If you or a loved one have been charged with a criminal offence, the first thing you need to do is retain the services of an experienced criminal defence lawyer. At Gracia Law, we help alleviate some of the tension and worry by explaining your options, avoiding a possible conviction, and violations of your rights. Paul is an experienced trilingual criminal defence lawyer who strives to look into all aspects of the case where it may be possible to get the charges dismissed. He is a skilled and forceful advocate who aims to provide effective and professional representations to every client. Being charged with a criminal offence should be considered serious regardless of its severity. Minor offences such as impaired driving and shoplifting have consequences if the outcome is a guilty plea, plea arrangement or guilty verdict. As such, these possible sentences result in a permanent criminal record, court fines and fees, restitution, probation, travel restrictions, and imprisonment

If you have opted for a court appointed lawyer, they may not necessarily be working in your best interests as they are often overloaded with cases and simply want to get them resolved quickly. What people do not realize is it is not up to the Crown lawyer or their criminal defence lawyer to determine their sentence. Rather, it is the judges who make this decision. While there are sentencing guidelines judges can follow, they are essentially free to impose any sentence they deem fits with the charges. So, if they want to set an example for the community by imposing a harsher sentence for a crime such as imprisonment, they have the right to do so, even when guidelines do not necessary recommend jail time. Therefore, it is in your best interests to retain the services of an experienced criminal defence lawyer such as Paul Gracia who is qualified to represent you. At Gracia Law, we successfully defend clients on a broad range of criminal charges in the Calgary and Southern Alberta region. more... See more text