Defence lawyers must
demonstrate:
 Discretion: Maintaining client confidentiality, avoiding unnecessary 
media engagement, and protecting sensitive information from leaks or 
misuse.
 Legal Intelligence: The ability to develop Charter arguments, cross-
examine expert witnesses, and challenge complex evidence is key 
to effective defence.
 Courtroom Presence: Comfort and composure during lengthy, often tense 
proceedings is critical—especially when the courtroom is filled with 
media,
public observers, or emotionally charged testimony.
Examples of Past High-Profile Case Management (Without 
Disclosing Confidential Details)
Experienced Calgary defence lawyers have managed a range of high-
profile cases
such as:
 Corporate Fraud Allegations: Representing executives under 
investigation for multi-million dollar fraud, balancing legal defence with 
shareholder and media concerns.
 Violent Offences with Media Attention: Defending clients in homicide or
sexual assault cases where early media narratives posed challenges to 
jury selection and trial fairness.
 Politically Sensitive Cases: Handling cases where charges carried 
broader societal or cultural implications, requiring additional care in 
managing
public discourse and legal submissions.
Contact Details of Calgary Defence Lawyer
Akram Law - 918A 5 Ave SW Suite 1, Calgary, AB T2P 0N7
Phone Number: 403-774–9529 
Email: [email protected] 
Website - akramlaw.com
Business Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 AM-5 PM, Friday: 9 AM-12 PM, 
Saturday: 10 AM-1 PM