If you are looking for a lawyer in Vernon because you have been charged with a criminal offence, Julian Van Der Walle practises criminal defence exclusively. He represents people facing impaired driving, assault, drug offences, firearms charges, computer crime, and all other Criminal Code offences at the Vernon Law Courts on 30th Street and throughout the North Okanagan.
Most Vernon files begin with a Vernon RCMP investigation, a roadside stop on Highway 97, or a call to police that escalates. Whether it is a first charge or a serious indictable offence, the work is the same: obtain full Crown disclosure, find the issues, and build the defence. Julian has secured acquittals, charge withdrawals, and reduced sentences for clients across Vernon, Kelowna, Salmon Arm, the Kootenays, and the BC Interior. He also handles criminal appeals at the BC Court of Appeal and has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada.
LOCAL COURT EXPERIENCE
NOT A GENERAL PRACTICE
CALL 1-877-212-9645
“I got one DUI and Julian got me off. A few weeks later I messed up and got another one. I thought I was out of luck this time. But Julian won my second DUI too! I would recommend him to anybody.”
L.M.
Julian Van Der Walle focuses exclusively on criminal defence. He represents clients facing impaired driving, drug offences ranging from simple possession to trafficking, assault charges from common assault to aggravated assault, firearms offences, computer crime, and sexual offences. He also handles criminal appeals at the BC Court of Appeal, a service few lawyers in the BC Interior provide.
The approach combines thorough preparation with real courtroom advocacy. Julian reads every page of Crown disclosure, identifies procedural errors and Charter breaches, examines police conduct, and builds a defence tailored to the facts of the file. His record of acquittals and charge withdrawals at the Vernon Law Courts reflects the preparation he brings to every case.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Vernon or the Okanagan, getting a defence lawyer involved early is the most important step you can take. Julian Van Der Walle practises criminal law exclusively, so your file gets his full attention. Unlike general practice lawyers who handle criminal matters alongside family law, real estate, and civil litigation, his entire practice is defending people accused of crimes.
If someone is in custody right now. When a person is arrested and not released by police, the bail hearing usually happens within 24 hours at the Vernon Law Courts. Julian appears at bail hearings, prepares a workable release plan, arranges a surety where the court requires one, and argues against detention. Getting released early on reasonable conditions protects a person’s job, housing, and family while the case moves through the system.
Julian accepts cases across British Columbia, with particular experience at the Vernon Law Courts, the Kelowna Law Courts, and the Penticton and Salmon Arm courthouses. Whether you are facing a DUI charge, a drug trafficking allegation, an assault accusation, or need to appeal a conviction, call 1-877-212-9645 for a free, confidential consultation.
Every case begins with a private, judgment-free consultation. We review the details of your charges, examine disclosure, and discuss your version of events. You’ll receive clear, straightforward guidance about your legal position, potential outcomes, and the best path forward so you can make informed decisions.
No two cases are the same, which is why your defence is carefully tailored to your circumstances. We analyze evidence, identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case, explore Charter issues, and develop a focused legal strategy designed to protect your rights and achieve the strongest possible result.
From negotiations to trial, your case is handled with preparation and determination. We advocate firmly on your behalf, challenge evidence where appropriate, and pursue every available legal avenue. Throughout the process, you remain informed, supported, and confident in the defence being presented.
“I sincerely promise and swear that I will diligently, faithfully, and to the best of my ability execute the offices of barrister and solicitor; that I will not promote suits on frivolous pretences; that I will not pervert the law to favour or prejudice anyone; but in all things conduct myself truly and with integrity; and that I will uphold the rule of law and the rights and freedoms of all persons according to the laws of Canada and of the province of British Columbia.”
– Julian van der Walle
If you have received an immediate roadside prohibition ("IRP") in Vernon or the Okanagan, contact Julian immediately. You have only 7 days to request a review. Julian challenges ASD procedures, officer conduct, and your right to a second test to get your prohibition revoked and your licence reinstated.
Drug charges in Vernon - whether for possession, trafficking, or production under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - require aggressive defence focused on search and seizure issues. Julian scrutinizes every warrant, ITO, and police procedure to identify grounds for excluding evidence.
Assault charges in Vernon - including common assault, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, and domestic assault - carry serious penalties. Julian examines self-defence claims, witness credibility, and Charter violations to build the strongest defence available.
Computer crime charges in Vernon - including unauthorized access, identity fraud, mischief to data, and online offences - depend heavily on digital forensic evidence. Julian challenges extraction methods, device searches, and attribution evidence.
Firearms offences carry mandatory minimum prison sentences that judges cannot reduce. Julian challenges weapon classification, search legality, and licensing issues to avoid triggering mandatory minimums.
Criminal appeals require different skills than trial work. Julian prepares detailed factums and delivers focused oral arguments at the BC Court of Appeal. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in criminal matters.
Impaired driving charges in Vernon - including DUI, refusal to provide a breath sample, and over 80 - carry mandatory minimum fines, driving prohibitions, and potential jail time. Julian scrutinizes breathalyzer procedures, ASD calibration, and right to counsel compliance.
Facing theft, fraud, mischief, breach of conditions, sexual offences, or any other criminal charge in Vernon? Julian provides the same thorough, detail-oriented defence for every Criminal Code offence regardless of category.
Or fill out the form below to receive a free and confidential initial consultation with a criminal lawyer Vernon and the Okanagan trust. Julian Van Der Walle accepts criminal defence cases, DUI charges, drug offences, assault matters, and criminal appeals across British Columbia. Same-day consultations available for urgent matters.
If you have been criminally charged and are not sure what to do, you need to get competent legal representation right away.
© 2026 Vernon Criminal Defence | All Rights Reserved