About the firm.

Calgary criminal defence, since 1992. Rick Muenz leads more than thirty years of practice across five provinces and the Yukon. The team behind him keeps the firm running.

Rick on why he does this work. Two minutes.

The team approach

Rick leads. The team keeps it moving.

Criminal defence done well takes more than one person. Rick takes the lead on every file and appears in court. The people behind him handle continuity, depth, and the dozens of moving parts that keep a file on track.

Rick Muenz Criminal Lawyer

Founder & Lead Counsel

Rick Muenz

Calgary criminal defence lawyer since 1993. Practising exclusively in criminal law since 1992, with files ranging from murder to mischief. Currently focused on sexual assault defence, alongside a teaching role at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law in the Advanced Criminal Law Course.

Rick takes the lead on every file the firm runs, from intake through resolution.

  • Practising criminal law exclusively since 1992
  • Bar admissions: Alberta (1993), British Columbia (2001)
  • Cases in AB, BC, MB, ON, SK and the Yukon
  • Guest lecturer, U of C Faculty of Law (sexual assault)
  • Contributor to LESA training papers used across Alberta
  • More than 40 jury trials in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench
Read full bio
Alvin | Legal Assistant

Alvin Luximon

Legal Assistant

Alvin was born in Mauritius and is fluent in both English and French. He brings more than 20 years of experience across a variety of industries, providing him with a strong foundation in leadership, client service, organization, and problem-solving.

Alvin has had a passion for the law since high school and has always been drawn to helping people through difficult situations. His genuine interest in the legal profession, combined with his extensive professional experience, allows him to provide clients with compassionate, professional, and attentive service. He takes pride in ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and well-informed throughout the legal process.

Outside of work, Alvin enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures, as well as cooking and exploring new cuisines. He also has a passion for DIY projects, mechanical engineering, and solving practical challenges. When he has the opportunity, he enjoys hiking and horseback riding, appreciating the chance to spend time outdoors and stay active.

Alvin is committed to delivering exceptional client service with integrity, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those he assists.

Maria Muenz

Maria Muenz

Founder & President (The Pardon Group)

Maria Muenz is the founder and President of The Pardon Group, which she established in 2002 after working with Alberta Justice. For more than two decades, she has helped hundreds of Canadians and individuals from around the world with Canadian criminal records successfully obtain Record Suspensions (formerly Pardons) and U.S. Entry Waivers.

Known for her knowledge, professionalism, and compassionate approach, Maria has earned the trust and respect of criminal defence lawyers, Crown prosecutors, court staff, judges, and former clients, many of whom continue to refer individuals to The Pardon Group.
With laws and application requirements continually evolving, Maria remains committed to staying at the forefront of Record Suspension and U.S. Entry Waiver processes. Together with her experienced team and a network of respected criminal lawyers, she provides knowledgeable, compassionate, and personalized representation to every client.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, Maria has also served as a court interpreter, allowing her to assist clients from diverse backgrounds with confidence and understanding.

At The Pardon Group, every client receives individualized attention – not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether handling a straightforward application or a particularly complex case, Maria and her team are committed to providing honest advice, exceptional service, and the highest standard of professional representation. Their dedication to personalized service and attention to detail has earned The Pardon Group a reputation for successfully navigating even the most challenging cases.

Giuliana Di Lorenzo

Giuliana Di Lorenzo

Associate (The Pardon Group)

Giuliana Di Lorenzo is an Associate at The Pardon Group, where she supports clients through the Record Suspension and U.S. Waiver processes with care, guidance, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Sociology and a Bachelor of Education, reflecting her dedication to supporting individuals, empowering them to navigate challenges, and helping them move forward.

Having grown up in a family deeply rooted in the legal field, Giuliana developed an early understanding of the justice system and its impact on people’s lives. She gained hands-on experience as a legal assistant alongside Richard Muenz of Muenz Criminal Law, an experience that continues to inform her work advocating for clients today.

Giuliana is passionate about helping individuals overcome past barriers and pursue new opportunities. Through personalized guidance and compassionate advocacy, she is committed to ensuring each client feels supported throughout the Record Suspension and US Entry Waiver process.

Beyond the courtroom

Recognition that shapes the practice.

Guest lecturer · U of C Faculty of Law

Teaches the Advanced Criminal Law Course on sexual assault, alongside earlier lecturing on impaired driving.

LESA papers

Recent contributions: Production of Third Party Records in Sexual Offences; Evidence of Prior Sexual Activity.

Court appearances

Provincial Court (Criminal & Youth), Court of Queen’s Bench (40+ jury trials), Alberta Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Bar admissions

Called to the Alberta Bar in 1993 and the British Columbia Bar in 2001.

Pro bono & advocacy

Contributor to A Parent’s Handbook Concerning Drug Use; speaker for P.R.I.D.E. Invited to Parliament by the late Governor General Ramon John Hnatyshyn for this work.

Bilingual services

Firm staff can translate and explain the legal process in Spanish and Italian.

Calgary office

Downtown Calgary.

The firm is at #900, 550 6th Avenue SW, in downtown Calgary, within walking distance of the Calgary Courts Centre. The door is open during business hours and we answer our own phone.

If you would rather come in person, that is an option. Otherwise we are happy to start with a phone call.

Get directions

The first call is on us.

Free initial consultation. No pressure and no script. A conversation about what is happening and what we would recommend.

Book a Consultation
Call 403-543-6666