Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Stages in a Criminal Case

Government of British Columbia

Explains the stages in a criminal case, with links to details about the bail hearing, the initial appearance, the arraignment hearing, the preliminary hearing, the Provincial Court trial, and sentencing.

Last reviewed August 2024
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Child or Young Victim

Explains the help available for children who are victims of crime. This includes agencies that can help and the PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) programs which provide group and individual counselling for children aged three to eighteen.

Last reviewed August 2024
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Sentencing

Government of British Columbia

Explains what judges must consider when imposing a sentence if someone pleads guilty to a criminal charge or is found guilty after a trial.

Last reviewed August 2024
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Sentencing — An Overview

Government of British Columbia

Find information about sentencing. Topics include sentencing principles and purposes, deciding on a sentence, serving a sentence, victim notification, and jury duty.

Last reviewed August 2024
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Domestic Violence

Government of British Columbia

Describes the different forms of domestic violence, and links to the help available for victims of domestic violence, including a resource list and help line numbers. Also find tips and resources for people in abusive relationships, information about peace bonds and protection orders, and information about counselling for children.

Last reviewed August 2024
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BC Prosecution Service Information Sheets

Government of British Columbia

Links to information sheets. Topics include the BC prosecution service (in multiple languages), the role of Crown counsel (in multiple languages), special prosecutors, bail, intimate partner violence prosecutions, sentencing, high-risk and long-term and dangerous offenders, publication bans, information for witnesses, and charges against police.

Last reviewed August 2024
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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 August 2024
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If You Are a Victim of a Crime

Government of British Columbia

Information and guidance to support victims of crime in BC. Find the services and people who can help you deal with the emotional, physical and financial effects of a crime.

Last reviewed August 2024
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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 August 2024
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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 August 2024