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 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.

Criminal legal issues

Related Pages

Temporary service changes due to COVID-19

Learn more about common legal problems

Youth (criminal)

Getting help in the courtroom