Babak
Zargarian
B.A., J.D. — Criminal Defence Lawyer
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.
Babak is an experienced criminal defence lawyer and one of few in BC who practices in both trials and appeals — and that combination shapes how he approaches every file. Trial work sharpens practical judgment. Appeal work demands rigorous legal analysis. Each makes the other stronger, and clients at any stage benefit from both.
Whether you are under investigation, facing charges, weighing your options, negotiating a deal, heading to trial, or appealing a conviction — Babak handles every stage.
Every stage of a criminal case is critical. What feels like the right move early on — speaking to police, sending a message, going to court alone — can become one of the worst decisions you ever make. The sooner you have a criminal defence lawyer, the better.
BackgroundBC-Wide Practice.
Babak grew up in Nanaimo and studied philosophy and politics at Vancouver Island University, where he wrote award-winning and published papers on constitutional law. He studied law at the University of British Columbia — and opened his Vancouver office the day he was called to the bar. Criminal defence is all he has ever wanted to do, and Zargarian Litigation has been his practice from the start.
His roots on Vancouver Island give him a practical understanding of the communities, courts, and lawyers he works alongside every day. His appellate practice — including at the BC Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada — combined with extensive trial experience across BC, has built a level of legal knowledge and practical judgment that other lawyers regularly draw on. He is the kind of lawyer other lawyers call when they have a difficult question. Where a case calls for it, Babak brings in trusted colleagues — lawyers he knows well and whose abilities he can vouch for.
Criminal defence is a practical skill. It is built through years of assessing files, being in court, negotiating with Crown, and making arguments before judges and juries. Here is what that means for you.
You Deal With Babak Directly
Not a junior. Not a student. When you call, Babak answers. He handles your file personally from the first consultation through to the end — so nothing gets lost and nothing gets delegated.
Honest Advice From the Start
Babak tells you what he sees — the strengths, the weaknesses, the realistic options, and what each one means for you. No false promises. No vague answers. Just a clear picture of where you stand and where you could be.
Defence Built Around Your Case
We obtain the disclosure, review the evidence thoroughly, and go through the file with you. The strategy we develop is built around the facts of your case and what you need to achieve.
From Negotiation to Trial
Some cases resolve through negotiation. Others go to trial. Babak has done both — many times, across many types of charges. Whatever your case requires, he knows what it takes.
Youth sexual assault — client acquitted, charge not credible. Massage therapist — not guilty, reasonable doubt. Voyeurism — acquitted, Charter breaches led to exclusion of evidence. Assault — self-defence. Offences against administration of justice — acquittals based on procedural errors and deficient police investigations.
Sexual attack allegation — peace bond, charges dropped. Break and enter with sexual assault — charges dropped. Client struck officer during unlawful arrest — dropped. Dangerous driving over 220km/h — criminal charges dropped, traffic ticket instead. Arson — charges dropped after programming. Sexual assault, one-night encounter — dropped after tactics weakened the Crown's case. Assault causing bodily harm with serious injuries — dropped, self-defence.
Assault with a weapon — discharged. Assault with a weapon by car — discharged. Distributing intimate images and criminal harassment — discharged. Possession of child exploitation material — discharged. Sawed-off shotgun — no record. Serious impaired collision — no record.
Break and enter at night with sexual assault — no jail. Serious sexual assault circumstances — no jail. Client ran over victim with car — no jail. Aggravated assault causing broken ribs and collapsed lung — plea to lesser charge, no jail. Arson causing serious wildfire risk — no jail.
Sexual assault convictions overturned. Multiple convictions against patients — all overturned. Wildlife offence — 20-year firearms ban reduced to no weapons ban. Bylaw fine of $51,000 — reduced to $9,000 on appeal. Bail pending appeal obtained, securing freedom while conviction challenged.
We assess the file thoroughly, identify what the Crown can and cannot prove, and develop a practical strategy around what you need. Once retained, we handle everything — the court appearances, the Crown, the paperwork, the process. You can step back and let us build your case.
"Babak was an outstanding help through my multiple trial court case. He is great at communicating clearly, passionate and knowledgeable about his work, and most importantly — he cares. He made a heavy, confusing experience a lighter one that I could approach with more confidence."
N.P."After being charged with a case that was destined to ruin everything I have, Babak took on the case without judgment, communicated thoroughly and obtained the best ever resolution. I personally highly recommend him."
T.C."Super happy with the outcome Babak fought to get me. Very on-point, consistent communication all at the right times. Highly recommend."
K.K."I am grateful for the time and effort Babak put into my case. He is professional, courteous, genuine and very knowledgeable. He helped put my mind at ease when I was anxious and unsure of the process. Very pleased with the outcome."
A.D."The great outcome of my case was only possible by his dedication, great preparation and deep knowledge in this field. I highly recommend his service for anyone looking for a great and respected lawyer."
D.V."Mr. Zargarian always took the stress away and made it super simple on my end. Very professional and also talked to you like a normal person, explaining things in a way I could understand. Highly recommended."
J.J.The decisions you make now can determine the outcome of your entire case. Do not speak to police. Do not contact witnesses. Call 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.