RYAN PATMORE B.A., J.D.

ALBERTA CRIMINIAL DEFENCE LAWYER

Mission and Values

I am a born & raised Calgarian, and passionate Criminal Defence Lawyer, with vast experience helping and defending thousands of people across Western Canada at all levels of court, for all levels of offences, for over 13 years. I have faced my share of challenges personally, and professionally, and I am very well placed through my training and experiences to help guide you through your criminal charge(s).

I re-vitalized my practice to focus on full answer and Defence with a keen eye toward how overall wellness, mental health, addiction, trauma, and life’s challenges intersect with criminal allegations and outcomes, and how I can help mitigate your circumstances through my own experiences and growth, while maintaining the necessary objectivity, presence, and know-how to Defend your case vigorously in the courtroom. My focus is driven towards helping you through this trying time , by scrutinizing your version of the facts with the anticipated evidence, Crown negotiations, and meticulous preparation from start to finish, whether for trial or resolution of your charges.

My specialization in Criminal Defence has served many others before you, no matter how major or minor the allegations may be. I want to structure the best way to defend you, given your unique circumstances, and I will take the necessary time to do everything within my power as your Advocate. My experience rigorously Defending criminal allegations, coupled with my familiarity with the myriad of outlets and resources in the community that may assist in mitigating the outcome of your case, will help guide you through this process, and assure you that you will know your options as we forge ahead .

I will always be transparent and realistic about your chances in the adversarial arena, as you consider legal advice and the many options and avenues available to you. Hiring the right lawyer is a very important decision, and developing the right rapport between us is vital; your case could wrap up in mere weeks, or it may take years, depending on the sliding scale of charges and time it may take to achieve finality, for all parties. Finding the right fit for a lawyer should take time and thoughtful consideration, and I take the relationship and my role very seriously. I will take the time to outline what I can do to help, and what you can expect, through my unique background , experience, and years’ long passionate career devoted only to Criminal Defence Law. I pledge to focus on your situation and overall outlook on this difficult process to ensure a fulsome Defence is conducted on your behalf, to help direct you to finality, based on the facts of your case, and within the bounds of the Canadian Criminal Justice system.

I want to know you, and your unique story, and I’ll happily tell you mine, and what I bring to the table as Defence Counsel. I want to help you evaluate available resources, and structure your Defence in a meaningful way that upholds your rights, and assists you in moving on from this difficult chapter of your life. There are many factors to consider in a criminal prosecution, and as a Defender, it takes the necessary knowledge of the intricacies of the law, and a diligent review of the anticipated evidence and issues, and knowing exactly what to work for to come to the advisable strategy. Although a legal outcome can never be guaranteed by any lawyer until final judgment, the fact remains that proper preparation, persistence and performance is vital to success. I can guarantee that Patmore Criminal Defence will fight for you by rigorously Defending your rights through Strategic Criminal Advocacy at every phase of your case.

My journey has given me an added proficiency for a true understanding of the toll of these allegations, and a renewed belief in the presumption of innocence. I pledge to stand by you through every challenge to help resolve your issues, and navigate this uncertain process. I believe in redemption where it can be revived, and your right to full answer and Defence is key at this pivotal time. I am committed to defending and supporting you with unwavering dedication and vigilance. I aim to ensure you receive fair treatment and strive to achieve the best possible outcome, using my extensive experience and understanding of the legal system to guide you through this challenging time.

  • Commitment

    My mission is to provide compassionate, client-focused legal representation rooted in my deep understanding the Canadian legal system. I promise to approach each case with a commitment to strong advocacy, by fighting vigorously on your behalf both inside and outside of court. Whether facing contentious accusations or navigating complex legal issues, I am here to ensure you are treated with respect and fairness while working towards the right result.

  • Promise

    With a deep commitment to justice and a personal understanding of life’s challenges in the legal realm, I promise to defend you with integrity and dedication. My mission is to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring your rights are protected. I will provide transparent, compassionate and realistic support, working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

  • Pledge

    My firm will offer steadfast support and experienced legal guidance to those in need, rooted in a commitment to justice and fairness. I understand the toll that legal challenges take on one personally and professionally, and I am here to stand by you with a focus on protecting your rights and securing the right outcome. My approach is centered on your unique circumstances, ensuring you are well-informed and supported throughout the legal process.

  • Vision

    I am dedicated to delivering exceptional legal representation with firsthand experience grounding my belief in the power of second chances and the presumption of innocence. My mission is to advocate for you with passion and precision, navigating the legal system’s complexities to achieve the right result. I promise to treat you as a person, not just a case, and to provide you with the support and clarity you need during this challenging time.

Let Me Introduce Myself

I am a proud Calgarian, raised through the time of the city’s “small-town” feel, to its transformation and growth into the thriving, inclusive, multicultural city that has something to offer everyone. I love practicing in a city and a country that gives us second chances – everyone makes mistakes, no matter how big or small, and I am here to help you and work with you through this challenging time. The Canadian legal system safeguards you, and I am here to protect you and implement it on your behalf.

From a young age, I was adept at advocating for others, and advancing novel arguments, no matter the issue or barrier. Law School was the natural fit when I pivoted away from work in the oil patch to pursue a passion that meets my ultimate objective – helping people during difficult times in their lives. I have made my fair share of mistakes and gone through my life allotment of difficult times personally, and professionally. I do not shy away from challenges and will hold myself accountable to my commitment to you. I approach my practice in a way that is client-centered. I understand the personal toll being accused and charged with a crime has on someone and his/her family. When others were there for me during my dark times, I did not feel indebted – I was grateful. I want to be there for you, and I am committed to doing just that.

