Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

The Little Black Book of Scams (second edition)

Competition Bureau Canada
This easy-to-read guide describes several scams and how to protect yourself. In addition to explaining frauds, including identity theft, it also details what to do if you get scammed and how to get help.
Last reviewed April 2026
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Defending Yourself (charged with a crime)

Legal Aid BC
This website has a flowchart about criminal court process and multiple booklets about defending yourself if you're charged with a crime. The booklets cover mischief, possession of property under $5,000 obtained by crime, possession of an illegal drug, breach of a court order, assault, and theft under $5,000.
Last reviewed April 2026
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Getting a Court-Appointed Lawyer (Section 684 Application) in Appeals Court

Court of Appeal (Justice Education Society)
If you have a court of appeal case and can’t afford a lawyer, this page explains how to apply for a court-appointed lawyer under section 684 of the Criminal Code.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Solution Explorer: Intimate Images

Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
This free and anonymous tool is for those who’d like to make a claim for an intimate image protection order, damages, and a penalty if someone doesn’t comply with an intimate image protection order. It asks you simple questions and gives you customized legal information and options based on your answers. It also has self-help tools and referrals.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Indigenous Sentencing Courts

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains Indigenous Sentencing Courts including court locations, how they work, and their goals. These courts are for Indigenous people charged with criminal offences.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Sentencing

Provincial Court of British Columbia
This guide has information about what a judge might consider when sentencing people after they have been found guilty of a crime in BC Provincial Court.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Steps in a Provincial Court Criminal Case

Provincial Court of British Columbia
This page explains the steps of a Provincial Court criminal case. It includes information about the bail hearing, the initial appearance, the arraignment hearing, the preliminary the hearing, the trial, and sentencing.
Last reviewed March 2026
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The Court Case — Information for Witnesses

Government of British Columbia
Explains what witnesses will need to do if the person accused of committing the crime they witnessed is formally charged and the case goes to court.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Federal Contraventions Violation Ticket Forms

Government of British Columbia
This page has court forms for federal contraventions violation tickets. The forms are in a PDF format that can be filled out and printed.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Break and Enter

Government of British Columbia
Explains that break and enter is a serious offence, regardless of the value of the property stolen. This page links to the help available if someone is a victim of break and enter.
Last reviewed March 2026