Legal Resources

This site gives an overview of the adult criminal court process but does not cover every situation. The information relates to criminal trials in BC Supreme Courts and Provincial Courts. Includes rights of the accused, investigation and charges, bail hearing, disclosure, and pleading guilty.

This site has general information to help people with criminal matters in the BC Supreme Court. The guidebooks provide information you need to know before trial, about trial and sentencing, and jury duty. You can also find links to court forms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.