It is my duty to seek justice without fear.
IMPAIRED, “OVER .80” & REFUSAL
Drinking and driving is a criminal offence charged when a person exhibits reckless behaviour while driving, or when they fail a breathalyzer test administered by a police officer. A person is “over .80” when their blood alcohol concentration is more than 80 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 milliliters of blood. An arrest can be made for impaired driving, dangerous driving, driving over .80, or refusing to provide breath sample. Refusing to blow is the worst thing you can do; it comes with a higher fine than if you blew over the limit.
Sexual assault and sex crimes
Sexual assault charges and sex crimes are among the most serious offences within the Criminal Code of Canada, and carry significant penalties, including possible "sexual offender" registration.
FAMILY LAW
During your divorce and separation processes, there may be several outstanding issues you must resolve either with Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) or through litigation in court. These may include:
Division of Property: Renee will ensure that you receive a fair division of property acquired during your marriage.
Disposal of the Marital Home: The disposition of the marital home is a separate process from the division of property. Renee can represent your interests.
Complex Asset Division: If you own a business, have substantial assets, pensions, savings, or retirement accounts, the division of property may be more complex. Renee can ensure you get a fair division of assets.
Child Custody and Access: Whether you are seeking primary custody or want to protect your parental rights with equal / joint access and decision-making authority regarding minor children, Renee can assist you.
Child Support: The Court will determine child support by looking at the incomes of both parents and the current parenting arrangements in terms of time spent with the child by each parent. The Alberta courts view child support as the right of the child to receive it. The amount will be based on the capacity of the payor to pay it. Child support arrangements need to be approved by the Court in order to be considered valid. Additionally, a child is automatically entitled to child support, it does not matter whether the child's parents were ever married.
Spousal Support: In some cases, you may be entitled to spousal support and Renee can help determine if you qualify and how much you would be entitled to receive.
Post-Divorce Order Modifications: Renee can negotiate modifications while protecting your interests if the circumstances post divorce change and require modifications to initial agreements. This could include a change in income, living conditions, child’s needs, and so on.
BAIL
Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required. Persons charged with a criminal offence in Canada have a constitutional right to reasonable bail unless there is some compelling reason to deny it. Sureties and deposits may be imposed to require the persons release.
HOMICIDE
Strategic and Committed Defence for Homicide Charges
Facing a homicide charge is one of the most serious legal situations an individual can encounter. In Canada, homicide charges encompass a range of offences, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, and infanticide. Each charge carries significant penalties upon a guilty finding, including life imprisonment for murder, with varying parole eligibility periods depending on the degree, and substantial prison terms for manslaughter.
At Renee Defence, we understand the gravity of these charges and the profound impact they have on your life and future. Our team offers strategic defence, impeccable and unwavering commitment, and polished, persuasive advocacy tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. We meticulously analyze every detail to build a robust defence, ensuring that your rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
Trust Renee Defence to stand by you with the strength, skill, and dedication you need when facing these serious allegations.
Young offender
A young offender is a child between the ages of 12-17 who has committed a crime. When a young offender is charged with a crime, the Youth Criminal Justice Act applies. The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is a Canadian law that guarantees the rights of young people in the criminal justice system. If you or someone you know are under the age of 18 and have been charged with a crime, you cannot be tried as an adult.
Mischief
Mischief covers all types of damage made to another person’s property. It is committed when a person intentionally damages or destroys property with no intent to steal it, or when they render it dangerous, useless, inoperative, or ineffective.
Notary of the Public
Witnessing and certifying the signing and proper execution of important documents than notarizing the documents as verified. A current ID that has a photo, physical description and signature is required. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license or passport. Types of documents that may require notarization include: Affidavits, Sworn Solemn Declarations, Real Estate Documents (leases, titles, deeds, mortgages etc.), Passport and Immigration Documents, Statutory Declarations, Child Travel Consents, Acknowledgements, Contracts, Agreements, Trusts, Certifying Copies of Documents, Bills of Sale, or Official Records.
ASSAULTS
Assault is a criminal offence in which a person applies force or threatens to apply force on another person without that other person’s consent. Police and Crown Prosecutors are directed to apply a rigorous “zero tolerance” approach to allegations of domestic violence. The degree of the crime depends on a number of factors, such as whether a weapon or imitation weapon was used for the assault, if it was an aggravated assault, a sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault, or assault of a police officer.
Domestic Assault
Domestic assaults are treated very seriously in Alberta because they occur in the privacy of one’s home and usually only the accused and the victim are witness to the incident. Domestic assault relates to harming or intending to harm a family, household member, or partner, and can include forcible confinement, uttering threats, and mischief to property. While waiting for trial, a person accused with domestic assault must abide by their bail conditions and not be in contact with the family or partner involved, until the court agrees to change that condition.
Fraud
Fraud is a criminal offence that is committed when a person takes advantage of another person(s), defrauding them of money or valuable security, property, or service, by means of intentional deception for one’s personal gain.
U.S. Immigration law
Renee Pugh was called to the New York Bar in 2022, bringing her passion and expertise to the practice of U.S. immigration law. Her interest in this field stems from her time living in the United States, where she attended university and gained valuable work experience. These formative years gave her firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Renee focuses on assisting clients with business U.S. immigration applications, O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and Green Card applications. She also has extensive experience helping clients with waiver applications to address inadmissibility issues. Whether you’re an accomplished professional seeking opportunities in the United States, expanding your business, or overcoming immigration barriers, Renee is here to provide expert guidance.
Take the first step toward resolving your U.S. immigration concerns with confidence. Contact Renee today for a free 30-minute phone consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.