Can duty counsel assist with getting an NCR assessment order?

No. There are too many serious long-term consequences that can come from an NCR assessment for duty counsel to assist with this type of matter.

If either an unrepresented accused or the Crown is seeking an NCR assessment, duty counsel will not assist. An accused should have his or her own lawyer if this situation occurs. If the accused cannot afford a lawyer, they may qualify for a legal aid certificate or the court may appoint a lawyer to assist them and/or the court. Duty counsel may be able to assist with the process of getting a lawyer, but they will not represent the accused in an NCR matter.