Diverting Charges Outside of the Criminal Justice System in Calgary

What are Non-Criminal Resolutions?

This page provides location-specific information on diversion programs in Calgary. For a broad overview of diversion more generally, please see our general diversion FAQ.

Who is Eligible for Non-Criminal Resolutions?

While certain circumstances are more likely to be resolved through non-criminal resolution, the discretion to divert a charge out of the criminal system lies solely with the Crown Prosecutor.

In Calgary, there is a specialized unit of prosecutors called the Early Case Resolution (ECR) unit dedicated to reviewing cases for resolution.

Whether you are eligible for a diversion program, and what specific diversion programs are available to you is highly context specific. It will depend on several factors, including the specific charges you are facing and your criminal history.

For more information on eligibility, please see our general diversion FAQ or contact one of our dedicated criminal defence lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case.

Types of Non-Criminal Resolutions

Many different diversion programs are available in Calgary. These include the Alternative Measures Program, the Youth Extrajudicial Sanctions Program (for people aged 12 up to 18), peace bonds (Criminal Code s.810 or common law), and Mental Health Diversion.

Moreover, Indigenous offenders may access the Calgary Indigenous Court (CIC). The CIC was established in 2019 and seeks to take a culturally relevant, restorative, and holistic approach to justice. The court primarily handles bail and sentencing hearings, and if probation is seen as a just solution, the offender may be provided with a Healing Plan to help reintegrate them into their community.

What’s Next?

To learn more about how we can help, please contact our team of Calgary criminal defence lawyers. We will conduct a thorough review of your situation and tailor a precise strategy that targets your successful defence.

Resolutions FAQs 

  1. What is the adult alternative measures program?
  2. How can I get my charges diverted to the alternative measures program?
  3. What is mental health diversion (MHD)?
  4. How can I get mental health diversion?
  5. What is a peace bond?
  6. How will a peace bond affect my criminal record?

Client Reviews

Michael Oykhman is a very professional lawyer and the first time I spoke to him he asked about my situation and he gave me some very helpful advice and assistance and also told me his odds of winning this case. During the days I was in contact with micheal I could feel the level of professionalism of him and his team, he is able to respond back to you with any questions you have within 24 hours. In the end he was as successful in helping me win my case as he had initially promised me.If you are still struggling to find a lawyer, I highly recommend Michael Oykhman.

R.W.

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Y.
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P.D.

This law firm is your go-to!

I had the pleasure of working and trusting my case with Joseph Beller. I had 2 counts against me, and in the end, Joseph was able to present and use his “fighter skills” in court to have my charges lowered to a conditional discharge. On top of this, this firm follows its mission values statement by being ethical, transparent, available, and very friendly. Joseph and his team treated me with the utmost respect from start to finish. Thank you again, Joseph! I hope to never call you again 😊

R.R.

Joseph Beller, from the very beginning when I first contacted and then retained Joseph as my representative I felt I was in good hands. When I emailed him with a question. I got a prompt response. We communicated often on the phone as needed. Joseph kept me informed as to the process. He made sure I knew all the potential results so I knew and could plan for the different outcomes. I know this his his job. But appreciate his professionalism and also his ability to not make me feel any extra stress. Well done.

N.B.
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