AM Law
Criminal Defence & Police Law Specialist Penticton & BC Interior
Andrew McKay Law provides his expertise for "360-degree" legal representation. With a career spanning over 25 years, Andrew McKay brings the rare perspective of a former 15-year veteran police officer and Assistant Crown Attorney to your defence. We don't just react to the prosecution's case; we anticipate their next move because we’ve been in their shoes.
Criminal Litigation & Regulatory Legal Services: A Former Police Officer’s Advantage
Andrew McKay provides his expertise for “360-degree” legal representation. With a career spanning over 25 years, Andrew McKay brings the rare perspective of a former 15-year veteran police officer and Assistant Crown Attorney to your defence. We don’t just react to the prosecution’s case; we anticipate their next move because we’ve been in their shoes.
- 25+ Years of Legal Excellence: A proven track record in high-stakes litigation. Andrew has represented police officers, professional athletes (NHL, NBA, MLB), doctors, lawyers and other professionals, as well as those charged with criminal offences.
- The Investigator’s Edge: His 15 years in law enforcement offers an insider’s expertise on evidence and procedure.
- Dual-Province Expertise: Licensed by the Law Societies of British Columbia and Ontario.
- Nationwide Reach: Representing clients across Canada from our virtual headquarters in Penticton, BC.
About
Introducing Andrew McKay: 35+ Years of Experience as a Police Officer, Crown Prosecutor and Defence Lawyer
Based in Penticton, BC; Serving the BC Interior & Beyond
Andrew McKay’s legal career has been defined by his deep-rooted commitment and exhaustive knowledge of the BC legal system. Born and raised here in BC, Andrew’s professional journey took him to Ontario, where he served as a police officer for 15 years. This experience on the front lines of the justice system became the foundation for his legal career.
From the streets to the courtroom, and after graduating from the prestigious Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, Andrew served as an Assistant Crown Attorney in the Greater Toronto Area. This role provided him with invaluable insight into how the crown builds criminal litigation cases and the strategies used by prosecutors.
Over the last 25+ years, Andrew has used this dual-perspective—as both an investigator and a prosecutor—to defend the rights of individuals and corporations. Today, Andrew McKay offers senior-level legal counsel to clients from Penticton, Kelowna, the Kootenays, and northern BC.
Practice Areas
Criminal Litigation
Crisis and Risk Management
Regulatory Litigation
Law of Policing & Police Defence Lawyer
Criminal Litigation
Strategic Defence for Complex Criminal Charges
Early Investigative Intervention & High-Stakes Trial Advocacy
Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, the decisions you make in the first 24 hours can determine the rest of your life. Call AM Law for representation if you need criminal or quasi-criminal legal assistance. We emphasize early Intervention, working to resolve matters before they reach the courtroom whenever possible.
- Expertise in Complex Trials: Defence against serious charges with a focus on procedural integrity and Charter rights.
- Strategic Advisory Services: Navigating the pre-charge phase to protect your reputation and freedom.
Crisis and Risk Management
Reputation Protection & Legal Advisory
High-stakes legal issues often come with significant public and media scrutiny. Andrew McKay provides Crisis and Risk Management services designed to protect your "reputational standing". We act as a strategic partner, managing the legal and public-facing elements of a crisis to ensure that one mistake—or a false allegation—does not define your future.
Regulatory Litigation
Discipline Defence Cases & Tribunal Representation
Let AM Law represent you for challenges to BC municipal, provincial or federal regulations. We also work with professionals facing disciplinary hearings that could threaten your livelihood and reputation. Andrew McKay also represents individuals going before administrative tribunals.
- Professional Standards: Defending against allegations of misconduct or incompetence.
- Tribunal Advocacy: Navigating the technical and procedural requirements of regulatory law.
- License Protection: Working to ensure that your professional standing remains intact.
Law of Policing & Police Defence Lawyer
Navigating CSPA, LECA, and SIU Investigations for Police Association Union Members
Andrew McKay is one of Canada’s leading authorities on the Law of Policing. Having worked as counsel for 15 Police Association Unions across Ontario—including the Greater Toronto Area (TPA), OPP, Niagara, Windsor, York, Durham, Peel and RCMP members —he understands the professional and personal pressures faced by members of the thin blue line. He has represented thousands of police officers in criminal investigations and discipline matters. Andrew provides expert guidance on:
- Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Matters: Critical representation during investigations into serious incidents.
- LECA (Law Enforcement Complaints Agency): Defending against public complaints and navigating the new oversight framework.
- Disciplinary Trials: Meticulous defence in internal hearings and tribunal proceedings.
- Association Representation: Comprehensive legal support for police associations and their members.
25+ Years
of Legal
Excellence
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Andrew McKay different from other defence lawyers?
Most lawyers only see the law from the defence side. Andrew has 15 years of experience as a police officer, and experience as both a Crown prosecutor and independent criminal lawyer.
Are you available to help me 24 x 7?
Yes, the office can be reached 24/7 and Andrew prides himself on returning calls at his earliest opportunity. He will meet with you either in person or via web conferencing to ensure that anywhere in BC, you get the counsel you need.
What should I do if I am under investigation or being charged?
Never provide a statement until you have consulted with counsel. Andrew’s background as an investigator allows him to guide you through these high-stress interviews while ensuring your rights are protected at every turn.
Do you handle cases in British Columbia as well as Ontario?
Andrew McKay has moved to BC permanently and carries on his practice primarily in BC. However, he is still licensed in Ontario and continues to take some cases in Ontario.
Contact Andrew McKay Law
24/7 Legal Support in Penticton and Across BC
Contact our office today for a confidential discussion about your case.
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Legal Disclaimer
The content on this website is provided by AM Law for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a professional opinion of any kind. Use of this website, or any communication with the firm via email or the provided contact form, does not create or imply a solicitor-client, advisory, or fiduciary relationship.
Please do not transmit any confidential information, case details, or documents until you have been formally accepted as a client. We cannot guarantee the security or confidentiality of unsolicited communications, and such information may not be protected by solicitor-client privilege until a written engagement agreement is executed. The law is constantly evolving; therefore, the material on this site may not reflect the most current legal developments and should not be relied upon to make legal decisions without first seeking professional counsel.