Starting April 14: live duty counsel legal advice for in-custody clients with upcoming court appearances, without legal representation for criminal matters

Published: April 9, 2020

As part of LAO’s continuing response to COVID‑19, LAO will provide live duty counsel legal advice for in-custody clients with upcoming court appearances and without legal representation for criminal matters, starting April 14, 2020.

In-custody clients calling the dedicated in custody line will be connected directly with a local duty counsel.

How it works

In-custody clients call LAO’s inmate line at 1‑866‑883‑9665 (TTY 1‑866‑641‑8867), the same line inmates use to apply for legal aid.
Clients without counsel and with a court date in the next four days will be transferred to duty counsel at the courthouse where their matter is to be heard.
Inmates may receive up to 20 minutes of legal advice per call (per provincial jail call time restriction).
Duty counsel financial eligibility test (DCFET) is not required.
Calls can be transferred to duty counsel Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

We are continuing to work with corrections institutions to ensure that LAO clients can access our services during this time.