David Chow: Calgary Criminal Lawyer

Caution: The Best Marketers are not necessarily the best criminal defence lawyers. https://calgary-law.ca//caution-the-best-marketers-are-no/ If you are reading this post, there is a reasonable likelihood that you are researching criminal lawyers in Alberta for hire. You probably typed in a few keywords, such as Calgary criminal lawyer, criminal lawyers in Calgary or Alberta criminal defence lawyers and then, like most Google or Bing searchers, fixated on the lawyers whos...e websites appeared on the first page likely even at the top of the first page. For many keyword searches, my website www.calgary-law.ca will organically rank at or near the top of page one. However, I think for anybody searching for a criminal defence lawyer in Alberta or anywhere else, reliance on search engine rankings, paid advertising, so-called expert reviews allegedly identifying a lawyer as the best or even customer reviews, should be evaluated with care. See more

Having now dealt with several cases, my new criticism is with the system itself. Simply, it is unreliable and in many cases, does not work. Worse, at a critical time after the Government has unveiled its new system -- indeed, a time where any reasonable person would worry that such a new program might have some kinks -- the Alberta Government and SafeRoads Alberta has taken a 10 day holiday. https://calgary-law.ca//saferoads-alberta-closed-for-the-/

The New York Times analysis of the Breonna Taylor killing is not merely informative, it’s riveting. As one of the Calgary Criminal Lawyers who argued R. v. Cornell at the Supreme Court of Canada and who lost a close 4-3 split, the Breonna Taylor incident is, in my opinion, an example in support of peaceful and proper knock and announce search warrant execution protocols. In Cornell, the majority of our Supreme Court arguably favoured preserving potentially trivial drug evid...ence over the sanctity of home and arguably human life. I thought the SWAT Team Sergeant’s interview in this NY Times release, where he criticized the manner and execution of entry into Taylor’s home, to be interesting. He said words to the effect that a proper entry would not risk human life merely for the purpose of securing some drugs. I recommend everybody watch this video -- it is 18 minutes well spent. https://www.nytimes.com//10/breonna-taylor-death-cops.html For more thoughts and opinions on issues in criminal justice, please feel free to visit my criminal law blog at: https://calgary-law.ca/blog/ #BreonnaTaylor #CalgaryCriminalLawyer #NewYorkTimes #NYTimes

To all of my family, friends, clients, colleagues and everyone else: Merry Christmas. #merrychristmas #CalgaryCriminalLawyer www.calgary-law.ca

The Holiday Season encapsulating Christmas and New Year is a time when Government offices and many businesses in Alberta and across Canada close some of them for an extended period. I am available for free remote consultations over the holiday. For anybody who needs assistance, I ask that you be gentle with me, as I too have non-law related commitments over the holidays. If your issue not urgent, please call me from 9am-4pm. If you are in trouble and need my help urgently..., my telephone rings 24/7. I wish everybody a happy and healthy holidays. #HappyHolidays https://calgary-law.ca//happy-holidays-christmas-and-new-/

Did they sell us a Rusted Ol'Jalopy? Fast forward to September 2020 and ask whether the Government really needs to hire any more lawyers? If the 309:1 ratio is reduced to around 167:1 on the basis of charge approval and likely to be further reduced as a result of a significant scaling back of impaired driving prosecutions, it strikes me that there is simply no need to expand the size of Alberta’s prosecution services. Remember, with each new lawyer comes a host of additional costs beyond the salary, benefits and pensions; to include the need for additional support staff, office space, supplies and other expenses. https://calgary-law.ca//did-they-sell-us-a-rusted-oljalopy/

ILLUSTRATING LEGAL CONCEPTS Although the story of a man who faked his own death in a court case from Nassau County, New York, is not Canadian criminal law report, it is interesting because it serves to illustrate a plethora of legal concepts relevant to Canada’s criminal law. Concepts include: identification, circumstantial evidence, proof and grounds for judicial interim release (bail). This case also illustrates the difference between the impression created by a news release and the hurdles to proving an actual criminal prosecution. https://calgary-law.ca//illustrating-legal-concepts-new-y/

Well...it has been 5 months since this post: Ever notice that when a Government agency reviews itself (or is subject to review), time seems to slow to a pace that seldom prevails upon an ordinary person. What is happening in the Shelby Herchak case?... I suggested that perhaps the CBC intended to keeps its hand on the Governments jugular so as not to allow this scandal to fade from memory. After five months of silence, I am starting to think I was wrong. https://calgary-law.ca//the-spectre-of-wrongful-convictio/

