Legal Resources

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.

Explain your options for getting out of debt, who can help, scams, and licensed insolvency trustees who can help with formal legal processes. Your options include to budget out of debt, to negotiate with your creditors, to consolidate your debt, to negotiate a debt settlement, to make a consumer proposal, and bankruptcy.

Explains that small claims court charges filing fees, which can be a barrier for many people. Find out how you can ask to have the fees waived, so you don’t have to pay them. It explains how the court decides whether or not to waive your fees, and the steps you need to take.

The police give out a “violation ticket” for less serious driving offences. Learn the options available if you get a traffic ticket, and the steps involved in disputing the ticket.

Explains the driver penalty points you’ll typically get if you’re ticketed for a driving offence in BC. Learn about how ICBC calculates driver penalty point premiums, how long they stay on your driving record, what if you can’t (or don’t) pay the premium, what if you’re not allowed to drive, and the points leading to a driving prohibition.

Learn about what claims you can bring in small claims court, and what the time limit is. It details the steps in the process (prepare the notice of claim, file the notice of claim on court, serve the notice on the defendant, wait for a reply, and attend the settlement conference).

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.

Buying goods or services over the internet can be convenient, but there are some pitfalls. Learn your rights and what to watch for.

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.

If there is a warrant for your arrest, you may not be able to get welfare benefits. Learn when this rule applies, and options to deal with an outstanding warrant.