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Recent Cases

Our firm has achieved successful outcomes in a wide range of criminal cases, from impaired driving and theft to serious violent offences. We approach every case with a strategic mindset and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights. These results reflect our dedication, experience, and relentless advocacy in the courtroom. Explore recent case highlights to see how we’ve helped clients overcome challenging legal situations.

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Result: Successful Appeal. New Trial Ordered.

R v. A.H.

DUI Offences

Cory represented A.H. in his summary conviction appeal after he was found guilty of driving over 0.08 at trial. Cory argued that the trial judge erred by misapprehending the police officer’s evidence as to indicia of impairment, erred by failing to conduct a credibility and reliability assessment of the officer despite his evidence that was inconsistent with his notes and report and erred by failing to apply the correct legal test.

The summary conviction justice agreed with Cory and found that there were significant errors made by the trial judge. The finding of guilt was set aside and a new trial ordered.

Winning at appeal and having a new trial ordered was the best outcome on appeal.

Result: Reduced Charge From Murder to Manslaughter.

R v. J.H.

Violent Offences

J.H. was charged with second degree murder after a shop-owner was repeatedly stabbed during a robbery. Despite high-definition video surveillance, identity of the perpetrators was unknown. Police undertook an extensive investigation using wire-tap, cell tower tracking and DNA analysis. As a result of the investigation, J.H. and another individual were arrested for the murder.

After reviewing the voluminous disclosure, Cory found significant issues with the Crown’s case. As a result, Cory was able to negotiate a resolution in which J.H. pled guilty to the reduced charge of manslaughter. The co-accused was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to life.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. R.D.

Theft & Fraud Offences

R.D. was charged with 9 counts of theft and 3 counts of fraud after police found a number of stolen items being sold in Kijiji. Police contacted the seller and arranged to purchase a number of items – that seller was the client. After an undercover officer attended R.D.s house, he observed many items that looked to be stolen. The undercover asked about the items and based on the answers, determined the items were all stolen. Shortly thereafter, R.D. was arrested by police.

After reviewing disclosure, it was clear to Cory that the Crown could not prove a number of the charges. After lengthy negotiations with the prosecutor, it was agreed that the client would be diverted into Alternative Measures. After completing community service, all 12 criminal charges were withdrawn.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v E.A.

DUI Offences

Police observed E.A.’s vehicle repeatedly cross the center line and swerve within his own lane. After pulling E.A. over, police observed slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, smell of alcohol, slow movements and E.A. admitted to consuming alcohol. He was arrested and subsequently blew over the legal limit.

After reviewing the notes of both police officers, Cory found significant inconsistencies in relation to the indicia of impairment observed. Cory filed a Charter Notice alleging E.A.’s right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure was violated. On the morning of trial, the Crown withdrew the charges. As a result, E.A. was left with no criminal record for this incident. This was the best possible outcome for the client.

Result: Charges withdrawn

R v. C.M.

Driving Offences

C.M. was so heavily intoxicated that as he was driving, he veered off the road for about 20 meters before crashing into a fence. He passed out behind the wheel with his music blaring. Police arrived and could not wake him, despite banging on the glass and smashing a window. Finally, after grabbing ahold of C.M. police were able to wake him and took him from the vehicle and placed him under arrest for impaired driving. He was taken to the police station and blew three times the legal limit.

After reviewing the disclosure, it was evident that police took a number of unlawful steps throughout the arrest. Cory Wilson contacted the Crown and explained the issues and how the prosecutor could not win at trial. As a result, the charges were withdrawn and C.M. was left with no criminal record.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. Peace Bond. No Criminal Record.

R v. T.T.

Assault Offences

T.T. was charged with assaulting her child with a weapon and uttering threats. It was alleged that when the child refused to obey T.T.’s direction, she repeatedly hit him with a wooden spoon. It was further alleged that T.T. chased him out of the house with a knife. T.T. was arrested and Cory secured her release on bail.

Cory investigated the allegations and made inquiries of a neighbour who witnessed the events that occurred outside of the house. Based on the neighbour’s version of events, T.T. did not have a knife and no threats were heard. As a result of Cory’s investigation, the Crown withdrew the charges and T.T. entered into a Peace Bond. This favourable resolution left T.T. with no criminal record for the incident which was the best possible outcome.

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Result: Not Guilty of Major Offences.

R v. J.M.

