Criminal Law

Alcohol and drug offences

• What are my rights if I get stopped while driving?
• I’ve been charged for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. What do I need to know?
• The police say I’ve been doing drugs and driving. What are my rights?

Bail

• What is bail?
• What are bail conditions?
• Do police have to release me after arresting me?

Going to criminal court

• Can I have my criminal law trial in French?
• I missed my court date. What happens now?
• I can’t make it for my court date. What do I do?

Getting legal help in criminal law

• Where can I get a lawyer or paralegal for my criminal case?
• I can’t afford a criminal law lawyer. Where can I get free legal help?
• How do I apply for a legal aid certificate?

Guilty pleas and sentencing

• Is sentencing different if I’m Indigenous?
• Should I plead guilty?
• What does being guilty of a criminal offence mean?

Indigenous rights

• What does Gladue mean?
• What is a Gladue or Indigenous Peoples Court?
• What is Indigenous Diversion?

Mental health court and drug treatment court

• How do I get into and complete mental health diversion?
• I have a mental health issue and I’ve been charged with a crime. What are my options?
• What does “fit to stand trial” mean?

Motor vehicle offences

• I’ve been charged for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. What do I need to know?
• The police say I’ve been doing drugs and driving. What are my rights?
• The police say I’ve been drinking and driving. What are my rights?

Police stops and searches

• Can police just approach me and ask me questions?
• Can the police stop me and ask for my ID?
• Do I have to answer police questions if I’m driving or biking?

Peace bonds

• How do I apply for a peace bond?
• Should I sign a peace bond?
• Should I sign a peace bond in my criminal case?

Rights of an arrested person

• I was arrested with no warrant. What should I do?
• What are my rights if I’m detained or arrested?
• Do I have to answer police questions when I’m detained or arrested?

Types of Offences

• I’ve been charged with Failure to Attend, Failure to Appear, or Failure to Comply with Undertaking. What do I need to know?
• I’ve been charged for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. What do I need to know?
• I’ve been charged with Assault. What do I need to know?

Youth criminal justice

• I’m under 18 and charged with a crime. What are my rights?
• What are my rights as an indigenous person in youth criminal court?
• How are adult court and youth court different?