Police reform is necessary. [Click link to read the full article with video] It is my hope that police forces across North America (including Canada) start the process of real change. I would like to say THANK YOU to the members of police forces everywhere (including Calgary) who work every day to build trust and confidence with the communities they serve. You are special officers. To those officers that act outside the law or in ways that do not engender respect and trust, I say, maybe now is the time for some meaningful introspection. Maybe now is the time to think, "but for the grace of God, go I" and to accept that you can be part of real change or find a different job. https://calgary-law.ca//police-reform-peace-respect-and-t/

Canada Day 101 - Watch How to be Canadian. Interestingly, the name Canada Day started being used just around the time that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came in to force in 1982. In 1985 the Holidays Act came into force. The act specifically titled July 1st as "Canada Day". Section 2(1) of the Holidays Act reads: "July 1, not being a Sunday, is a legal holiday and shall be kept and observed such throughout Canada, under the name of "Canada Day"". https://calgary-law.ca/blog/canada-day-101/

YEAH, I SAID IT. GRADE SCHOOL OBVIOUS CONFLICT OF INTEREST The math is simple: since both policing and prosecuting may have a private interest in charging and convicting (because they can ensure the collection of money to further their economic and labour interests), a strong argument can be made that every charge and every prosecution is tainted by either individual self-interest or a reasonable apprehension that these public servants will use their power to collect victim crime surcharges to benefit their own personal self-interest. The Victims of Crime fund should not be used in this way. Its grade school obvious. https://calgary-law.ca//grade-school-obvious-conflict-of-/

George Floyd: The Few Bad Apples Dodge (to read please click link). [P]olice forces are given a very special niche in our society. They represent us in the protection of our property and our well-being from abuses and ravages of those who commit crime. They are given special powers and a corresponding standard of conduct is demanded of them. Police powers are to be used intelligently, fairly, and without rancour or favour. There are some rough people wandering around our cou...ntry and the police must be alert to ensure that the appropriate measure of law enforcement is available to impose the will and requirement of the State upon such persons. It is for this reason that police are permitted to carry arms. They are selected for physical prowess. They are well trained in the use of weapons and martial arts and are provided with the best equipment, including highly and efficient communication systems. But notwithstanding all of these, good police work stems to a very large extent through the use of common sense and from gaining of, and retention of the respect of the public. So with all privileges go responsibility. https://calgary-law.ca//george-floyd-the-few-bad-apples-d/

May the Fourth be With You: Stormtroopers Day in Alberta. If you are interested in watching my video analysis of the armed takedown of a costume wearer in Lethbridge, Alberta, please feel free to visit: Thank you for watching. https://www.calgary-law.ca//may-the-fourth-be-with-you-st/

Stormtroopers Day in Alberta. A day of infamy marking the end of common sense. https://calgary-law.ca//may-the-fourth-be-with-you-stormt/

Perhaps in Canada we should now recognize May 4th as Stormtroopers Day; not to be named after the dreadful German SS from World War II or the iconic white armored Empire soldiers from the George Lucas series, Star Wars, but to recognize the valiant members of the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) who engaged a single costume clad female with real guns and real violence on May 4th, 2020. Much of the incident was captured on video. https://calgary-law.ca//may-the-fourth-be-with-you-stormt/

If you been charged with a criminal offence anywhere in Alberta, call David Chow for a free telephone consultation. David defends clients against all criminal charges, including DUI, drug trafficking, offences of violence, property crimes and more. https://calgary-law.ca/alberta-defence/

Federally, Canadas Government has invoked powers under the Quarantine Act and the Emergencies Act. In Alberta, the Provincial Government has invoked powers under the Emergency Management Act. As I previously warned would happen, the Criminal Code of Canada has even been invoked in a number of cases to charge people with COVID-19 related crimes. https://calgary-law.ca/criminal-law/covid-19-offences/

Charged with a criminal offence anywhere in Alberta? Call a Calgary criminal lawyer for a free consultation. David Chow defends domestic violence, DUI, drug offences, all Internet and property crimes and more. David remains committed to providing quality legal services during this time of crisis. Thank you for perusing my website. ... www.calgary-law.ca Stay healthy my friends. www.cochrane-criminal-lawyer.com https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQrW32jfdo

On April 23 fraudsters targeted me with an employment application phishing/malware scam. I have included information about this attempt at the end of the article under PPS WARNING: CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC A TARGET RICH ENVIRONMENT FOR FRAUDSTERS Beyond the number of infected and the death toll, people across the planet are coping with a myriad of added stress, to include financial hardship, physical deterioration and emotional suffering. Unfortunately, for some Canadians, ad...d to this the stress of being the victim of fraud. https://calgary-law.ca//warning-coronavirus-pandemic-a-ta/

David Chow has been a criminal defence lawyer in Alberta since 2005 and is a resident of the town of Cochrane. David is a former Crown Prosecutor and a Cochrane criminal lawyer who has made a career out of successfully defending serious criminal cases. www.cochrane-criminal-lawyer.com

