ABOUT MR. ISRAELS
EDUCATION
Mr. Israels attended the University of British Columbia where he successfully obtained his Law degree, as well as his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Mr. Israels is an active member and in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia. He is also a member of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, as well as the Criminal Defence Litigation Group. Mr. Israels is also a guest lecturer for the Justice Education Society of B.C.
OVER 27 YEARS OF COURTROOM EXPERIENCE
Mr. Israels has over 27 years of Courtroom experience in practicing Criminal law. Having formally worked as a Crown prosecutor for 5 ½ years in Vancouver (at Provincial and Supreme Court), as well as having prosecuted in North Vancouver, and as an “ad hoc” Crown in Surrey, Mr. Israels successfully learned not only the Crown’s perspective on the law, but also, how to prepare for and prosecute all types of criminal cases.
PROSECUTOR TURNED DEFENCE LAWYER – UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
Having switched sides to do defence work, Mr. Israels is fortunate to possess a unique ability that allows him to analyze the Client’s case from both sides of the law. Mr. Israels applies all of his valuable knowledge and trial experience gained as both Crown and Defence, when analyzing, preparing, and defending your case – a powerful, effective, and winning combination.
WHY OVER 27 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE MATTERS:
Experience is not just a talking point. It is earned over decades. Mr. Israels brings over 27 years of courtroom experience as a former Prosecutor and Criminal Defence lawyer.
- Having an experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer instills confidence:
Mileage matters, because of the enviable attributes that Mr. Israels has accumulated over 27 years of practice in criminal law, including a strong and valued reputation; a collegial relationship with the Crown office; unrivaled strategy; outstanding results; courtroom confidence; and an uncompromising offence and defence to protect and fight for you. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer provides strategic Trial preparation and Courtroom presence:
Understanding the nuances of how to prepare you for direct examination and anticipate cross examination by the Prosecutor is critical, along with knowing how to structure cross examination against witnesses – civilian and police. Mr. Israels is particularly skilled at Trial preparation, having worked for 5 ½ years as a Prosecutor in both Provincial and Supreme Court. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer provides strategic negotiation and plea bargaining when requested:
Mr. Israels knows how to “read” the prosecution’s case and strategize when seeking to resolve a file by identifying and leveraging weaknesses in the Crown’s case to successfully negotiate and seek an end to the prosecution, avoid a criminal record, obtain reduced charges, and/or seek a lighter sentence, etc. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer builds on earned reputation:
Mr. Israels’ positive reputation alone may encourage more reasonable terms during negotiations given the earned trust and respect that comes from previous work and interaction with Prosecutors over three decades, because the Crown knows what to “expect” from Mr. Israels’ high quality of work, tenacity, and favourable results. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer enables superior problem-solving:
Mr. Israels’ experience provides pattern recognition, the ability to identify issues early in the proceedings, and to anticipate how the other side thinks, acts, and prosecutes – benefitting your defence. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer provides deep knowledge of Court dynamics:
Mr. Israels’ 27 years of Courtroom experience often translates into familiarity with specific Judges, Prosecutors, and local Court procedures. Understanding a Judge’s past rulings and/or a Prosecutor’s tendencies allows Mr. Israels to tailor his arguments to be more persuasive. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer verifies capability over potential:
Mr. Israels’ demonstrated experience is a more reliable indicator of current and future performance. Actions speak louder than words. Mr. Israels has defended thousands of cases with positive results and enjoys a favourable, hard-working reputation; versus those who have defended only hundreds and are still trying to earn their stripes. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer allows for advanced case analysis and problem solving skills:
Mr. Israels analyzes the evidence from both sides of the aisle – using his skillset as a former Crown and as a Defence lawyer. Having handled thousands of cases, Mr. Israels is skilled at identifying inconsistencies and “loopholes” in the prosecution’s case, as well as cross-examining witnesses to expose biases and/or motives when building a robust defence on your behalf. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer provides your best chance at risk mitigation:
Experienced lawyers have likely handled every scenario and can rely on past experiences to provide invaluable insight and advice when defending you and your case. Mr. Israels has dealt with thousands of cases from assault and sexual assault, to murder, and everything in between – bringing knowledge and experience when defending you and your case. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer builds competency and confidence:
Experience means consistently performing tasks that breeds high level skill and assurance, which allows for better handling of any type of case scenario – from minor to complex. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer supports self-awareness:
Tried, tested, and true strategy and outcome – what works, what doesn’t. Experience utilizes strengths that lead to better outcomes for you and your case. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer brings tangible value when your life and livelihood are on the line:
Lived and practiced experience is a high-value, sought after asset that only comes with time – you can feel confident and reassured because Mr. Israels brings almost three decades of perspective to a case that cannot be replicated by inexperience. Ultimately, experience bridges the gap between what is planned, and what is actually achieved. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer is your sword and shield:
Your lawyer is the only thing standing between you and a complex legal system/the state that can be unforgiving to those without specialized knowledge. Your lawyer’s expertise directly impacts your freedom, reputation, and long-term future. Do you want to risk your life on 5, 10, or even 15 years of experience? Or trust almost three decades of life saving, favourable results that Mr. Israels has accumulated. There are no second chances in life or in law. - Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer protects your Constitutional rights:
Experienced lawyers can identify when police and/or Prosecutors have overstepped their authority. They may be able to have evidence excluded or charges dismissed if your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (or similar constitutional protections) were violated during an arrest or investigation. Mr. Israels’ has the mileage that is consistently tried, tested, and true.
TYPES OF CRIMINAL CASES
Mr. Israels defends against all criminal law charges, with primary focus on: crimes of violence (domestic assault / spousal assault, and assault – all types), sexual offences (sexual assault, sexual interference, sexual exploitation, and historic sexual assault offences), Clients under investigation for assault, sexual assault, crimes of violence, uttering threats, harassment, drug offences, and all forms of driving offences.
If you find yourself arrested, under investigation, and/or facing any type of criminal charge(s), call Mr. Israels at (604) 488-1313 to set up a free, in-person, consultation to discuss your legal matter.
