Crimes & offences
Last reviewed May 2026 by the Clicklaw editors
Do you think someone has broken the law, or have you been accused of committing a crime? Learn about what the law says, and how to defend yourself if you’re accused of an offence, like driving while impaired.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Click on a topic to see a list of resources.
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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
Dial-a-Law: Shoplifting
People’s Law School
Shoplifting is taking (or trying to take) something from a store without paying for it, with the intention of stealing. Learn what to expect if you’ve been charged with shoplifting.
Last reviewed March 2026
Dial-a-Law: Stalking, Criminal Harassment, and Cyberbullying
People’s Law School
It is criminal harassment for someone to repeatedly follow or contact you or engage in threatening behaviour to make you afraid. This can also include cyberbullying. Learn what you should know and how to deal with the problem.
Last reviewed March 2026
Frauds and Scams
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Information on email phishing, online fraud, fraudulent calls, police impersonators, rental scams, PIN-pad tampering, and ATM skimming.
Last reviewed March 2026
Know Your Rights: A Guide for People Who Rely on Public Space
Pivot Legal Society
A guide on basic rights designed for people who rely on public space and regularly interact with law enforcement figures, including police, bylaw officers, and private security guards, because of their living conditions.
Last reviewed March 2026
Impaired Driving Laws
Government of Canada
This page explains impaired driving laws and the penalties for impaired driving in Canada. It includes information about offences related to having prohibited levels of alcohol, cannabis, and certain other drugs in the blood within two hours of driving. Provinces and territories have additional laws or regulations that may apply, so be sure to also...
Last reviewed March 2026
Dial-a-Law: Impaired Driving
People’s Law School
Impaired driving is a serious offence with complex legal and technical issues and significant penalties if you’re convicted. Learn what to expect if you’re charged with impaired driving.
Last reviewed March 2026
Dial-a-Law: Driving While Prohibited
People’s Law School
This page explains how you can be prohibited from driving and what happens if you are charged and sentenced for driving while prohibited.
Last reviewed March 2026
Dial-a-Law: Driving Without Insurance
People’s Law School
This page explains your rights and what steps to take if you've been charged for driving without insurance.
Last reviewed March 2026
How to Dispute a Provincial Violation Ticket
Government of British Columbia
This page explains how to dispute a provincial violation ticket. It includes the notice of dispute form in a format that can be filled in and printed.
Last reviewed March 2026
Dial-a-Law: Young People and Criminal Law
People’s Law School
Explains the rights a young person has in dealing with the police or if they’re charged with a crime. Topics include what you should know about the legal framework, if the police stop and question you, if you’re arrested, and if you’re charged but not arrested. It includes how to find a lawyer, and help you can get if you’re in police custody.
Last reviewed March 2026
Crime & Police
Legal Rights for Youth in BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information for young people who are dealing with the police. It covers information about traffic tickets, sextortion and sharing intimate images, sexual assault, cyberbullying, drunk and drugged driving, and facing a police stop.
Last reviewed March 2026
What Happens If I'm Pulled Over While Driving?
Legal Rights for Youth in BC (Justice Education Society)
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.
Last reviewed March 2026
Extrajudicial Measures
Youth Criminal Justice Act Course (Justice Education Society)
This website explains non-court responses to youth crime. Part of an online course, it also talks about extrajudicial sanctions, youth conferences, and consequences of extrajudicial measures.
Last reviewed May 2026
LSLAP Manual: Youth Justice
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It includes an overview of criminal procedure and sentencing in the youth criminal justice system.
Last reviewed March 2026
LSLAP Manual: Criminal Law
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on criminal law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It focuses on criminal procedure and case management. It also provides an overview of Charter rights in the criminal cases, sentencing, and criminal records.
Last reviewed March 2026
LSLAP Manual: Motor Vehicle Law
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on motor vehicle law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides an overview of licensing requirements and driving offences such as impaired driving, careless driving, and failure to remain at the scene of an accident.
Last reviewed March 2026