Legal Resources

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.

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.

This page explains how you can be prohibited from driving and what happens if you are charged and sentenced for driving while prohibited.

This page explains how criminal charges are recomended and approved in Vancouver, BC. The process may be different in other communities, so contact your local courthouse or police if you live outside of Vancouver. It also explains how you can lay a private information.

This page explains your rights and what to do if you're charged with a criminal offence and you have to defend yourself because you can’t afford a lawyer or get legal aid.

Information about a person found guilty of a crime is kept in their criminal record. Learn about criminal records, including how to apply for a record suspension (formerly a pardon).

This resource explains what rights victims have related to information they can ask for or give to the Parole Board of Canada. It also explains what information offenders may receive.

This page explains some of the possible sentences you could receive if you're found guilty of a crime. Learn about a discharge, a suspended sentence, a conditional sentence, and more.

Use this page to learn about waiting periods, eligibility, and how to apply for a record suspension (formerly a pardon).

The Parole Board of Canada is an independent group that makes decisions about early release, record suspensions, and clemency. They help reintegrate offenders into society while focusing on public safety. Includes information for victims of crime.