In my opinion, we should be very sceptical about any claims by police or the Government that they will responsibly use the vast information gathering capabilities offered by Apple, Google and/or other big technology companies. Over the years, our Charter Rights have arguably been consistently eviscerated by our high courts, so why should we have any faith that our personal privacy and civil liberty will be properly protected post-COVID? To borrow the words of Lucius Fox (played by Morgan Freeman), the use of the technology could be unethical and dangerous. https://calgary-law.ca//contact-tracing-a-possible-tool-f/

Secure yourself against opportunistic fraudsters in this time of crisis. Read this post and/or watch my YouTube video. Be vigilant. Stay healthy. https://calgary-law.ca//warning-coronavirus-pandemic-a-ta/

David Chow is a local Cochrane criminal lawyer. Charged with a criminal offence in Cochrane, Canmore, Banff or Calgary? David Chow is available during this time of crisis. Searching for Cochrane criminal lawyers? David Chow is a full service ALBERTA criminal defence lawyer. David defends everything from domestic assault, impaired driving, drug trafficking, all property crimes, sexual offences and serious crimes of violence (such as murder). For a free consultation with a ...local, experienced Cochrane defence lawyer, call 403.452.8018. https://www.calgary-law.ca/albert/cochrane-criminal-lawyer/

WARNING: CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC A TARGET RICH ENVIRONMENT FOR FRAUDSTERS. This post is about our susceptibility to fraud in this time of crisis. While all of us are susceptible to fraud when things are stable, our vulnerability increases dramatically in a time of crisis. When we are panicked, isolated or emotionally vulnerable the risk of making poor decisions or snap judgments increases. This vulnerability does not only exist at the point of direct personal contact with frau...dsters datamining our personal information, it exists with the many legitimate third-party custodians of our personal information to include businesses such as telephone companies, financial institutions and a host of other organizations (including the Government) who possess or have access to our personal data. https://calgary-law.ca//warning-coronavirus-pandemic-a-ta/

David Chow is a local Cochrane criminal lawyer. The town of Cochrane is growing and with that growth, there is a greater need for experienced defence counsel. For a free consultation with a local, experienced Cochrane defence lawyer, call 403.452.8018. https://www.calgary-law.ca/albert/cochrane-criminal-lawyer/

During this time of crisis, I remain committed to providing quality legal advice and services. Peruse my website and checkout my updated homepage with YouTube Content. www.calgary-law.ca Stay healthy my friends.... www.cochrane-criminal-lawyer.com https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQrW32jfdo

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for a Team Canada effort to beat the coronavirus outbreak when he recalled Parliament to approve a massive economic aid package. I expect all Canadians agree. However, I think we should all remember that just about 10 days ago the Liberal Government attempted an undemocratic coup of our Government, by trying to sneak expansive economic powers into a collectively negotiated, bipartisan relief package. This power grab undercut all of Can...adas political parties and all Canadians. In the view of this Calgary criminal lawyer, all of us should proceed with caution when it comes to this minority government. The unethical attempted power grab by the Trudeau Liberals might be one of the most significant political events that has ever occurred in Canadas political history. Click the link below to read the entire post. https://calgary-law.ca//attempted-power-grab-the-true-fac/

During this time of crisis, I remain committed to providing quality legal advice and services. I can be contacted by telephone 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. I also have the facilities for remote video consultations, such as through ZOOM or SKYPE. www.calgary-law.ca If you need to consult about any criminal or regulatory case, please do not hesitate to call. ... I understand that being charged with a criminal offence is stressful in ordinary times, and that it may even be more difficult as of us are coping with this pandemic. Let me help you manage your situation. If you have any questions about your criminal charge or need a free initial telephone consultation, please do not hesitate to call. www.calgary-law.ca In the meantime, I encourage you to peruse my website. It has extensive content, including navigation to practice areas, jurisdictions, defences and a criminal law blog. In my criminal law blog, I routinely offer a criminal lawyers perspective on the issues of the day. Stay healthy my friends. https://calgary-law.ca/

Taxing by Tickets in a Time of Crisis While Canadians struggle in the grips of a global health crisis, the City of Calgary Police (CPS) have continued their program of generating revenue by ticket enforcement. Baked into continued ticket enforcement, the City of Calgary prosecutions services, with the assistance of the Alberta Courts have been convicting people "in absence" for failing to speak to their traffic ticket at the Calgary Court Centre. In my opinion, this is a fo...rm of abusive State conduct whereby our local Government continues to collect taxes by ticket enforcement -- in most cases likely for relatively minor infractions -- and then opportunistically relies on a crisis situation to marginalize due process. The net effect is that the Citys program will generate future revenue from the wallets of already financially stressed Albertans. https://calgary-law.ca//taxing-by-tickets-in-a-time-of-cr/