“Everyone makes mistakes, no matter how big or small, and I am here to help you and work with you through this challenging time.”
— Ryan Patmore

“I do not shy away from challenges and will hold myself accountable to my commitment to you”

- Ryan Patmore

My relevant education started at the University of Calgary over two decades ago, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 2007. I then attended the University of Manitoba where I obtained my Law Degree in 2012. Before Law School, my legal journey began with a clerkship in the Provincial Court of Alberta, Criminal Division. This experience solidified my commitment to a career in Criminal Law, through extensive exposure to criminal practice and procedure, while forming invaluable relationships with Clerks, Judges, Prosecutors, and leading Defence Lawyers.

My first summer in Winnipeg was spent working alongside senior Crown Prosecutors, assisting with the preparation of a plethora of criminal files, from the seemingly basic to the most serious criminal prosecutions. I am well versed from both sides of the Justice aisle and behind the scenes. My career comprises the vast experience and knowledge I believe will help you succeed in hard times and assist you in striving toward a fulfilling and better future.

I excelled at Criminal Law and Procedure and Moot Court competitions. Defence work was my passion and gave me the best opportunity to help others on a platform where they could not always speak for themselves, but where my personality, abilities and aptitude thrive - whether under pressure or coming to terms with Crown Counsel on a fair and reasonable outcome.

After working for Manitoba Justice, my career as a Defender started in my 2nd year of Law School, when I was selected to lead student lawyers at the U of M Legal Aid Centre.  Between classes, my first office in the Law School basement was where I conducted hundreds of client interviews, and countless hours of trial preparation, defending people who could not afford legal counsel.  I honed my advocacy skills at the earliest opportunity and spent as much time in courtrooms across southern Manitoba as I did in the classrooms.  I conducted hundreds of bail hearings, sentencing hearings, trials, Constitutional Challenges, and out-of-court resolutions throughout my time as a law student, and I have been doing it ever since.  My experience gave me a leg up for my articles, as I was selected to work alongside the best, most revered Criminal Defence lawyers in Western Canada after I graduated.

In 2012, Calgary called me home, and I immediately joined one of Alberta’s leading firms and delved into extensive, high-stakes, complex trial preparation with intensive and technical Charter applications and litigation.  Dissecting complex legal and factual issues and motions, while getting into the courtroom and grappling with the steep learning curve on my feet, has moulded me into a strong, vigorous defender of my client’s rights and interests.  I was never trained to stay in the office or sit and learn through watching others – I embraced being thrown into the Courtroom to find the issues and fight for my clients.  Some “slam dunk” cases for the Crown are winnable with the right mindset, experience, and ability to cross-examine witnesses and know the anticipated evidence.  I have gained the experience and skill set to expose these situations.  Courts and witnesses are unpredictable, and it takes the right lawyer to identify the issues and expose weaknesses in the prosecution.  

Hands-on courtroom exposure at the earliest opportunity has made it my comfort zone, where I handle pressure with grace and meticulous preparation, and vow to fight for every single client with a firm commitment to your case and identifying every issue to advance the best possible defence to achieve the best possible outcome. Most importantly, I will go at the pace most suited to your comfort level to make sure you are informed and most at ease.  Informing you is based on a career defending the least serious cases, to the cases with the most legal jeopardy, and the sliding scale of charges in between.  I assisted with my first Homicide trial while articling with two of Western Canada’s most reputable lawyers, and argued at the Alberta Court of Appeal shortly after I was called to the Bar.  Since then, I have appeared at every level of Court advancing my client’s interests through negotiations with the Crown, or advancing every argument and motion you are legally entitled to advance. 

I do not judge anyone. I am on your side as your lawyer.  What is most important is that the law starts with the presumption of your innocence.   Whether you are facing a wrongful accusation or mistake of fact or law, my promise is to ensure that you are treated fairly and defended vigorously. Even if the police pre-judge you, I am here to expose fairness through procedure.   Even if the facts point towards guilt, it does not necessarily mean you are legally guilty.  The law presumes your innocence.  I am here to guide you through this process, helping to navigate the complexities and uncertainties.  I understand firsthand the frustration of the legal system and can sympathize with being wrongfully accused.  My commitment is to truly understand you and your unique situation, defending you with the same dedication I have given to others before you, and strive to continue to show those who come after you.  The law is about accountability and seeking out the truth.  I am here to steer that ship for you and help you navigate uncharted waters. 

Working and learning from the some of the most renowned lawyers, propelled me to start my firm, Patmore Criminal Defence in 2018.  Since then, I have advanced novel Charter motions in high-stakes cases and will never pass the buck or look to close your file based on the first offer, or take the “plead out” approach.  No matter how the case evolves and resolves, I am transparent and will always give you and your situation the attention you deserve, and keep you updated every step of the way.  You are a person who has encountered a problem, and I have framed a newfound approach for my practice to make best efforts to make sure that no client feels uninformed or left in the lurch wondering about their case.  Let me use my personal and professional experience and my area of specialization defending criminal charges to help you today, so we can look towards the right outcome.

I look forward to working with you, and steering you towards legal finality, and a fresh start.

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