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Criminal law is one of the most challenging fields in the legal profession today. Each case carries immense weight—both in terms of legal outcomes and impact on human lives. The stakes are extraordinarily high, with clients facing potential loss of freedom, reputation, and livelihood. Yet despite this intensity, criminal defense lawyers often battle misconceptions and stigma that affect their crucial role in the justice system.
Strategic Criminal Defence, one of Calgary’s leading criminal law firms, believes there is a way out of these misconceptions. How? Prioritizing exceptional customer care and building meaningful relationships with clients.
Founded by senior criminal lawyer and Calgary Defence Lawyers Association and Calgary Bar Association member Michael Oykhman, the firm has successfully defended over 10,000 cases across Canada and has been awarded by ThreeBestRated as one of the best Criminal Defence Lawyers in Calgary. It is guided by core values of service, results, integrity, teamwork, drive, and strategy.
Breaking misconceptions about criminal defence
Criminal defense lawyers are often viewed with misconceptions about their role in the justice system. Many believe attorneys either only defend guilty individuals, employ unethical tactics, or care solely about financial gain rather than justice. These perceptions can create barriers for individuals seeking legal representation during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
Strategic Criminal Defence seeks to change these stereotypes by demonstrating that criminal defense is not about excusing wrongdoing but ensuring fairness, protecting rights, and supporting those navigating complex legal challenges. It redefines what it means to advocate for justice by placing clients at the heart of its practice.
Oykhman explains, “We’re here to ensure that every individual receives fair treatment under the law and has access to a defense that considers their unique circumstances. Changing this perception starts with how we treat our clients—with empathy, respect, and support.”
Building trust through client-centered advocacy
A focus on transparency
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful legal relationship, particularly criminal defense. Strategic Criminal Defence has built a trusting relationship with its clients by understanding their unique needs and tailoring its strategies accordingly. The firm’s approach emphasizes transparency and open communication from the initial consultation through case resolution.
They involve clients in every step of their case and explain complex legal processes in clear, accessible language. They discuss potential outcomes, challenges, and timelines to ensure clients have realistic expectations and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their defense.
A reliable partner during hard times
Understanding that legal emergencies don’t follow business hours, Strategic Criminal Defence offers 24/7 available customer service to ensure clients have access to support when needed. This round-the-clock commitment provides peace of mind during high-stress situations requiring quick decisions.
Additionally, the firm offers flexible payment structures to reduce financial stress during difficult times, recognizing that legal troubles often come with significant financial burdens.
This comprehensive approach to client care goes beyond legal representation to include emotional support and reassurance. It addresses both the legal and personal aspects of criminal cases to create a supportive environment where clients feel valued and understood.
Operating on nothing but excellence
Oykhman understands that the ultimate goal in any legal case is for a victory. To achieve this, Strategic Criminal Defence’s team of over 20 lawyers, led by Oykhman, collaborate closely to share insights and expertise, ensuring every client benefits from a collective wealth of knowledge and experience.
This team-based approach allows the firm to handle a wide range of cases—from impaired driving and domestic violence to youth offenses—while maintaining a high standard of personalized service. With these streamlined operations and efficient call-handling protocols, the firm ensures that urgent matters receive immediate attention while allowing attorneys to focus on their core responsibilities without constant interruptions.
“Our clients come to us during some of the hardest moments of their lives,” Oykhman mentions. “It’s our responsibility to not only provide strong legal representation but also to be a source of reassurance and guidance. We earn trust through actions—by being there for our clients and delivering on our promises.”
Results that speak
When client care becomes the company’s foundation, it shows, and Strategic Criminal Defence’s track record attests to this. The firm’s impressive portfolio — defending over 10,000 cases across Canada — demonstrates that exceptional client care and legal excellence go hand in hand.
However, perhaps the most telling indicator of their success is their client feedback. With over 500 five-star Google reviews, Strategic Criminal Defence has built a reputation that directly challenges the stereotypes surrounding criminal defense lawyers. These reviews consistently highlight the firm’s legal expertise and the support they provide throughout the legal process.
Oykhman explains, “For Strategic Criminal Defence, this purpose is reflected in our extensive portfolio of successful client stories. These reviews highlight the legal victories and the meaningful relationships we foster with our clients.”
Building a strong foundation
Despite its years of success in the industry, Oykhman acknowledges that the path has not been without challenges. Strategic Criminal Defence has experienced its share of difficult moments — cases with unexpected turns, clients with complex needs, and the inherent unpredictability of the criminal justice system. However, Oykhman views these challenges not as setbacks but as critical learning opportunities that have strengthened the firm’s approach to client care.
“No law firm is perfect; there is always room to learn and grow,” Oykhman mentions. “Our willingness to evolve with every case we take on sets us apart. We are committed to improving beyond refining legal strategies and finding new ways to build trust–trust from clients who turn to us in their most vulnerable moments, knowing we will stand by them and advocate for their best interests.”
Oykhman and the entire Strategic Criminal Defence team recognize that their journey to change perceptions about criminal lawyers is ongoing. However, with each client served, each case was successfully defended, and with each positive review shared, they believe misconceptions are slowly turning into trust in the company and the system. This demonstrates that criminal lawyers can be trusted advisors, advocates, and allies during life’s most challenging moments.
