Getting help in the courtroom
Important notice:
Some of our services have temporarily changed due to the COVID‑19 crisis. The information provided on this page may no longer be accurate. Please visit our COVID‑19 client page to learn how this may impact you.
COVID-19: Beginning March 24, 2020, you can speak to duty counsel over the phone about your criminal matter without having to qualify.
If you qualify, and need legal help on your day of court, you can talk to our lawyers at the courthouse (they are called duty counsel). Duty counsel can:
- give you advice and information
- tell you about your rights and what you have to do
- tell you how the court process works
- in some cases, help you with your documents
- in some cases, represent you
Check the table below to see if you qualify for duty counsel services.
| Number of family members | The amount of money your family earns in a year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,720 |
| 2 | $32,131 |
| 3 | $39,352 |
| 4 | $45,440 |
| 5+ | $50,803 |
If you do not qualify for duty counsel services, speak to a legal aid worker. Legal aid workers are Legal Aid employees who can give you legal information, information about the court process, and tell you about other resources that may help.
Related Services
Criminal legal issues
Charged with a crime that could send you to jail? Going to court without a lawyer? Charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act?
Family legal issues
Do you want to separate from your partner? Need to decide decision-making responsibility, support or parenting time/contact? Contacted by Children’s Aid?