Tag Archives: Kamloops

Brad Smith appointed Queen’s Counsel

Kamloops criminal defence lawyer Brad Smith, QC
We are delighted to announce that Brad Smith, founding lawyer of Smith Law Group, has been appointed Queen’s Counsel, commonly known as QC. The QC designation formally recognizes exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. Each year the Queen’s representative in BC, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, confers the QC designation on a small number of BC lawyers after a rigorous review process.

“I feel grateful to receive this honour,” said Brad. “I also feel grateful to be a member of the legal profession and to have the opportunity to serve my clients, community and society through the practice of law.”

Various Commonwealth countries appoint lawyers to the QC rank of “Her Majesty’s Counsel learned in the law.” In BC, candidates for the QC designation must be current members of the BC Bar for at least five years. They must also demonstrate professional integrity, good character and excellence in the practice of law.

Congratulations, Brad!

Charged with a sexual offence?

As a criminal defence lawyer, a large part of what I do involves protecting the rights of people who are being investigated or have been charged with a sex offence. Unlike most other types of criminal cases, sex cases involve people – mostly men – from all walks of life. Often the accused are men who have been falsely accused by someone they may have had sexual contact with and now they find themselves under investigation or accused of things which can destroy their families, wreck their careers, and stigmatize them in the community.

For the person who has been accused of a sex crime the stakes could hardly be higher.

If you’re convicted of a sexual offence in Canada…

  1. Depending on the offence, you could be looking at a mandatory minimum jail sentence.
  2. You will have to register on the federal sex offender registry.
  3. You will not be eligible for a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon).

If you believe that you might be investigated for or charged with a sex offence, you need to get a criminal defence lawyer with experience defending sex cases on your side right away.

Experience counts

My experience with sex cases includes defending clients who have been charged with:

  • Voyeurism
  • Sexual interference
  • Invitation to sexual touching
  • Sexual assault
  • Possession and production of child pornography

I can help you. Call me today.

Why I sponsor Law Week

Almost everyone at some point in their life comes into contact with the legal system, whether they are charged with an offence, handed a ticket, have a will made up, or sign a contract. The law affects us all. The more that people know about the law and their rights, the richer we are as a society.

I’m proud to sponsor Law Week. I want to contribute to public education about the important role of lawyers and judges in the justice system.

What is Law Week?

Law Week was created by the Canadian Bar Association in 1983, as an annual, national event to celebrating the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Public events are taking place this month throughout BC, including mock trials, courthouse tours, question and answer periods with judges and lawyers, K-9 unit demos, and more.