Criminal legal issues
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 or COVID-19 FAQs: criminal page to learn how this may impact you.
We may pay for your lawyer if you qualify and if:
- you have been charged with a crime that could send you to jail if you are found guilty, or
- you are between 12 and 17 years old, and you have been charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
We also may be able to help you the day you are in court if you qualify, and do not have a lawyer. The court lawyer (called duty counsel) can:
- advise you on your rights and the court process
- ask to delay your court date
- represent you at a bail hearing
- help with a guilty plea
- make a submission at a sentencing hearing
- have a resolution meeting with the Crown
- refer you to other legal aid services
The duty counsel at the court is your lawyer for that day only. If you have to go to court more than once, you may speak to a different duty counsel each time.
Related Pages
Temporary service changes due to COVID-19
Last updated: May 10, 2021 As part of our response to the COVID-19 emergency, all of our office locations, including those in courthouses, are closed until further notice. We continue to provide legal aid services via telephone only. Call us at: Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258 GTA:…
Youth (criminal)
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 or COVID-19 FAQS criminal page to learn how this may impact you. COVID-19:…
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, you can…