Criminal defence · Port Coquitlam & the Lower Mainland
Discreet, timely and effective representation.
If you have been charged — or might be charged — with a criminal offence, you need to launch an immediate, strong and decisive defence. An experienced, trusted criminal defence counsel is your first step.
After hours and emergencies: 604.818.1217 (24 hr)
Early action is important
An investigation does not have to end in a charge.
Through early intervention, detailed investigation and sound professional judgment, Phil has seen clients under police investigation — including for sexual offences and offences of violence — have their files closed before the matter was ever referred to Crown counsel.
In other cases, early discussions and written submissions to the prosecutor have persuaded the Crown not to lay a charge at all.
When should I hire a lawyer?
“As soon as you are aware that you are under investigation.”
Areas of practice
Every charge is treated as a serious matter.
For the person charged, the offence is serious — so every file receives the same care.
Murder & Manslaughter
The most serious charge a person can face. At times the right result is a plea to a lesser included offence.
Learn more →Fatality Cases
Dangerous or impaired driving and criminal negligence causing death or bodily harm.
Learn more →Fraud & Theft
From shoplifting and employee theft to intricate frauds — resolved discreetly wherever possible.
Learn more →Sexual Offences
Sexual assault, sexual interference and voyeurism. The best result is often no charge at all.
Learn more →Child Pornography
Defence that requires command of both the law and the technology involved.
Learn more →Drug Offences
Possession through production, trafficking and importing — search, seizure and Charter issues.
Learn more →Firearms
Often hunters and sport shooters facing storage or discharge charges.
Learn more →Spousal Assaults
Working toward a resolution that can re-unite the family and avoid trial.
Learn more →Driving Offences
Impaired, over .08, refusal, dangerous driving and driving while prohibited.
Learn more →Beyond the courtroom
The consequences can surface years later.
There can be unintended adverse consequences not only from a conviction, but from an investigation or a charge alone. As a former regulator — a Life Bencher of the Law Society of British Columbia — Phil brings a unique perspective to clients whose membership in a regulated profession or trade is at stake.
- Ministry of Children and Families
- Professional regulators — the Law Society, healthcare, engineering and accounting bodies
- Securities and financial trading registration
- Border crossing and international travel
- Any position requiring a criminal record check
Where Phil practises
Provincial and Supreme Court across the Lower Mainland and throughout Western Canada.
Contact
Speak with Phil in confidence.
- Office
- #6222 – 2850 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6K5
- Phone
- 604.520.6033
- par@riddell.bc.ca
- 24-hour emergency only
- 604.818.1217