Victoria Criminal Lawyer
Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers represents individuals facing criminal charges in Victoria and across Vancouver Island. Our lawyers appear at the Victoria Law Courts at 850 Burdett Avenue, where Provincial Court, Supreme Court, and the BC Court of Appeal all sit under one roof.
CRIMINAL DEFENCE ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Defending Criminal Charges in Victoria, BC
Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city and home to one of the province’s most significant court facilities. If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Langford, or elsewhere in Greater Victoria, the stakes are serious and the right legal representation matters.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we have been defending clients in Victoria since 1997. We travel to Victoria regularly and are thoroughly familiar with the Crown counsel, judges, and court procedures at the Victoria Law Courts.
The Victoria Law Courts at 850 Burdett Avenue is a combined courthouse that houses the Provincial Court, the BC Supreme Court, and the BC Court of Appeal. Criminal matters from summary offences and bail hearings through to murder trials and appeals are all heard at this single location. This makes Victoria unique, it is one of only two courthouses in B.C. (alongside Vancouver) where the Court of Appeal sits.
Charges in Greater Victoria are typically laid by the Victoria Police Department, the Saanich Police, the Oak Bay Police, the Central Saanich Police, or the RCMP (which polices Langford, Colwood, Sooke, and the Western Communities). Regardless of which police force is involved, your matter will be heard at 850 Burdett Avenue.
As a capital city, Victoria’s court handles a wide range of criminal matters, including impaired driving offences on Island highways, domestic assault charges, drug offences, property crimes, and serious violent offences. Contact us at 604.590.5600 for a free consultation.
VICTORIA COURTHOUSE INFORMATION
Victoria Law Courts (Provincial, Supreme & Court of Appeal)
| Address | 850 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 9J2 |
| Telephone | (250) 356-1478 |
| criminal Fax | (250) 356-6279 |
| civil Fax | (250) 387-3061 |
| Registry Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Region | Vancouver Island |
| Court Levels | Provincial Court, Supreme Court, and BC Court of Appeal |
| Serves | Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Langford, Colwood, Sooke, and Greater Victoria |
CHARGES WE DEFEND IN VICTORIA
Areas of Practice
From impaired driving charges after a roadside stop on the Pat Bay Highway to sexual offence allegations in Greater Victoria, our team has defended the full range of criminal charges before the Victoria Law Courts. 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 VICTORIA CASE
What Sets Us Apart
We Appear at 850 Burdett
Our lawyers travel to Victoria regularly and know the Victoria Law Courts intimately, the Crown counsel, the judges, and the procedures specific to this courthouse.
Close to 30 Years of Experience
Since 1997, Stern Shapray has defended clients across British Columbia, including Vancouver Island. Our track record extends well beyond the Lower Mainland.
Provincial, Supreme & Appeal
Victoria’s courthouse houses all three court levels. We handle matters at each from Provincial Court bail hearings to Supreme Court jury trials to Court of Appeal hearings.
Punjabi-Speaking Lawyers
We have Punjabi-speaking counsel available for Victoria-area clients who prefer to communicate in Punjabi about their case.
Team-Based Defence
You get a multi-lawyer team collaborating on your file, not a solo practitioner. Every argument is pressure-tested before it reaches the courtroom.
Free Initial Consultation
Call 604.590.5600 for a no-obligation consultation by phone or video to discuss your Victoria case before committing to any fees.
AREAS SERVICED
Defending Clients Across British Columbia
In addition to Victoria, Stern Shapray represents clients at courthouses throughout B.C.:
| ○ | Surrey |
| ○ | Vancouver |
| ○ | Kelowna |
| ● | Victoria (Current Page) |
| ○ | Nanaimo |
| ○ | Prince George |
| ○ | Fort St. John |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Victoria Criminal Law FAQs
Q: Where is the Victoria courthouse?
The Victoria Law Courts are located at 850 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 9J2. This courthouse houses the Provincial Court, the BC Supreme Court, and the BC Court of Appeal. The registry is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Q: I was arrested in Victoria. What should I do?
Exercise your right to remain silent and contact a lawyer immediately. Whether you were arrested by Victoria Police, Saanich Police, or the RCMP, you have the right to call a lawyer before answering questions. Call 604.590.5600 for urgent legal advice and bail hearing representation.
Q: Which police forces operate in Greater Victoria?
Victoria Police Department covers the City of Victoria. Saanich, Oak Bay, and Central Saanich each have their own municipal police departments. The RCMP polices Langford, Colwood, Sooke, View Royal, and the Western Communities. Regardless of which force lays the charges, criminal matters are heard at the Victoria Law Courts at 850 Burdett Avenue.
Q: What types of charges are common in Victoria?
The Victoria courthouse handles a high volume of domestic assault, impaired driving, drug offences, theft, mischief, weapons charges, and breaches of conditions. As the capital, Victoria also sees a range of serious indictable matters heard in Supreme Court.
Q: What makes Victoria’s courthouse unique?
Victoria is one of only two locations in B.C. where the BC Court of Appeal regularly sits (the other being Vancouver). This means criminal appeals from across Vancouver Island can be heard locally. The courthouse also combines Provincial and Supreme Court under one roof, making it a comprehensive judicial centre.
Q: Can I avoid a criminal record?
A charge alone does not create a criminal record. Depending on the evidence and your circumstances, it may be possible to have charges withdrawn, secure an acquittal, receive a discharge, or resolve the matter through a peace bond. Early legal representation maximizes your options.
Q: How long does a case take in Victoria?
Timelines vary. Simple matters may resolve in weeks to months. Contested trials can take 6 to 14 months or longer to schedule. Victoria’s court volume has increased with Greater Victoria’s population growth. We provide realistic timeline estimates at your first consultation.
Q: Do you speak Punjabi?
Yes. We have Punjabi-speaking lawyers available. Visit our Punjabi-speaking lawyer page or call us to arrange a consultation.
Q: I live in Langford / Sooke / Colwood. Can you help?
Absolutely. Criminal charges from the Western Communities are heard at the Victoria Law Courts at 850 Burdett Avenue. We represent clients from across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket or IRP?
Motor Vehicle Act offences and Immediate Roadside Prohibitions carry serious consequences. A lawyer can challenge the evidence, identify procedural errors, and represent you at a review hearing to protect your licence and driving record.
Q: Does Stern Shapray handle youth charges in Victoria?
Yes. We represent young persons under 18 charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Youth matters are heard at the Provincial Court in Victoria with unique procedures focused on rehabilitation.
Q: How much does a criminal lawyer cost for a Victoria case?
Fees depend on the charge, evidence complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. Travel to Victoria is factored transparently. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your case and provide a clear estimate.
Facing Criminal Charges in Victoria?
Get experienced defence counsel who appears regularly at Victoria’s Law Courts. We are ready to protect your rights.