Violent Offences

J.M. was charged with a number of offences including aggravated assault, assault with weapon and unauthorized possession of multiple firearms. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on a rural property in which the complainant suffered a broken leg, broken ribs and a fractured skull. The firearms charges were the result of J.M. being found to have a number of firearms without a license. J.M. conceded the firearms charges and pled not guilty to all other charges.

During the lengthy trial, Cory cross-examined a number of witnesses as to their memory of the evening. Cory was able to establish that due to extreme intoxication, their version of events were simply unreliable. Cory was also able to establish that the complainant had little memory of many of the events of the evening due to his consumption of drugs and alcohol. Cory was also able to establish that the complainant’s broken leg was a result of his own actions when he attempted to jump over a fence. J.M. testified in his own defence and admitted to using a weapon to strike the complainant in the chest and head, causing the injuries. However, J.M. testified that he was acting in self-defence after the complainant flew into a violent rage, obtained a shotgun and began threatening to kill J.M.

The trial judge accepted J.M.’s evidence and found him not guilty of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. As a result of his admission to the firearms offences, the judge agreed with Cory and discharged J.M. which means he was left with no criminal record for this incident.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. D.S.

Violent Offences

D.S. was charged with a number of offences including aggravated assault as a result of a stabbing that occurred outside of a bar. The victim of the stabbing nearly died from his wounds but fortunately made a full recovery. Video surveillance showed D.S. involved in an altercation inside the bar with a group of individuals including the victim. Witnesses reported that D.S. told the group that if he saw any of them outside the bar, he was going to kill them. Several hours later at closing time, the victim and two other men left the bar. The three men were approached by a man wielding a large knife. Two of the men were able to run away but the victim became trapped in the doorway of the now closed bar. Video surveillance captured the victim being stabbed several times, but the identity of the perpetrator was not clear. However, the clothes worn by the perpetrator were similar to that being worn by D.S. inside the bar.

After reviewing the disclosure, Cory found significant defects in the Crown’s case. While the clothing was similar to that being worn by D.S., this would not be enough to identify D.S. as the individual who stabbed the victim. After lengthy resolution discussions, the Crown withdrew the charges.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. K.S.

Violent Offences

K.S. was charged with second degree murder after his elderly wife passed away. Her death was a result of blunt force trauma caused by her falling down a steep staircase in the matrimonial home. There were no witnesses to the incident and the case against K.S. was purely circumstantial. One of the main pieces of circumstantial evidence was the suspicious behavior of K.S. prior to calling 9-1-1. K.S. removed both he and his wife’s clothes and put them in the washing machine. He then placed new clothes on himself and his wife. When police arrived at the residence, K.S. said he found his wife at the bottom of the stairs and changed her clothes to protect her dignity.

The autopsy found injuries consistent with falling down a steep flight of stairs. There was no evidence to support the Crown’s theory that K.S. pushed his wife down the stairs and washed the clothes to destroy evidence. As a result, the Crown withdrew the charges against K.S.

Result: Charges Dismissed. No Criminal Record.

R v. C.C.

Violent Offences

C.C. was charged with aggravated assault after a child in her day home suffered a serious head injury. C.C. was detained and interviewed by police for over 8 hours. During this time, she asserted her right to silence on 24 occasions. The interviewing police officer used the Reid Technique which was designed to extract confessions. For over 8 hours, the officer subjected C.C. to a prolonged interview by engaging in lengthy monologues, constant interruptions and persistent questioning. At the end of the interview, C.C. confessed to throwing the child to the ground, causing him significant injury. Despite her confession, C.C. declared her innocence and the matter proceeded to a preliminary inquiry.

At the preliminary inquiry, the Crown sought to admit C.C.’s confession. Cory provided the trial judge with extensive written submissions detailing the significant issues with the officer’s use of the Reid Technique. In painstaking detail, Cory outlined how C.C.’s free will was overborne to the point she told the officer what she wanted to hear – a confession. The trial judge was directed to video of the “confession” in which C.C. can be seen shrugging and asking the officer if her description of throwing the child was correct. The judge, in a blistering decision, denounced the use of the Reid Technique in the strongest terms and found that C.C. did not confess on her own free will. The confession was excluded and without any other evidence of guilt, the charge against C.C. was dismissed.

Result: Reduced Charge From Murder to Manslaughter.

R v. N.N.

