Apply for legal aid on behalf of clients in custody during COVID‑19‑related disruptions

Published: March 30, 2020

In addition to business supports LAO is providing lawyers announced March 26, and as part of our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, lawyers across Ontario may, temporarily, apply for legal aid on behalf of clients that are in custody, when clients cannot.

This practice, already in effect at the Toronto South Detention Centre, is being expanded across the province during COVID-19-related disruptions.

How to apply

• Counsel downloads the simplified lawyer inmate request form from LAO’s website.
• Once completed, email it to InmateLawyerApp@lao.on.ca and a certificate will be issued after the request is processed.
• If a signed consent and declaration form is required, a certificate will be issued in advance, and a consent and declaration may be submitted after May 29, 2020.

As previously announced, merit testing for bail reviews is temporarily being waived.

For further information

Please contact LAO’s Lawyer Service Centre at 1-866-979-9934 or online at Legal Aid Online.