Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Peace Bonds and Assault Charges

People’s Law School

Explains peace bonds, which can offer protection if you fear for your safety. Topics include how peace bonds work, and what to do if a person disobeys a peace bond. It includes the steps you need to take to get a peace bond.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Youth Justice Court Trials

People’s Law School

Explains your rights if you’re a young person facing a criminal trial. Learn about what to expect if you appear in court on a criminal charge, from alternatives to trial, what happens if there is a trial, to possible sentences if a judge finds you guilty. It includes who can help finding lawyer, and who can help if you’re in police custody.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Pleading Guilty to a Criminal Charge

People’s Law School

A criminal conviction can seriously affect the rest of your life. Understand what it means to “plead guilty” to a criminal charge, and learn the steps involved in the process.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Outstanding Warrants and Welfare

People’s Law School

If there is a warrant for your arrest, you may not be able to get welfare benefits. Learn when this rule applies, and options to deal with an outstanding warrant.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: If You Receive an Appearance Notice or Summons

People’s Law School

An appearance notice and a summons tell a person they must appear in court to respond to a criminal charge. Learn what to do on getting an appearance notice or summons.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge

People’s Law School

If you are charged with a criminal offence and you can’t afford a lawyer or get legal aid, you may have to defend yourself. Learn your rights and what’s involved.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Criminal Records and Record Suspensions

People’s Law School

Information about a person found guilty of a crime is kept in their criminal record. Learn about criminal records, including how to apply for a record suspension (formerly a pardon).

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Conditional Sentences, Probation, and Discharges

People’s Law School

If you are guilty of a criminal offence, a judge will decide your sentence. Learn about some of the possible sentences: a discharge, a suspended sentence, and a conditional sentence.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, People’s Law School logo, and a photo of five young people with their arms round each other, smiling.

Consequences of a Youth Record

People’s Law School

A youth record sets out a young person’s involvement in Canada’s youth justice system. This booklet contains public legal information on frequently asked questions about a youth record, access to and closure of a youth record, and consequences of a record.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features silhouettes of four people in greyscale above the words “legal Rights” in red, which are above the words “For Youth in British Columbia.”

Being Charged with a Crime: Youth and Criminal Law

Legal Rights for Youth in BC (Justice Education Society)

This resource provides information for young people who have been charged with a crime, including information on youth court.

Last reviewed March 2024