TRUST. EXPERIENCE. SUCCESS.
Cory Wilson is one of Calgary’s most successful criminal defence lawyers.
There are few experiences as stressful and potentially life-altering as being charged with a criminal offence. Facing a criminal charge may have significant impacts on your family, employment, immigration status and liberty.
Once charged with a criminal offence, the most important decision you can make is hiring the right criminal lawyer to defend you.
14+
Years of Criminal Defence Experience
80+
5/5 Star Ratings on
Google
1200+
Cases and Clients
24/7
Availability
and Support
LEARN MORE ABOUT CORY
CALGARY CRIMINAL LAWYER
Cory Wilson is one of the most successful and respected lawyers in criminal law. He offers his clients an unparalleled defence and helps solve their legal problems efficiently and affordably. Cory represents individuals charged with any criminal offence as well as quasi-criminal and regulatory offences.
Cory has significant trial and appellate experience and has appeared at every level of court in Alberta. He has been counsel on many high-profile cases including kidnappings, significant drug seizures, homicides and the largest fraud in Canadian history.
Cory Wilson was senior counsel at the highly-respected criminal law firm, Wolch Wilson Jugnauth. The firm was established in 1991 and has seen many of our lawyers go on to become judges at the Supreme Court of Canada, Court of Appeal, Court of Queen’s Bench and Provincial Court. Having represented well over 50,000 cases, there is likely no criminal offence that hasn’t been defended in the firm’s history.
Focusing exclusively on criminal law, Cory Wilson is among the most skilled defence lawyers in Calgary. His extensive knowledge and experience has allowed him to successfully defend allegations ranging from theft and impaired driving to sexual assault and murder.
Examples of the most common offences we defend are:
Impaired Driving / DUI
Impaired driving / DUI refers to criminal charges of operating a vehicle while impaired from alcohol or drugs, driving over 0.08 and refusing to provide a sample of breath. These charges have serious consequences including significant fines, skyrocketing insurance, jail and a criminal record that can impact future travel and employment.
Domestic Assault
Domestic assault is no different than assault generally, except it occurs when the violence is directed at a family member, spouse or romantic partner. When charged with domestic assault, you will most likely be prohibited from returning to your home or having any contact with the complainant.
Theft
Theft is defined generally as taking another’s property without lawful authority to do so. Depending on the monetary value of the theft, an accused may be charged with theft under $5,000 or theft over $5,000. The elements of the two offences are the same, but the punishments are drastically different. A theft conviction can result in sentences ranging from discharges to significant periods of incarceration.
Fraud
Fraud is a very broad criminal offence that ranges from altering a price tag to multi-million-dollar Ponzi schemes. While the charge is very similar to theft, fraud requires deceit or falsehood. Depending on the monetary value of the fraud, an accused may be charged with fraud under $5,000 or fraud over $5,000. These offences are often incredibly complex and include a high-volume of documents and forensic accounting reports.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offences are incredibly complex and encompass many different charges under the Criminal Code, including sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, sexual exploitation and child pornography. Given the intimate and often highly-emotional nature of these offences, you need a highly-skilled and experienced lawyer who understands how to properly defend these charges.
Drug Offences
The most common drug offences are possession, trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, production and importation. Drug investigations usually involve undercover police officers, wiretap, confidential informants and search warrants. Offences and sentencing regimes are based on the nature and quantity of the drug found. Possible consequences for drug offences range from diversion programs and discharges to significant periods of incarceration.
Assault
Assault is the intentional application of force to another person without their consent and can range from a pinch or shove to a punch or kick. Assault offences include common assault, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and aggravated assault. The more serious the assault, the greater the possible consequences.
Criminal Harassment
Criminal harassment or “stalking”, consists of repeated behavior that has the intention of harassing, frightening, annoying or other actions displaying obsessive and unwanted conduct directed towards another individual without lawful authority. Most often this is in the form of following a person and/or repeatedly calling, texting or emailing them.
