Appellate practice is an increasingly specialized and complex area of the criminal law.

For many clients, their involvement in the criminal justice system will not end at the completion of their trial or sentencing. Both the Defence and Prosecution have a broad right to appeal verdicts and sentences. Depending on the nature of the offence or appeal itself, these rights of appeal may extend all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Appellate practice is an increasingly specialized and complex area of the criminal law. Increasingly, criminal law firms are refusing to conduct appeals because of demanding time lines, rigid filing rules and the significant preparation time involved to assess, prepare and file the written submissions required prior to arguing an appeal. A typical murder appeal, for example, will involve the careful review of sometimes thousands of pages of trial transcripts. New rules for such appeals also require them to be filed in electronic form. Dawson Stevens & Shaigec is one of only a few Edmonton based firms who has invested in the computer software and training required for electronic appeals.

The appeals practice in our firm is headed up by Laura K. Stevens,Q.C. and Mona T. Duckett, Q.C.. Together they represent over 50 years of appellate court experience. They have prepared and argued appeals at every appellate level, including the Alberta Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada. Working with Laura and Mona in our appeal group are Lauren Garcia, Sarah DeSouza and Graham Johnson.

If you are seeking assistance for a criminal appeal please contact Laura Stevens or Mona Duckett at our main Edmonton number, or email them direct at [email protected] or [email protected] .