FAQs

Why should I hire you?

Building a proper legal defence to any given case is like building a house. In addition to correct planning and design, good quality building materials and expertise are needed. Without these things, the house, and by anaogy, the legal defence collapses.

I have run many trials and have appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta and Ontario. I approach every case with thorough preparation, attention to detail, and passionate advocacy on behalf of my clients, both in and outside of the court room. As a result, I have obtained successful outcomes in a full range of cases and assisted clients from all walks of life.

When you hire me, you pay for me. This means that when you call the number 587-968-6721, you speak to me and not an administrative assistant, a student, or even a junior associate lawyer. I personally conduct the review, research, drafting, and appearances on your file. Unless you give me permission or in the case of an unforeseen emergency or scheduling conflict, I conduct all of your administrative appearances leading up to a trial or guilty plea. I maintain a low volume practice. Consequently, you are not paying bloated overhead for staff you will never interact with or multiple administrative assistants. I also maintain a financially conservative office space and work culture, so you are not paying for high priced downtown offices and parking, expensive art or lavish expense accounts.

I genuinely believe that every person facing a legal issue has a past, present, and future and is entitled to dedicated and reasonably priced legal representation.

What kind of fees do you charge?

I operate under a flexible fee system depending on the nature of the case and work required. My practice is primarily based on flat fees so that clients know exactly what they can expect to pay and can plan their lives accordingly. In certain cases, I also charge hourly and contingency fees.

I also accept legal aid certificates in relation to serious criminal cases and in exceptional circumstances. If you are presently charged with a criminal offence, you can apply for legal aid at your designated office.

If you have more questions about fee structure, please contact me for a free consultation below.

Does the information on your website count as legal advice?

No. The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute as legal advice, any professional advice, or opinion of any kind. No solicitor-client relationship arises as a result of accessing or reading the information on this website.

What is the best way to get a hold of you?

I am typically available by phone at 587-968-6721 or by email at yoav@yoavniv.ca. Unless it is a legal emergency I do not answer my phone or emails before 8 AM and after 8 PM. I do my best to return calls and emails as soon as I am available to respond.

Can you guarantee results in my case?

No lawyer can promise or guarantee the result of a court proceeding or criminal charge. While I strive to achieve the best possible outcome, each case turns on its own facts and there are many variables that determine the ultimate result. Any past litigation results mentioned on this website are not necessarily indicative of future results.

What is bail?

The term bail (or judicial interim release) refers to the release of a person from custody who is charged with a criminal offence while they wait for their trial.

What is a surety?

Securing bail is often the first and most important priority in a criminal case. Criminal trials can occur months and even years after the initial arrest of an accused. All individuals charged with a criminal offence have lives which can be severely disrupted by pre-trial custody. This includes employment, education, family, and accommodation obligations. Furthermore, accused persons who are outside of custody can more adequately prepare for trial or a guilty plea. This is particularly important when it comes to reviewing disclosure, obtaining support letters, and enrolling in counselling.

A surety is someone who comes to court and promises to supervise an accused person while they are out on bail. Depending on the nature of the case, a surety could be crucial in securing release. The surety promises an amount of money or even property to the court to ensure the accused follows their bail conditions. If you have more questions about sureties, please contact me for a free consultation below.

What happens at my first appearance in criminal court?

This is the most common question that is asked by persons charged with a criminal offence. When a person is charged and released, this typically occurs by way of a promise to appear issued by a police officer or a bail order issued by the court. They are given a first court appearance for a specific date and time. You are obligated to attend court for that appearance. If you don’t do so, this can result in consequences including a criminal charge of failing to appear, a warrant being issued for your arrest, and your bail being revoked. If you hire a lawyer, that lawyer can appear on your behalf, however, depending on the nature of the charge you would will need to meet with the lawyer in advance and sign documents allowing them to do so.

A common and very stressful misconception is that your first appearance is a trial or that you have to plead guilty or not guilty. This is not the case. The first appearance is just an administrative hearing. It is common that there is no disclosure or information available about your case prior to that hearing. While it is important that you attend, the prosecutor and the judge who are in court that day are usually unfamiliar with the case. Typically, accused persons either hire a lawyer to appear for them in advance, or appear themselves and ask the Court to schedule another court appearance at a later time such that they can hire a lawyer. If you have more questions about your first appearance, please contact me for a free consultation below.