Guinness Tower · Vancouver
Criminal defence, appeals and prison law
Criminal defence lawyers in Vancouver, from a first bail hearing to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Appeals won at the Supreme Court.
Donna Turko, KC, has argued and won appeals at the Supreme Court of Canada, the BC Court of Appeal and the Federal Court of Appeal. Her best-known case, May et al. v. Warden of Ferndale Institution, 2005 SCC 82, concerned habeas corpus for federal prisoners.
Ms. Turko received the Harry Rankin Pro Bono Award in 1998 and serves on the board of Legal Aid BC. She studied law at Dalhousie after a BA and MA in Sociology at UBC.
Defence at every stage of a case.
Criminal defence
Defence against criminal charges in BC courts, from first appearance to verdict.
Bail hearings, preliminary hearings and trials
We argue for your release, test the Crown's evidence and defend you at trial.
Sentencing hearings
Before sentence, we put the full picture of your life in front of the court.
Charter of Rights and Freedoms applications
Applications to exclude evidence or stay charges when the state breaches your rights.
Appeals and applications
Conviction and sentence appeals, up to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Extraordinary remedies
Certiorari, mandamus, prohibition and habeas corpus to correct unlawful decisions and detention.
Judicial review
Challenges to unfair or unlawful decisions by tribunals and government bodies.
Regulatory offences
Defence of provincial and federal regulatory charges.
Prison and parole law
Advice and advocacy for people serving federal sentences.
Parole detention and post-suspension hearings
Representation before the Parole Board of Canada when your release is at stake.
Prison transfers and visitation issues
Challenges to transfers and decisions that cut off family visits.
Five-star reviews on Google.
“Donna really took the time to fully understand my scenario. She is extremely well-versed, establishes connections to connect the dots, I cannot say enough good words about her as a lawyer, but thats enough words for here.”
“Donna was an amazing help for me she was prompt, professional and really cared about the details and outcome”
“Donna is fantastic. It was nice to have someone fight for me the way she did.”
Questions we hear in the first call.
I have been arrested or charged. What should I do first?
You have the right to speak to a lawyer, and you do not have to give police a statement. Call us at 604-801-6880 before you say anything about the allegation.
Can you take on my appeal if another lawyer ran my trial?
Yes. Many of our appeal clients come to us after trial. Time limits are short, often 30 days from sentencing, so call as early as you can.
Do you act for people in federal prison?
Yes. We handle parole detention and post-suspension hearings, transfers, visitation issues and habeas corpus applications for people serving federal sentences.
How do I book a consultation?
Call 604-801-6880 or send the contact form below. Consultations are held at our office in Guinness Tower on West Hastings.
Book a confidential consultation.
Call 604-801-6880 or send the form. Fax 604-801-6883. Suite 300, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver.