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Criminal law impacts everyone.
“Facing criminal charges can be life-changing,” says criminal defence lawyer and owner and operator of Nicola Law Group, Danielle Ching McNamee.
“While this experience may not affect everyone, it is imperative individuals know what to do next if they are."
The importance of knowing your rights and who you can get to help you understand the criminal justice system cannot be understated. Getting the right legal counsel to help you navigate the criminal process for you can affect the future of your life if you are charged with a criminal offence or are confronted with criminal allegations.”
Nicola Law Group is a powerhouse of experience in defending clients against all types of criminal charges.
That runs the gamut from impaired driving, dangerous driving, sex and violent offences and drug offences to firearm offences and homicide, including first-degree murder.
Nicola Law Group’s lawyers have a combined 50 years of experience in criminal-law defence.
“I spend as much time in court as often as I can, and criminal law allows me to do that,” says Neil Wiberg, who has worked on more than 80 murder cases in his more-than-three-decade career
“As a defence lawyer, I am passionate about helping people who think that they are not being heard or have not been treated fairly. I like to use my experience and courtroom talents to deliver the best possible results for my clients.
Neil was appointed to the Queen’s Counsel in Alberta in 2006 and is also a guest speaker at Thompson Rivers University’s Faculty of Law.
“The practice of criminal law is exciting,” says Lana Walker, associate counsel at Nicola Law Group, who also works at TRU’s Faculty of Law as assistant dean.
“The law is interesting, and as a trial lawyer, you get a good balance of preparation in the office and attending court.”
When it comes to a criminal trial, Lana prepares for the unknown and the unexpected.
“This involves concentrated, meticulous work and reflection, because the litigation stage is often fast-paced and dynamic,” she says.
“This is why careful preparation is so important. I genuinely enjoy the advocacy involved in running a trial.
Danielle graduated from TRU Law School as a gold medalist recipient before clerking with several justices of the Supreme Court of BC.
She worked for several years under the mentorship of an exceptional senior criminal litigator who has been appointed a justice
“Being a criminal defence lawyer is more than just knowing the law or strategizing for a client’s defence,” she explains.
“The interaction a criminal defence lawyer has with their client, the Court, law enforcement and the Crown boil down to a common denominator: human relationships. At its core, if you can relate individually with the person you are interacting with no matter a client or other criminal justice participant, you position yourself to better understand the other party’s position more clearly. That goes a long way towards the appropriate resolution or litigation of a criminal file.”
Danielle also touts the support team she works with.
“Having an excellent legal assistant and office manager, like Nicola Law Group’s Shannon Robertson, is essential to the operation,” she sums up.