Violent Offences

N.N. was charged with first degree murder and offering an indignity to a body. The police theory was that the murder was a gangland hit and the post-murder beheading of the victim was to send a message to a rival gang. The case against N.N. was almost entirely circumstantial. N.N. pled not guilty and the matter was set for trial.

After an in-depth review of the disclosure, Cory and co-counsel, Derek of Jugnauth (Wolch Watts Wilson & Jugnauth), concluded that there was insufficient evidence to convict N.N. of first degree murder. There were significant gaps in the Crown’s theory that could not be remedied at trial. As a result of the significant issues discovered by Cory and Derek, the Crown agreed to reduce the charge to manslaughter on the day of trial.

Result: Successful Appeal. New Trial Ordered

R v. J.H.

Violent Offences

J.H. was charged with being one of five individuals involved in a violent home invasion. At the house were a number of individuals including women and children. The trial took place over three weeks and involved close to 15 witnesses, a wire-tap voir dire and numerous applications. At trial, many of the witnesses gave contradictory evidence that should have caused the trial judge to conduct a reliability assessment for each of the witnesses. Unfortunately, the trial judge failed to provide any reasons why he chose to believe certain witnesses despite significant issues with their evidence. J.H. and the other co-accused were convicted.

Cory Wilson appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal arguing that the trial judge failed to provide any meaningful reasons and showed no path to conviction. The three-judge panel agreed with Cory and ordered a new trial.

Result: Charges dismissed mid-trial

R v. A.Y.

Violent Offences

In a case right out of television, identical twins were charged with a number of criminal offences, including stabbing two people causing significant bodily harm. The case was circumstantial and relied on DNA found at the scene. Identical twins have identical DNA which made proving who was at the scene incredibly difficult. The Crown Prosecutor proceeded to trial on the basis of party liability under section 21 of the Criminal Code in which she wouldn’t have to provide who did the stabbing, just that both were present and knew the stabbing was going to occur.

At trial, Cory Wilson took the lead and vigorously cross-examined each of the witnesses, taking apart the Crown’s case, witness by witness. Cory also won a serious of important evidentiary applications brought by the prosecutor to allow inadmissible evidence in at trial. After the first week of the scheduled two week trial, the Crown asked the judge to dismiss the charges against both accuseds because there was no likelihood of conviction.

Despite a third co-accused identifying A.Y. and his twin brother as the guilty parties, the evidence was not admitted at trial and A.Y. won his case. This was the best possible scenario as A.Y. was facing significant jail time if found guilty.

Result: Conditional Discharge. No Criminal Record

R v. C.Y.

Theft & Fraud Offences

C.Y. was caught with over $40,000 of stolen property after a police raid on his property. The stolen property was tied to a number of break-ins across the city. The client was detained for several days before Cory was retained and had the client released on bail the same day. The client was charged with a number of charges including multiple counts of theft and possession of stolen property.

After reviewing the voluminous disclosure, it was evident the police failed to conduct a thorough investigation. There were a number of issues with the search warrant that resulted in the Crown having to withdraw a number of charges. Cory was able to convince the Crown to roll the remaining charges into two counts and successfully obtained a conditional discharge. This was a very favourable result in which the client was left with no criminal record.

Result: Charge Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v R.B.

Theft & Fraud Offences

R.B. was charged with theft and fraud under $5,000 after it was discovered she was stealing from her employer. The client was a cashier at a sporting goods store and was doing false returns to her credit card. After her employer became suspicious of missing money, R.B. confessed to the scheme. In total, the client stole just under $5,000.

After lengthy negotiations with the prosecutor, Cory was able to have the charges diverted to Alternative Measures. After writing a letter of apology and competing community service, the criminal charges were withdrawn. This was the best possible outcome as the client was left with no criminal record.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. T.G.

Theft & Fraud Offences

The client was charged with theft under $5,000 for shoplifting a number of small items from am electronics store. T.G. was caught by a loss prevention officer and handed back the multiple stolen items.

After reviewing disclosure and getting a detailed client background, Cory was able to have his client’s matter diverted into Alternative Measures. After completing community service, the charge was withdrawn. This was the best possible outcome as T.G. was left with no criminal record.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. A.L.

Theft & Fraud Offences

The client was charged with theft under $5,000 after being caught shoplifting a jacket at a major department store. A.L. entered the store with no jacket, selected a new jacket, tore the tags off and attempted to leave the store wearing the jacket. After being detained by a loss prevention officer, police attended and charged the client with theft under $5,000.

