Zoe
Arghandewal
Partner — Zargarian Litigation
Zoe defends clients charged with criminal offences across British Columbia. From first appearance through to trial, she handles every aspect of your case directly — no handoffs, no assistants. She has defended clients facing everything from common assault to serious multi-accused matters, and approaches each file with the same preparation and commitment.
Zoe Arghandewal is a criminal defence lawyer and partner at Zargarian Litigation in Nanaimo, British Columbia. She represents individuals charged with criminal offences at all stages of the criminal process — from first appearances through to trial.
Zoe began her career in criminal law and gained early experience in serious and complex matters, including multi-accused murder trials. That exposure shaped how she approaches every file: with thorough preparation, close attention to the evidence, and a focus on identifying the strongest available defence before any step is taken.
She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia, where she participated in the UBC Innocence Project and the UBC Criminal Law Clinic — both of which gave her hands-on criminal defence experience before she was called to the bar. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Guelph.
Clients who work with Zoe deal with her directly. She returns calls, explains what is happening in plain language, and keeps clients informed at every stage. Criminal charges are disorienting and frightening — Zoe's approach is to make the process as clear and manageable as possible while building the best defence available on the facts.
Zoe practises across all of British Columbia and appears in courts throughout the province. She handles all criminal matters — including assault, sexual assault, impaired driving, drug offences, theft, and firearms charges.
Zoe defends clients against all criminal charges — from single first-time offences to serious and complex matters requiring an aggressive defence at trial. The charges listed below represent the most common matters she handles, but she is not limited to them.
Assault
Common assault, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, domestic assault, and assault with a weapon.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault and sexual offences at all levels of severity, including complex historical allegations and multi-count matters.
Impaired Driving & DUI
Impaired driving, driving over 80, refusing a breath demand, and IRP licence suspensions.
Drug Charges
Possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking, and importing controlled substances.
Theft & Fraud
Theft under and over $5,000, shoplifting, fraud, mischief, and breach of trust.
Firearms & Weapons
Unauthorized possession, unsafe storage, carrying a concealed weapon, and weapons dangerous offences.
Uttering Threats
Threats to cause death or bodily harm, criminal harassment, and intimidation charges.
Breach Charges
Breach of probation, breach of recognizance, and failure to comply with court-imposed conditions.
Every case is different. The right outcome depends on the evidence, the charge, and the circumstances. Zoe has achieved all of the following results for clients.
Charges Stayed or Withdrawn
After reviewing disclosure, Zoe has identified weaknesses in the Crown's case, Charter breaches, and grounds for negotiation that resulted in charges being stayed or withdrawn before trial.
Acquittals at Trial
When a case goes to trial, preparation is everything. Zoe has secured acquittals in assault, sexual assault, and other criminal matters.
Avoiding a Criminal Record
A criminal record is created when a conviction is entered. An acquittal avoids one — as do certain resolutions like a stay, discharge, or peace bond. What's available depends on the charge. Talk to us to assess your options.
Most people facing criminal charges have never been through this before. Here is what matters most in the early stages.
Yes. The earlier you have a lawyer, the more options are available. Early involvement — before charges are formally laid or before a first appearance — can affect the course of the entire case.
No. You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions or provide a statement. Politely decline and ask to speak to a lawyer first. Anything you say can be used against you.
A first appearance is not a trial. The early appearances in a criminal matter are procedural — they exist to set timelines and manage the file. You do not need to attend any of them. We appear on your behalf.
After reviewing disclosure, a lawyer may identify weaknesses in the Crown's case, Charter breaches, or grounds for negotiation. A thorough review of the file is where that process starts.
A criminal record is created when a conviction is entered. An acquittal avoids one entirely — as do certain resolutions, including a stay of proceedings, a conditional or absolute discharge, or a peace bond. Whether any of these is available depends on the specific charge and circumstances. Talk to us so we can assess your case.
Yes. Everything you discuss with a criminal defence lawyer is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Call or send a message. No intake staff, no assistants. Everything you share is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Confidential. No obligation.
250-713-8821All information shared with us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.