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: Beginning March 24, 2020, 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 help pay for a lawyer to represent you.

If you are in court and you do not have a lawyer, talk to the lawyer at the courthouse (they are called duty counsel) for help. Duty counsel can:

  • give you advice and information
  • tell you about your rights and what you have to do
  • tell you how the court process works
  • in some cases, help you with your documents
  • in some cases, be your lawyer for that day

How do I apply for legal aid?

Services

Criminal legal issues