A.L. was employed at the airport with security clearance requiring a clear criminal record. Cory was able to have the client diverted into Alternative Measures. After making a small charitable donation, the charge was withdrawn. This left the client with no criminal record and he was able to keep his employment.

R v. S.M.

Theft & Fraud Offences

S.M. was alleged to be part of an organized shoplifting group that would steal thousands of dollars of merchandise in a very brief period of time. It was alleged that S.M.’s role was to distract the employees while the rest of the group would quickly steal as much as they could.

After reviewing disclosure, Cory found that other than S.M. being in the same store as the shoplifting group, there was no evidence tying her to the group. The Crown Prosecutor offered to resolve the matter by way of Alternative Measures. Cory pushed back and said the Crown had no likelihood of conviction and therefore the diversion program was inappropriate. The prosecutor agreed and withdrew all of the theft under $5,000 charges. This was the best outcome as it left the client with no criminal record.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R. v. Y.N.

Theft & Fraud Offences

The client was charged with theft under $5,000 after he was observed placing clothes into the basket under his walker. After walking around the store for some time, the client walked out of the store without paying for the items.

Cory was retained and ordered disclosure. After reviewing the CCTV, it was clear that Y.N. honestly forgot about the items. The video captured him leaving the store, looking in his basket and then walking back into the store when he was apprehended. As a result of bringing this to the Crown’s attention, the charge was withdrawn. This was the best outcome for the client because it saved him a considerable amount of stress and legal fees.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record

R v. T.S.

Theft & Fraud Offences

T.S. was shopping at Superstore when he was observed concealing a number of high-priced electronics in a bag in his shopping cart. He went through a self-checkout and paid for everything but the concealed items. A loss prevention officer was waiting for T.S. as he exited the store. Due to the price of stolen items, T.S. was charged with theft over $5,000.

T.S. originally hired another lawyer who was unable to have the charge withdrawn. T.S. then hired Cory who immediately met with a Crown Prosecutor. Cory was able to convince the Crown to amend the charge to theft under $5,000 and have it diverted into Alternative Measures.

After T.S. made a charitable donation, Cory had his charge withdrawn. This was the best outcome as it left the client with no criminal record.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. B. Y.

Theft & Fraud Offences

After being observed switching price tags on merchandise at a major department store, B.Y. was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000. Cory obtained disclosure and immediately began resolution discussions with the Crown Prosecutor. As a result, B.Y. was diverted into the Alternative Measures Program.

After successfully making a very small charitable donation, Cory had the criminal charge withdrawn. This was the best possible outcome in the circumstances.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. S.V.

Theft & Fraud Offences

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. This was the best possible outcome as it allowed S.V. to continue her employment as a result of having no criminal record.

Result: Conditional Sentence Order. No jail time.

R v. M.M.

Theft & Fraud Offences

M.M. was the treasurer for a local non-profit club and had full autonomy over the club’s finances. After several vendors complained that they were not being paid, the president of the club asked M.M. why the bills were not being paid. At that point, M.M. confessed that she had taken over $40,000 from the club and resigned. Police conducted a brief investigation but failed to try to make any meaningful steps to arrest M.M. for eight years.

Between the time of the offence and arrest, M.M. had taken incredible rehabilitative steps to overcome her serious gambling addiction that was the reason the funds were stolen. Despite having a strong argument for a stay of charges based on the police failing to execute the warrant for eight years, M.M. took full responsibility for her offence and pled guilty. The Alberta Court of Appeal has made it very clear that but for exceptional circumstances, those who commit these sorts of offences in relation to their position of trust should be sentenced to jail. The Crown Prosecutor was seeking a period of one year jail and restitution. Cory successfully argued that the appropriate sentence was one served in the community. M.M. was sentence to a Conditional Sentence Order, otherwise known as house arrest, with exceptions for such things as work, community service, grocery shopping and to attend church.

This was the best outcome for M.M. after having pled guilty as she avoided a lengthy jail sentence that would have no doubt destroyed her life.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record

R v. S.Z.

Theft & Fraud Offences

After being observed changing price tags on fishing accessories at a Canadian Tire, S.Z. was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000. He had no previous criminal record and was incredibly scared that a conviction would cause issues with his citizenship application.

