Looking for a criminal defence lawyer Vernon residents trust with their most serious legal matters? Julian Van Der Walle practises exclusively criminal law, providing strategic, aggressive defence for individuals facing charges at the Vernon Law Courts and throughout the Okanagan.
As a criminal defence lawyer Vernon clients have relied on for years, Julian Van Der Walle handles every category of criminal charge under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. From first-time summary offences to the most serious indictable charges, Julian provides the same thorough, strategic defence.
DUI, over 80, refusal to provide a breath sample, and dangerous operation charges. Julian scrutinizes breathalyzer procedures, approved screening device calibration, and right to counsel compliance to build the strongest defence. Learn more about impaired driving defence
Simple assault, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, and domestic assault. Julian examines self-defence claims, witness credibility, and Charter violations to protect your rights. Learn more about assault defence
Possession, trafficking, production, and importation under the CDSA. Julian challenges search warrants, ITOs, and police procedure to identify grounds for excluding evidence. Learn more about drug charge defence
Unauthorized possession, careless storage, pointing a firearm, and weapons trafficking. Many firearms offences carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. Learn more about firearms defence
Conviction and sentence appeals at the BC Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Julian prepares detailed factums and delivers focused oral submissions to appellate panels. Learn more about criminal appeals
Unauthorized computer access, identity fraud, mischief to data, and online offences. Julian challenges digital forensic evidence and device search procedures. Learn more about computer crime defence
Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs) under the BC Motor Vehicle Act. You have only 7 days to request a review. Julian challenges ASD procedures and officer conduct. Learn more about IRP defence
Theft, fraud, break and enter, sexual offences, mischief, uttering threats, breach of probation, and all other Criminal Code matters. Learn more about other charges
Julian Van Der Walle is a criminal defence lawyer Vernon has relied on for years to protect the rights of individuals accused of criminal offences. He practises exclusively criminal law, meaning every client receives the benefit of a lawyer whose entire professional focus is defending people charged with crimes. Unlike general practice lawyers who handle criminal matters alongside family law, real estate, and civil litigation, Julian dedicates 100% of his practice to criminal defence.
Julian represents clients at every stage of the criminal justice process: bail hearings, disclosure review, pretrial motions, preliminary inquiries, trials, sentencing, and appeals. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in criminal matters, demonstrating appellate advocacy at the highest level of the Canadian court system. His record of acquittals, charge withdrawals, and favourable resolutions at the Vernon Law Courts reflects the thorough preparation and strategic thinking he brings to every file.
Every case begins with a detailed review of the Crown disclosure, identification of Charter violations and procedural errors, and an honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Crown’s case. Julian then develops a defence strategy tailored to the specific facts, the applicable law, and the realistic options available. Whether negotiating with Crown Counsel for a withdrawal or preparing for a contested trial, Julian’s approach is methodical, thorough, and focused on achieving the best possible result.
Julian does not practise family law, real estate, or civil litigation. Criminal defence is his entire practice. This singular focus means deeper expertise, sharper instincts, and better outcomes for clients facing criminal charges in Vernon and the Okanagan.
Julian handles every criminal file himself from the initial consultation through to final resolution. You deal directly with your lawyer at every stage. Your defence receives his complete, undivided focus throughout the proceedings.
Julian has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in criminal matters. This level of appellate experience is rare among criminal defence lawyers in the BC Interior and reflects a deep understanding of constitutional and criminal law at its highest level.
A criminal defence lawyer Vernon defendants retain early can guide you through each stage of the process and protect your rights from the start.
Arrest and Bail: After arrest, you may be released on conditions or held for a bail hearing. Julian represents clients at bail hearings and advocates for the least restrictive release conditions possible.
Disclosure Review: The Crown must provide all evidence it intends to rely on and any evidence that may assist the defence. Julian conducts a thorough review of every document, statement, and report in the disclosure package.
Pretrial Motions: Julian brings Charter applications to exclude evidence obtained through unlawful searches (s. 8), arbitrary detention (s. 9), or right to counsel violations (s. 10(b)). These motions can be case-determinative.
Trial or Resolution: If the case proceeds to trial, Julian presents a focused, strategic defence. If a negotiated resolution is in your best interest, he negotiates with Crown Counsel for the most favourable outcome available, including charge withdrawals, peace bonds, and discharges.
Sentencing and Appeals: If convicted, Julian advocates for the least restrictive sentence. If errors occurred at trial, he handles criminal appeals at the BC Court of Appeal.
Julian Van Der Walle accepts criminal defence cases throughout British Columbia, with particular experience at courthouses across the Okanagan and BC Interior:
Regardless of where your charge originates, Julian provides the same thorough, strategic criminal defence. Call 1-877-212-9645 to discuss your case.
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.
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If you have been criminally charged and are not sure what to do, you need to get competent legal representation right away.
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