Nanaimo Criminal Lawyer
Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers defends individuals facing criminal charges in Nanaimo and across central Vancouver Island. Our lawyers appear at the Nanaimo Law Courts at 35 Front Street, a historic waterfront courthouse that handles both Provincial and Supreme Court matters.
CRIMINAL DEFENCE IN CENTRAL VANCOUVER ISLAND
Defending Criminal Charges in Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo is the second-largest city on Vancouver Island and serves as the judicial hub for the central Island region. If you are facing criminal charges in Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, or surrounding communities, the right defence lawyer can make the difference between a conviction and a favourable outcome.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we have been defending clients in Nanaimo since 1997. We travel to the Island regularly and are familiar with the Crown counsel, judges, and procedures at the Nanaimo courthouse.
The Nanaimo Law Courts at 35 Front Street is a combined Provincial and Supreme Court facility located on the waterfront in downtown Nanaimo. Criminal matters from bail hearings and remand through to jury trials and preliminary inquiries are all heard at this location. The courthouse also handles circuit court matters for surrounding communities.
Charges in the Nanaimo area are typically laid by the Nanaimo RCMP. The region has seen growth in both population and court volume in recent years, with common charges including impaired driving, domestic assault, drug offences, property crimes, and breaches of court orders.
Nanaimo’s position as a transportation hub with BC Ferries connections to the Lower Mainland and Highway 19 running north to Courtenay and Campbell River means the courthouse also handles charges arising from incidents across a wide geographic area. Contact us at 604.590.5600 for a free consultation about your Nanaimo case.
NANAIMO COURTHOUSE INFORMATION
Nanaimo Provincial and Supreme Court
| Address | 35 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J1 |
| criminal Tel | (250) 716-5918 |
| civill Tel | (250) 716-5908 |
| Fax | (250) 716-5911 |
| Registry Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Region | Vancouver Island |
| Court Levels | Provincial Court and Supreme Court |
| Serves | Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Lantzville, and central Vancouver Island |
CHARGES WE DEFEND IN NANAIMO
Areas of Practice
From impaired driving charges on the Island Highway to domestic assault allegations in Nanaimo’s growing residential communities, our lawyers have defended the full spectrum of criminal cases at 35 Front Street. Explore our practice areas below.
Drug Crimes & Organized Crime
Drug Possession, Drug Trafficking, Possession for the Purpose, Production, Importing
Domestic Assault
Domestic Assault, Spousal Violence, Breach of No-Contact Orders, Peace Bonds, Criminal Harassment
General Assault & Threats
Assault, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Aggravated Assault, Uttering Threats, Forcible Confinement
Sexual Offences
Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Sexual Exploitation, Voyeurism, Intimate Image Distribution
Impaired & Criminal Driving
Impaired Driving (DUI), Driving Over 80mg, Refusing a Breath Sample, Dangerous Driving, Failing to Remain
Weapons & Firearms
Unauthorized Firearm Possession, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Weapons Trafficking, Prohibited Weapons
Financial & White Collar
Fraud, Theft Over/Under $5,000, Money Laundering, Identity Fraud, Forgery
Internet Crimes
Online Fraud, Child Exploitation Material, Cyberbullying & Harassment, Luring
Border Offences
Customs Act Violations, Smuggling, False Declarations, Immigration-Related Charges
Youth Criminal Justice
Youth Criminal Defence, Extrajudicial Measures, Youth Sentencing, Adult Sentences for Youth
Motor Vehicle Act (Tickets)
Excessive Speeding, Driving While Prohibited, Immediate Roadside Prohibitions, Traffic Ticket Defence
Appeals & Other Matters
Criminal Appeals, Judicial Reviews, Record Suspensions, Security Clearance Applications
WHY CHOOSE STERN SHAPRAY FOR YOUR NANAIMO CASE
What Sets Us Apart
We Travel to Nanaimo
Our lawyers regularly appear at the Nanaimo courthouse on Front Street. We handle your case directly — we don’t hand off to local agents.
Close to 30 Years of Experience
Since 1997, Stern Shapray has built a defence practice that extends across Vancouver Island and all of B.C. Our experience in Nanaimo is substantial.
Team-Based Defence
You get a multi-lawyer team working on your case. We collaborate internally so that every strategy is thoroughly vetted before court.
Punjabi-Speaking Lawyers
We have Punjabi-speaking counsel on our team for Nanaimo-area clients who prefer to communicate in Punjabi.
Available for Urgent Matters
Arrests don’t follow a schedule. If you need a bail hearing or urgent advice, we can coordinate coverage at the Nanaimo courthouse quickly.
Free Initial Consultation
Call 604.590.5600 for a no-obligation assessment of your case by phone or video before committing to any fees.
AREAS SERVICED
Defending Clients Across British Columbia
In addition to Nanaimo, Stern Shapray represents clients at courthouses throughout B.C.:
| ○ | Surrey |
| ○ | Vancouver |
| ○ | Kelowna |
| ○ | Victoria |
| ● | Nanaimo (Current Page) |
| ○ | Prince George |
| ○ | Fort St. John |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Nanaimo Criminal Law FAQs
Q: Where is the Nanaimo courthouse?
The Nanaimo Law Courts are located at 35 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J1, on the downtown waterfront. This courthouse handles both Provincial Court and Supreme Court matters. The registry is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Q: I was arrested by Nanaimo RCMP. What should I do?
Exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions. Call 604.590.5600 immediately for legal advice and bail hearing representation at the Nanaimo courthouse.
Q: What types of charges are common in Nanaimo?
The Nanaimo courthouse sees a high volume of impaired driving, domestic assault, drug offences, theft, mischief, weapons charges, and breaches of conditions. The region’s growing population has contributed to increased court volume.
Q: I live in Parksville / Qualicum / Ladysmith. Can you help?
Yes. The Nanaimo courthouse at 35 Front Street serves the broader central Vancouver Island region, including Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Lantzville, and surrounding areas. We represent clients throughout the region.
Q: Can I avoid a criminal record?
A charge does not automatically mean a criminal record. Possible outcomes include charges withdrawn, acquittal, discharge, or a peace bond. The strategy depends on the evidence and your circumstances. Early legal representation gives you the best options.
Q: How long does a criminal case take in Nanaimo?
Timelines vary based on the charge and complexity. Simple matters may resolve in weeks. Contested trials can take 6 to 14 months. Nanaimo’s court volume has grown, which can affect scheduling. We give realistic timeline estimates at consultation.
Q: Do you speak Punjabi?
Yes. Visit our Punjabi-speaking lawyer page or call us to arrange a consultation in Punjabi.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket or IRP in Nanaimo?
Motor Vehicle Act offences and Immediate Roadside Prohibitions can result in licence suspensions, fines, and vehicle impoundment. A lawyer can challenge the grounds and represent you at a review hearing.
Q: Does Stern Shapray handle youth charges in Nanaimo?
Yes. We represent young persons under 18 charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Youth matters in Nanaimo are heard at Provincial Court with unique rehabilitation-focused procedures.
Q: How much does a criminal lawyer cost for a Nanaimo case?
Fees depend on the charge type and complexity. Travel to Nanaimo is factored transparently into our fee structure. We offer a free consultation to assess your case before any commitment.
Facing Criminal Charges in Nanaimo?
Get experienced defence counsel who appears at Nanaimo’s courthouse. We are ready to protect your rights.