A Firm Built for the Courtroom
Courtroom Experience 170+ Years
Criminal litigation demands preparation, judgment, and resolve. RLDD was formed by experienced defence counsel with established practices in Alberta's courts. Together, the firm brings decades of trial advocacy and appellate experience to complex and serious criminal matters.
Our lawyers approach every file with careful analysis of disclosure, early assessment of constitutional issues under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and a structured litigation strategy designed for trial readiness and success from the outset.
We act in serious matters ranging from impaired driving and drug offences to homicide and violent allegations involving complex prosecutions with extensive evidentiary records.
This is a defence practice grounded in preparation and courtroom advocacy.
Practice Areas
RLDD provides defence representation across the full spectrum of criminal law, including:
Homicide and Major Violent Offences
Defence in cases involving allegations of murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other serious indictable matters.
Sexual Offences
Strategic defence in matters involving allegations of sexual assault and related offences, with careful attention to evidentiary and procedural issues.
Drug Trafficking and Controlled Substances
Representation in prosecutions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including trafficking, possession for the purpose, and importation allegations.
Firearms and Weapons Charges
Defence involving prohibited and restricted weapons, firearms offences, and related Criminal Code allegations.
Impaired Driving and Vehicle-Related Offences
Representation in matters involving impaired driving, refusal, dangerous driving, and related driving allegations.
Fraud and White Collar Matters
Defence in cases involving allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and other financially related offences.
Bail Hearings and Judicial Interim Release
Advocacy at the earliest stage of proceedings to secure release pending trial.
Criminal Appeals
Representation before Appellate Courts in Alberta in criminal conviction and sentence appeals.
The RLDD Approach
Independent. Focused. Trial-Driven.
Most Reported Decisions Of Any Firm In Alberta
RLDD is structured around serious criminal defence work. We do not operate as a high-volume intake practice. Files are prepared with litigation strategy in mind from the earliest stages.
Our approach includes:
- Early and detailed review of disclosure
- Strategic assessment of Charter issues
- Careful witness and evidentiary analysis
- Structured negotiation where appropriate
- Thorough trial preparation
Criminal allegations carry significant personal and professional consequences. Our role is to provide clear legal advice and disciplined advocacy at every stage of the process.
Our Partners
Kim Ross is a senior criminal defence lawyer whose practice has been built over decades in Calgary courtrooms.
Jim is a senior criminal defence lawyer whose practice has been shaped by more than three decades of courtroom work in Alberta.
Greg Dunn is a criminal defence lawyer whose practice is centred on serious and complex criminal matters.
Matthew Deshaye is a partner at Ross Lutz Dunn & Deshaye LLP. His practice is devoted exclusively to criminal defence, with a focus on serious indictable matters and contested trials.
Our Lawyers
RLDD's lawyers contribute to trial preparation, legal research, and courtroom advocacy throughout Alberta.
Tyson Dahlem
Lawyer
Tyson Dahlem is a criminal defence lawyer whose work is focused on case preparation, pre-trial advocacy, and the structured development of criminal files.
Joel Chevrefils
Lawyer
Joel Chevrefils is a criminal defence lawyer who has acted for individuals charged with criminal and quasi-criminal offences in Calgary and the surrounding area since 2004.
Vince Semenuk
Lawyer
Vince Semenuk is a criminal defence lawyer whose practice is focused on day-to-day courtroom advocacy, contested appearances, and practical client representation in criminal matters.
Josh l'Abbé
Lawyer
Josh l’Abbé practises exclusively in criminal defence and works on matters spanning bail, trial, and sentencing.
Rooted in Alberta Courts
RLDD lawyers appear daily in courts throughout Calgary and across Alberta. Familiarity with local court procedures, prosecutorial practices, and regional judicial processes informs our strategic approach.
Criminal litigation is shaped by both statute and courtroom realities. Our experience within Alberta's courts provides practical insight at each stage of proceedings.