Firearm Offences
Possessing a firearm in Canada is a heavily regulated activity, with the regulations primarily set out in the Criminal Code and Firearms Act. There are many firearms offences, most of which carry significant punishments if convicted including lengthy periods of incarceration.
Violent Offences
These offences include any crime in which a high-degree of violence is involved, including murder, home invasions, serious assaults, robberies and kidnappings. Violent offences are considered the most serious in the Criminal Code and are often investigated by specialized police units. The consequences of being found guilty of a violent offence are often lengthy periods of incarceration.
Cory Wilson understands that hiring a defence lawyer is expensive and often unexpected. For this reason, he offers his clients a flexible, no-interest payment plan. Each plan is individually tailored to the client’s needs and budget.
The first step in arranging a payment plan is to retain Cory Wilson. The retainer is a down-payment on services and is applied towards the final fee. Once the retainer has been made, you and Cory will discuss a suitable payment plan. Generally, the payment plan is structured so that the entire fee is paid prior to completion of the matter. Often, criminal matters take many months or even years to complete, so there can be great flexibility in payment options.
Payment plans can be arranged through automatic bank transfers, cash, VISA, Mastercard and post-dated cheques.
One of the most important considerations in hiring a defence lawyer is their experience representing individuals charged with the same offence as you. Not all criminal defence lawyers are made the same and it is important to ask questions about their knowledge and experience not in criminal law generally, but with respect to your specific charges. Some defence lawyers only practice in certain areas of criminal law, such as impaired driving, but claim to have significant experience in other areas. While they may have been a lawyer for 20 years, they may not have the specific experience you are looking for and need.
When choosing the right defence lawyer, it is imperative that you feel comfortable with the person you are choosing. You have to feel confident placing your life in their hands and knowing that they have your best interests in mind.
One of the biggest red flags in retaining a criminal defence lawyer is if he or she gives you a guarantee. If the lawyer guarantees they will get your charges withdrawn or win at trial, ask them to put it in writing and contingent on you paying them. If they are unwilling to do so, you know the guarantee means nothing. Unfortunately, with very rare exceptions, there are no guarantees in criminal law.
In the end, the right criminal defence lawyer is the one you feel the most comfortable working with and who can solve your problem effectively and efficiently.
Cory Wilson knows that every client is unique and our fee and billing arrangements are structured to reflect that reality. We pride ourselves on being completely transparent so that you can focus on your defence. Our fees are reviewed with you in detail to ensure the highest level of transparency.
Our legal fees are quoted as a flat rate fixed fee. This means you know exactly what your total fee is with no surprises. Too often people complain about lawyers’ hidden fees or last-minute demands for money. With our transparent fee structure, you can be confident that the price you’re quoted is the price you will pay.
Cory Wilson accepts cash, VISA, MasterCard, debit and e-Transfers.
Another important step prior to meeting with your lawyer is to write out all the questions you have. Meeting with a lawyer can be a stressful time and you may forget everything you planned on asking. Your lawyer will much prefer if you are prepared with a number of questions to discuss in person rather than getting ten emails shortly after your meeting. You need to have all of your questions answered so that you can make fully-informed decisions.
If you suffered any injuries during the incident, take as many pictures as you can and provide them to your lawyer when you meet. These can be injuries caused by the complainant, witness or even the police.
Lastly, you need to bring all of the documents you received from the police when you were arrested. It is important to bring these so that no court dates are missed and you can have all of your release conditions explained to you. If you have any other documents that you believe may be of assistance to your defence, it is important to bring those with you to your meeting.
SUCCESSFUL CASES
Withdrawn
THEFT OFFENCES
Charges Withdrawn
S.V. was charged with theft under $5,000 after being caught shoplifting several pairs of sunglasses. She was caught red-handed and gave a full confession when confronted. She was a mother of two children and her employment required a clean criminal background.
Cory was able to have S.V. entered into the Alternative Measures Program on her first court appearance. After she successfully completed a small amount of community service, the charges were withdrawn.
