Prince George Criminal Lawyer
Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers defends individuals facing criminal charges in Prince George and across northern British Columbia. Our lawyers appear at the Prince George Law Courts at 250 George Street (J.O. Wilson Square), the primary courthouse for the vast northern region of the province.
CRIMINAL DEFENCE IN NORTHERN BC
Defending Criminal Charges in Prince George, BC
Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia and the judicial centre for a vast region stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the Coast Range. If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Prince George, Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, McBride, or anywhere in the northern Interior, the consequences are serious and experienced legal representation is essential.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we have been defending clients in Prince George and northern B.C. since 1997. We travel to Prince George regularly for court appearances and are familiar with the local Crown counsel, judicial expectations, and procedures at the Prince George courthouse.
The Prince George Law Courts at 250 George Street (J.O. Wilson Square) is a combined Provincial and Supreme Court facility that serves as the hub for criminal justice in the north. All criminal matters, from bail hearings and remand through to jury trials, preliminary inquiries, and Supreme Court sentencing, are heard here. The courthouse also serves as the scheduling centre for circuit courts across northern B.C., including Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Mackenzie.
Charges in the Prince George area are typically laid by the Prince George RCMP, one of the largest detachments in northern B.C. The city’s position at the intersection of Highways 97 and 16 means the courthouse handles charges arising from a wide geographic area, including highway enforcement, northern resource sector incidents, and cross-provincial investigations.
Common charges in Prince George include impaired driving, domestic assault, drug trafficking, weapons offences, property crimes, and serious violent offences. The northern courts also see a significant volume of breach of conditions charges. Contact us at 604.590.5600 for a free consultation.
PRINCE GEORGE COURTHOUSE INFORMATION
Prince George Provincial and Supreme Court
| Address | 250 George Street (J.O. Wilson Square), Prince George, BC V2L 5S2 |
| Telephone | (250) 614-2700 |
| Fax | (250) 614-2710 |
| Registry Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Region | North |
| Court Levels | Provincial Court and Supreme Court |
| Serves | Prince George, Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, McBride, and the northern Interior; also coordinates circuit courts for the region |
CHARGES WE DEFEND IN PRINCE GEORGE
Areas of Practice
From drug trafficking investigations along Highway 97 to impaired driving charges in the northern Interior, our team defends the full range of criminal allegations before the Prince George courthouse. 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 PRINCE GEORGE CASE
What Sets Us Apart
We Travel to Prince George
Many Lower Mainland firms won’t take northern files. We do. Our lawyers regularly fly to Prince George for court appearances and handle your case directly.
Close to 30 Years of Experience
Since 1997, Stern Shapray has built a criminal defence practice that extends across all of B.C., including the northern courts.
Understanding Northern Courts
Northern courthouses operate differently from the Lower Mainland. Court volumes, Crown approaches, and scheduling realities are distinct. We understand these differences and adapt our strategy accordingly.
Punjabi-Speaking Lawyers
Prince George’s South Asian community has grown substantially. We have Punjabi-speaking counsel available for clients who prefer to communicate in Punjabi.
Team-Based Defence
You get a multi-lawyer team collaborating on your defence. Complex northern cases benefit from the collective experience of our full team.
Free Initial Consultation
Call 604.590.5600 for a no-obligation consultation by phone or video about your Prince George case. Travel costs are discussed upfront and transparently.
AREAS SERVICED
Defending Clients Across British Columbia
In addition to Prince George, Stern Shapray represents clients at courthouses throughout B.C.:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Prince George Criminal Law FAQs
Q: Where is the Prince George courthouse?
The Prince George Law Courts are located at 250 George Street (J.O. Wilson Square), Prince George, BC V2L 5S2. This courthouse handles both Provincial Court and Supreme Court matters and serves as the judicial hub for northern British Columbia. The registry is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Q: I was arrested by Prince George RCMP. What should I do?
Exercise your right to remain silent and contact a lawyer before answering any questions. Call 604.590.5600 immediately for legal advice. We can arrange representation at your bail hearing at the Prince George courthouse.
Q: What types of charges are common in Prince George?
Prince George sees significant volumes of impaired driving, domestic assault, drug trafficking (particularly along the Highway 97 corridor), weapons offences, property crimes, serious violent offences, and breaches of court-imposed conditions.
Q: Do you actually come to Prince George for court?
Yes. Our lawyers fly to Prince George regularly to appear at the courthouse on George Street. We handle bail hearings, pre-trial conferences, trials, and sentencing in person. We do not hand off northern files to local agents.
Q: How do northern courts differ from the Lower Mainland?
Northern courthouses tend to have smaller Crown offices, fewer available trial dates, and different resolution practices. Judges who sit on circuit may also hear your case. Having counsel who understands these dynamics and who has relationships with northern Crown counsel is a genuine advantage.
Q: Can I avoid a criminal record?
A charge alone does not create a record. Depending on the circumstances, charges may be withdrawn, you may be acquitted, or you may receive a discharge or peace bond. The northern Crown’s approach to resolution can differ from urban centres, and we factor this into our strategy.
Q: I live in Vanderhoof / Mackenzie / McBride. Can you help?
Yes. The Prince George courthouse handles cases from across the northern Interior. Whether your charges were laid in Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, McBride, or elsewhere in the region, we can represent you at the Prince George courthouse.
Q: Do you speak Punjabi?
Yes. We have Punjabi-speaking lawyers available. Visit our Punjabi-speaking lawyer page or call to arrange a consultation in Punjabi.
Q: How long does a case take in Prince George?
Timelines in northern courts can be longer than urban centres due to limited trial dates and circuit scheduling. Simple matters may resolve in weeks to months. Contested trials can take 8 to 18 months or more. We provide realistic estimates at your first consultation.
Q: Does Stern Shapray handle youth charges in Prince George?
Yes. We represent young persons under 18 charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Youth matters are heard at Provincial Court in Prince George with unique rehabilitation-focused procedures.
Q: How much does a criminal lawyer cost for a Prince George case?
Fees depend on the charge, complexity, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Travel to Prince George is factored transparently. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your case before any commitment.
Facing Criminal Charges in Prince George?
Get experienced defence counsel who appears at Prince George’s courthouse. We are ready to protect your rights in northern B.C.