We Defend All Charges
At Zargarian Litigation, we offer serious criminal defence for clients facing any charge across Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. This is not a volume-based practice. We defend everything from first-time misunderstandings to complex, high-stakes cases.
We know that for our clients, every charge is serious and life-altering. That’s why we bring deep legal knowledge, a commanding courtroom presence, and strategic preparation to every file.
We have lots of experience and an established reputation. We know how to anticipate the Crown’s moves and bring our client’s defence to life. We don’t just respond — we stay one step ahead.
From assault and sexual assault to murder, drug offences, firearms charges, and fraud, we expose weaknesses in the Crown’s case and build our client’s case.
Criminal defence isn’t just legal theory studied at law school — it’s grounded in real courtroom experience, strategic knowledge, and street smarts earned through thousands of cases and a life lived outside the office.
Common cases we handle:
Assault & Domestic Assault, including assault causing bodily harm and aggravated assault
Sexual Assault and all other sex offences, like internet-based ones
Firearms Offences, like unauthorized possession and unsafe storage
Impaired Driving, DUI & IRP, including impaired driving causing bodily harm or death
Dangerous Driving and any other driving charge
Traffic Tickets like speeding and excessive speeding
Theft and Fraud, like employee fraud or cheque fraud
Drug Possession & Trafficking, like cocaine, fentanyl or methamphetamine
We bring strategy, experience, and a results-oriented defence to every file — no matter the charge.
This is where smart defence starts — and your defence comes to life.
Violent offences carry serious penalties and long-term consequences. We defend clients facing charges under Part VIII of the Criminal Code, including:
Assault (Section 265) – Any intentional application of force without consent. This includes pushing, slapping, and threatening gestures.
Assault Causing Bodily Harm or with a Weapon (Section 267) – A hybrid offence involving physical injury or a weapon.
Aggravated Assault (Section 268) – Involving wounding, maiming, or disfiguring another person. Often prosecuted as an indictable offence.
Uttering Threats (Section 264.1) – Allegations of threatening bodily harm, death, or damage to property.
Robbery (Section 343) – A theft that involves violence or threats. Use of a firearm may lead to a sentence of life imprisonment.
Driving offences can result in criminal records, loss of license, and even incarceration. We defend clients charged under:
Impaired Driving (Section 320.14) – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Includes “Over 0.08” cases and drug impairment.
Refusal to Comply with a Demand (Section 320.15) – Includes failure or refusal to provide a breath, saliva, or blood sample.
Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle (Section 320.13) – Involves endangering the public through reckless driving.
Driving While Prohibited (Section 320.18) – Driving against court-ordered prohibitions or license suspensions.
Failing to Stop After an Accident (Section 320.16) – Also referred to as “hit and run,” a serious criminal charge.
Drug offences are prosecuted under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and can carry life-altering penalties.
Possession (CDSA Section 4) – Unlawful possession of narcotics or controlled substances including opioids, stimulants, psychedelics, and more.
Trafficking (CDSA Section 5) – Includes selling, giving, transporting, or offering to traffic drugs.
Production or Cultivation (CDSA Section 7) – Growing or manufacturing illegal substances, even in small quantities.
Importing/Exporting (CDSA Section 6) – Extremely serious and often tied to international investigations.
Search & Seizure Violations – Charter violations are often found in unlawful searches (Section 8, Charter of Rights and Freedoms).
These offences are often complex and may involve both individuals and businesses. We provide skilled defence for:
Theft Under/Over $5,000 (Section 334) – Taking property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner.
Fraud (Section 380) – Includes deceitful acts intended to defraud a person or the public, often related to financial or identity crimes.
Mischief (Section 430) – Willfully damaging or interfering with property, including vandalism, data corruption, or interfering with lawful use.
The illegal use or possession of firearms carries serious consequences, particularly when tied to other criminal allegations.
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (Section 91)
Possession for a Dangerous Purpose (Section 88)
Unsafe Storage of Firearms (Section 86)
Using a Firearm During the Commission of an Offence (Section 85) – A mandatory minimum sentence applies.
These are offences that aren’t “true” crimes because they’re not under the Criminal Code but can carry serious consequences, like hefty fines, jail time, and loss of licenses.
Wildlife Act
Fisheries Act
Firearms Regulations
Youth charges fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, aiming to help young offenders reintegrate into society. Our criminal lawyers understand the importance of this approach and use their experience to ensure your youth rights are protected while advocating for your best interests.
The YCJA has unique rules that require specialized knowledge. We are well-versed in youth offences and can assist with any charge.
Our experience extends to successfully handling a wide variety of youth charges, including serious offenses like attempted murder, sexual assault, and assault.
Our results include securing a not guilty verdict for sexual assault and a short jail sentence for four attempted murder charges.
There are unique sentencing rules for youth offenders, and we are skilled in advocating for leniency, including alternatives to jail. Our goal is to help young people avoid a criminal record or jail whenever possible.
Our bail services include:
Securing release from custody under the least restrictive terms possible
Challenging unreasonable or overly burdensome conditions imposed by the Crown or the court
Representing clients at bail revocation and breach hearings, ensuring your rights remain protected throughout the process
