Legal Resources

Use this page to learn about waiting periods, eligibility, and how to apply for a record suspension (formerly a pardon).

The Parole Board of Canada is an independent group that makes decisions about early release, record suspensions, and clemency. They help reintegrate offenders into society while focusing on public safety. Includes information for victims of crime.

This resource explains what to say to a judge before they decide on your sentence. Learn how to prepare and where to get legal advice. It also contains information about Gladue principles at sentencing for Indigenous peoples.

This article explains what a young person needs to do when they're pulled over by the police while driving. It explains about a roadside breath sample, duties after a collision, and what to do when the police officer asks questions.

This booklet provides legal education, sexual violence awareness, and community resources for international students in remote/underserved areas in BC. It includes information on the law and consent, reporting sexual assault to the police, legal protection options, and human rights law.

These videos show victims how a parole hearing works, how to access information about the offender, and how to attend a hearing or present a statement.

The resource explains what happens when an accused person wants to plead not guilty to a summary offence. It’s designed to guide a self-represented person through the basic steps in the court process both before and at a trial.

This page describes the rights and responsibilities you have when you deal with the police.

For people facing serious and complex criminal charges who have been denied legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer. It explains how to ask the judge to appoint a free lawyer. There is checklist of points to cover in court and copies of court forms. Note: The French version doesn’t include recent updates that are in the English version.

Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with possession of property under $5,000 obtained by crime. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help.