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SEXUAL OFFENCES
Charges Withdrawn
B.S. and his younger brother were accused of sexually assaulting their younger sister for approximately 5 years in the 1970’s. The allegations were made in 2015 after the complainant had been estranged from the family for decades. If convicted, B.S. was facing a lengthy jail sentence. B.S. and his brother unequivocally denied the charges and pled not guilty. Cory cross-examined the complainant on her ever-changing versions of events and provable fabrications.
At the conclusion of cross-examination, the Crown …
Guilty
DRUG POSSESION
Not Guilty
N.S. was charged with 13 offences including possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin for the purposes of trafficking. He was also charged with two counts of possession of a firearm while prohibited, possession of a stolen firearm, careless storage of a firearm and proceeds of crime. At trial, Cory was able to prove that the officer who interviewed N.S. shortly after his arrest lied to him about his fingerprints being found on the gun case.
N.S. was found not guilty on all charges.
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ASSAULT OFFENCE
Charges Withdrawn
A.G. was accused of assaulting his wife, teenage son, and breaching both a recognizance and Protection Order. The allegations were made during an ongoing matrimonial and custody dispute between A.G. and his estranged wife.
A.G. was set to have three trials over the course of two weeks. Cory Wilson was able to have each charge withdrawn and A.G. did not face trial for any of the alleged offences.
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DUI OFFENCE
Charges Withdrawn
After a night at a bar, C.R. was observed entering his vehicle and driving away. When police arrived, C.R. drove into the garage and exited the vehicle. Police requested C.R. exit the garage and was taken to the police vehicle where he failed to provide a breathe sample. The officer chose to detain C.R. in police custody for over 9 hours.
There was no justification for C.R.’s detention and the Crown withdrew both charges.
Withdrawn
THEFT OFFENCE
Charges Withdrawn
S.V. was charged with theft under $5,000 after being caught shoplifting several pairs of sunglasses. She gave a full confession when confronted. She was a mother of two children and her employment required a clean criminal background.
Cory was able to have S.V. entered into the Alternative Measures Program on her first court appearance. After she successfully completed a small amount of community service, the charges were withdrawn.
GLOWING CLIENT REVIEWS
Best Criminal lawyer in Calgary. Cory Wilson took great care of our son and made sure he didn’t get a criminal record. Cory was very approachable and always returned our endless emails and phone calls.
R.Y.
“Our family never thought we’d be in such a perilous situation. Cory Wilson was professional, sympathetic and kind to our family, guiding us through every step of the way. From instruction in dealing with the authorities, ensuring our case was heard by the Courts in a timely manner, negotiating with the Courts, and answering questions; Cory was there for us.”
J.J.
“To say Cory is on top of his game would not be doing justice to his ability to represent me and clear my name from the charges I faced. I met Cory when he was recommended to me by as someone who was more than capable of dealing with my issues. From the outset, I was impressed by his demeanor and honesty with regards to the jeopardy I faced.”
M.M.
“I was wrongfully accused of a crime I didn’t commit. I was referred to Mr. Cory Wilson as a defense lawyer &, thank God, am I ever glad he was my defense lawyer and by my side in my case. He listened to all my evidence, protected my legal rights all the way to the end and always acted in my best interest. He was always there when I needed him. Most importantly, Mr. Wilson believed in my innocence and that is what mattered to me the most.”
E.A.
“I made a stupid mistake one night and was charged with impaired driving. I blew way over the legal limit and thought I had no option but to plead guilty. My friend recommended Cory Wilson because he got him off a couple charges. After I met with Cory, he explained that just because I blew over the limit, didn’t mean they could prove the case against me. We went to trial and after Cory cross-examined the cop, the prosecutor pulled the case and I won. I needed my license for my job and because of Cory, I am still working.”
A.B.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION
During your free consultation, we will discuss the allegations, possible outcomes, defences to the charges and legal fees. We will also create a clear path moving forward so you completely understand what to expect.