Common Questions
Where do I start for information on Criminal Court?
Last reviewed by Clicklaw Editors in July 2019
This page directs you to helpful info on the Criminal Court process in Provincial Court.
Note: Over 95% of all criminal cases in BC are heard in Provincial Court. If the offence is a serious or "indictable" offence, you may have a choice to hold your trial in Provincial or Supreme Court.
This page directs you to helpful info on the Criminal Court process in Provincial Court.
Note: Over 95% of all criminal cases in BC are heard in Provincial Court. If the offence is a serious or "indictable" offence, you may have a choice to hold your trial in Provincial or Supreme Court.
An Overview
BC's Criminal Justice System | general info for everyone
From Ministry of Attorney General BC: Information and services for victims of crime, witnesses and the public. Explains the criminal justice system, BC Corrections, bail, parole, record suspension, etc.Criminal Cases | hear from the Provincial Court
From the Provincial Court: What criminal matters do Provincial Court Judges deal with? Factsheets on: Basic Criminal Procedure, Sentencing, Sentencing Indigenous peoples, and more.Criminal Case Flowchart | stages in a criminal case
From the Provincial Court: Information on the procedures set out in the Criminal Code of Canada to be followed in criminal cases.
Criminal Court Trial
Representing Yourself in a Criminal Trial | basic criminal court process steps
From Legal Services Society (LSS): For the accused person who wants to plead not guilty for a summary offence. It guides a self-represented person through the basic steps in the court process both before and at a trial. Includes a sample letter to get a copy of the Information (document listing your offence) from Crown Counsel (prosecutor) and a basic glossary of terms.- More Criminal Law Resources from LSS (Aboriginal Rights, How to Appeal, If You’re Charged With a Crime, No Contact Orders, Speaking to the Judge before Sentencing, Defending Yourself, If You Can’t Get Legal Aid, etc.)
How a Criminal Trial Works | goes a little further than first steps
From Justice Education Society (JES): What Crown Counsel (prosecutor) has to do in a trial, how you can defend yourself, cross-examining witnesses, evidence you can use, final arguments, and the verdict.- More Criminal Law Resources from JES (Dealing with the Police, Charged with a Crime, Young Offenders, Victims of Crime, etc.)
More Information
Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge | more on the trial process
From People's Law School: More information on the criminal trial process in Provincial Court. Links to other criminal law-related information.LSLAP Manual: Criminal Law | advanced reading
From Law Students' Legal Advice Program: This chapter on criminal law focuses on criminal procedure and how to manage cases. It covers Charter rights in the criminal context, sentencing, and criminal records.Need extra help after reviewing these resources?
Clicklaw HelpMap: Find legal help near you. 30+ services can help with criminal law matters.
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