Criminal legal issues
COVID-19: Beginning March 24, you can speak to duty counsel over the phone about your criminal matter without having to qualify.
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
Learn more about common legal problems
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Youth (criminal)
COVID-19: Beginning March 24, you can speak to duty counsel over the phone about your criminal matter without having to qualify. Are you between 12 and 17? Have the police charged you with a crime? You, your parents or your legal guardian can call us. If you qualify, we will…
Getting help in the courtroom
COVID-19: Beginning March 24, 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…