After reviewing the disclosure, Cory met with the Crown Prosecutor and negotiated to have S.Z. enter the Alternative Measures Program. After he successfully completed the program, the criminal charge was withdrawn.

This was the best outcome for S.Z. as he was left with no criminal record. Importantly, this incident didn’t affect his citizenship application.

Result: Probation. No Jail Time.

R v. A.T.

Theft & Fraud Offences

A.T. was charged with 37 counts of theft and various breach and failure to appear in court charges. The charges spanned a period of several months and the thefts were all of low dollar amounts. During the period of time when the charges occurred, A.T. was addicted to opioids and primarily living on the street. He was stealing items simply to purchase drugs to fuel his addiction. The Crown Prosecutor’s initial sentencing position was jail. Cory met with the prosecutor and provided documentation of the significant steps A.T. took including residential treatment. After lengthy resolution discussions, the Crown agreed to withdrawn the majority of the charges and enter into a joint submission for a suspended sentence and period of probation in which A.T. was to continue his ongoing treatment.

This was an incredible outcome for A.T. who was able to avoid jail time.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. J.Y.

Theft & Fraud Offences

Our client was charged with theft as a result that occurred in her workplace. While on break, she noticed an open purse that was left unattended. J.Y. went through the purse and stole money from the wallet. After the owner of the purse noticed money was missing, management viewed CCTV footage and observed our client stealing the money. Police were called and our client confessed to stealing the money.

At first, the prosecutor was seeking a criminal record as this was an employee theft. However, Cory Wilson was able to convince the prosecutor that the theft was a matter of impulse and had the matter diverted into Alternative Measures. As a result, J.Y. had her charge withdrawn and was left with no criminal record. This was the best possible outcome.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. S.P.

Theft & Fraud Offences

S.P. was charged with shoplifting after removing shaving blades from the secure rack and placing them in her pocket. After paying for lessor priced items, she attempted to walk out the doors of the grocery store. When she arrived in the parking lot, she was stopped by a loss prevention officer and subsequently admitted to stealing the blades when police arrived.

After meeting with a prosecutor, Cory Wilson was able to have the theft charge withdrawn after our client made a small charitable donation and wrote a letter of apology. As a result of this great resolution, S.P. was left with no criminal record.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. L.D.

Theft & Fraud Offences

L.D. was charged with shoplifting and assault as a result of an incident that occurred when she attempted to steal make-up from Shoppers Drug Mart. When the loss prevention officer tried to stop her from leaving the store, she assaulted him in her attempt to escape. As a result of resolution discussions with the Crown Prosecutor, Cory Wilson was able to have his client’s charges diverted into the Alternative Measures Program. After making a charitable donation, the two criminal charges were withdrawn which was the best possible outcome for the client.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record.

R v. G.P.

Theft & Fraud Offences

G.P. was charged with theft under $5,000 as a result of a “grab and dash” from Home Depot. After selecting a power drill, G.P. ran out the door to a waiting vehicle. There was heavy traffic in the parking lot and a loss prevention officer was able to stop the vehicle and detain G.P. while awaiting police.

Cory Wilson was able to get the charges withdrawn after G.P. made a small charitable donation. As a result, G.P. was left with no criminal record. This was the best outcome for G.P.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record

R v. A.A.

Theft & Fraud Offences

A.A. was observed at Superstore placing electronics on the bottom of her cart and then proceeding to fill the cart with groceries. After paying for the groceries, A.A. failed to pay for the electronics, worth several thousand dollars, and walked out of the store. Superstore security caught her loading the electronics in her car and confronted her. Upon confrontation, A.A. left her trunk open and ran away. Police attended her house and placed her under arrest.

After resolution discussions with the prosecutor, Cory Wilson was able to have the charges withdrawn by entering A.A. into the Alternative Measures Program. After making a charitable donation, the charges were withdrawn and A.A. was left with no criminal record.

Result: Charges Withdrawn. No Criminal Record

R v. K.T.

Theft & Fraud Offences

The client was observed swapping price tags on merchandise at a Sunglass Hut. After trying to pay based on the lower price, she was stopped and subsequently arrested by police. K.T. was a university student and was scared that a criminal conviction was going to ruin her life.

Cory Wilson was able to have the charges withdrawn after K.T. did 10 hours of community service. As a result of this positive outcome, K.T. continued with her studies and didn’t have to worry about a criminal record affecting her life. This was the best possible outcome for K.T.

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