Criminal Defence Lawyer — Nanaimo & All of BC
Charges Are Serious.
So Are We.
Zargarian Litigation defends clients facing any criminal charge across BC — from a first offence to a serious trial. You speak directly with an experienced criminal defence lawyer. Not a student. Not an assistant.
Babak Zargarian • Zoe Arghandewal
Criminal Defence Lawyers — Nanaimo, BC
Experienced Criminal Defence.
Result-Driven.
At Zargarian Litigation, Babak Zargarian and Zoe Arghandewal handle every file personally. You will never be handed off to a student or a junior. When you call, you speak with an experienced lawyer.
Criminal defence is not just about knowing the law — it is a practical, learned skill, built through thousands of real cases. We read files thoroughly, identify what can be proven, and develop a defence strategy that is both legally sound and grounded in the realities of your case and the outcome that matters most to you.
We have appeared at all levels of court in BC, including the BC Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. We know the local Crown Counsel and court practices across Vancouver Island and much of BC — and that knowledge directly benefits our clients.
Babak Zargarian
Babak Zargarian is a Nanaimo-based criminal defence lawyer who takes cases across BC — from Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert. He has conducted cases at every level of court in BC and before the Supreme Court of Canada. One of few lawyers who practices in both trials and appeals, he brings exceptional legal knowledge and real courtroom experience to all his cases. In court he is known for fearless advocacy, thorough preparation, and creative solutions to difficult problems.
Zoe Arghandewal
Zoe Arghandewal is a criminal defence lawyer at Zargarian Litigation. She gained early experience in serious criminal matters, including multi-accused murder trials. She defends clients across all charge types and is known for meticulous preparation, clear communication, effective advocacy at trial and practical solutions. Zoe ensures her clients understand what is happening at every stage and are actively involved in the decisions that matter.
We defend all criminal charges across Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, and BC. Every charge carries real consequences. We treat every case that way.
Sexual Assault
Among the most serious charges in the Criminal Code. Procedurally complex, stigma begins at allegation.
Learn More →Assault
Domestic violence, choking, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm.
Learn More →Drug Charges
Possession, trafficking, production, and import across all controlled substances.
Learn More →Impaired Driving & DUI
Criminal impaired driving, over 80, IRP disputes, dangerous driving.
Learn More →Firearms & Weapons
Unsafe storage, prohibited weapons, trafficking, pointing a firearm.
Learn More →Theft & Fraud
Shoplifting, theft over $5,000, fraud, possession of stolen property.
Learn More →Uttering Threats
Criminal threats, criminal harassment, intimidation, voyeurism.
Learn More →Criminal Appeals
Conviction and sentence appeals at the BC Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada.
Learn More → Don’t see your charge? We defend against any charge. If you are charged with anything in BC, call us. All Charges →Legal Knowledge + Practical Strategy
We combine thorough legal analysis with practical judgment. We understand how the system works, what people are likely to think, and what arguments actually land in the courts we appear in every week.
Honest Advice on Real Options
We tell clients the truth about their situation — what the risks are, what the options are, and what we recommend. You make the decisions. We give you the clearest possible picture to make them well.
Defence Built From Day One
Good defence starts the moment you call, not the week before trial. We get the disclosure early, assess the file thoroughly, and identify what the case actually requires — whether that is a Charter application, a specific expert, a particular line of cross-examination, or something else. For every case, we know what needs to be done and how to do it.
From Negotiation to Jury Trial
We handle the full spectrum — from a negotiated deal that spares a client the stress and cost of trial, to a hard-fought jury trial in the Supreme Court of BC. The right approach depends on the case. We have done the cases, and we know what each one takes.
We tell you what it costs before we start. No hourly rates. No unexpected numbers. No surprise invoices.
Free Initial Consultation
Your first call costs nothing and carries no obligation. We discuss your situation, answer your questions honestly, and give you a clear sense of what you are facing and what we can do about it. There is no pressure and no commitment required.
Flat Rate — Agreed in Advance
Criminal cases move in stages — typically, investigation, file review and assessment, and trial and sentencing. We quote fees by stage, and you know exactly what each stage costs before it begins. No hourly billing. No anxiety. No unexpected numbers.
For more detail, see our Legal Fees page →
Being charged is disorienting. Most people have no idea what happens next, what a lawyer actually does, or how long a case takes. Here is an overview of the process — where we come in and what we do at every stage.
Stop. Don’t speak to police. Don’t contact witnesses. Don’t go to court alone. Call us — it’s free, confidential, and protected by solicitor-client privilege. We know exactly what to do.
The first step is a free consultation. You tell us what happened — we tell you where you stand, what to expect, and what it will cost. Everything discussed is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Once retained, we appear in court on your behalf. You do not need to attend the first appearances, which are generally procedural — most clients only appear at the end, when it actually matters. We handle everything.
The Crown must disclose all evidence against you. We obtain the full disclosure package — police reports, witness statements, video, records — review it thoroughly, and talk with you about it. This is where the defence starts.
After reviewing the file, we meet with you and give you our honest assessment. We tell you what the Crown can and cannot prove, what defences are available, what outcomes are realistic, and what we recommend. You make the decision — we give you everything you need to make it clearly.
Most cases involve negotiation with Crown Counsel before any trial. We deal with Crown on your behalf, identify weaknesses in their case, and push for the best available resolution — whether that is charges dropped, a reduced charge, or an outcome that avoids the worst consequences.
Depending on your case, we bring Charter applications, disclosure motions, or other pre-trial arguments that can exclude evidence, stay charges, or fundamentally shift the landscape before trial begins. This work is often where cases are won.
If the case proceeds to trial, we are ready. We try cases before judges and juries, at Provincial Court and BC Supreme Court. If a negotiated resolution is the right outcome, we secure the best one available — no record, no jail, or a significantly reduced charge.
If sentencing follows, we advocate hard. Strong submissions can be the difference between jail and no jail, a record and a discharge. If there are grounds for appeal — at any level — we handle that too.
For a detailed overview of criminal procedure in BC: Stages of a Criminal Defence Case →
Examples of real outcomes achieved for clients across Nanaimo and BC. Every case is different — past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Call us to discuss what is realistic in your situation.
My case had a 50/50 shot at trial. Babak uncovered serious Charter breaches, won the pretrial, won the trial, and then won back property that had been seized illegally. Five cases total — I keep going back because I know he has my back. I trust him with my life.
— L.R.Babak was professional, knowledgeable, friendly and compassionate. In court he is confident, determined, and an excellent defender. When we won our case, he congratulated us with the enthusiasm of someone who had been truly rooting for us, not just collecting a paycheck. He is the absolute best.
— M.J.I was working with a different lawyer for 9 months, and within a week of hiring Babak he made progress and had my case settled. He took the time to make sure I understood everything clearly, and actually listened to my story. Very happy with the service.
— A.C.Based in Nanaimo, we appear regularly in courts across Vancouver Island and throughout BC. We are well-known to Crown Counsel and court staff in each jurisdiction. Wherever your case is, we can help.
Don’t Wait — Speak With a Lawyer Today
The decisions you make now can determine the outcome of your entire case. Do not speak to police. Do not contact witnesses. Call us first.
Call now for a no-obligation, confidential & free discussion. Available 24/7.
250-713-8821All information shared with us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.