Legal Aid Ontario may be able to provide help if you are being charged with a criminal offence.

Only specific cases require LAO assistance in retaining a lawyer, and eligibility requirements are strictly applied.

Duty counsel
If you have a low income and an immediate court date but you do not have a lawyer yet, duty counsel can provide help.

Select one of the following questions.

If your legal issue is not covered by the options, please try another category (e.g. family matter), visit our other resources page, or call Legal Aid Ontario toll-free at 1-800-668-8258 or 416-979-1446 to speak to a representative. Legal Aid Ontario accepts collect calls.

Please note that criminal duty counsel cannot assist with trials

Other resources

Please note that these are external links and Legal Aid Ontario is not responsible for their content.

Understanding the law:
Canada's System of Justice
Understand what the law is, where it comes from, what it is for, and how it operates.

Canada's Court System
A general description of the court system in Canada, the types and levels of courts and their responsibilities.

Statutes and regulations:
Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)
The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), the YCJA explained and other information.

Criminal Code
View the full text of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Government:
Ministry of the Attorney General
Visit the Attorney General site to get information on going to court, court locations, court forms and applications, small claims court, jury duty, power of attorney links to legislation and information on any court procedures.

Department of Justice Canada
Review information on federal laws including youth services.

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Find information on police services in Ontario, parole board hearings and correctional facilities.

Ombudsman Ontario
Investigates complaints against provincial government organizations.

Courtprep Guide
A site that helps people prepare for court.

Youth:
For links regarding Young Offenders please see below.

• Click here for a larger listing of other resources

Other resources

Please note that these are external links and Legal Aid Ontario is not responsible for their content.

» Other resources