Legal Resources

Explains the steps of 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.

This section of the BC Provincial Court website has information and guides you can use to deal with criminal matters. Includes info on basic criminal procedures, a criminal-case flowchart, and sentencing.

Explains Indigenous Courts including locations, how they work, and their goals.

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

These resources for criminal cases include links for getting a lawyer or legal advice, information on criminal law, preparing for a criminal trial, links to pick lists (standardized wording for bail and sentence orders), links to the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and information for victims of crime.

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.

The Criminal Code of Canada allows a judge or justice of the peace to require you to enter a recognizance (like a peace bond) if there are reasons to believe you will commit certain serious crimes. This booklet explains the 810 process, what your rights are, and how to get legal help.

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 justice context.

This chapter on criminal law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It focuses primarily on criminal procedure and case management. It also provides an overview of Charter rights in the criminal context, sentencing, and criminal records.

Explains that if you identify as Aboriginal or Indigenous and you plead guilty to a crime or are found guilty, you might be able to have your bail or sentencing hearing in a First Nations/Indigenous Court in BC. These are criminal sentencing courts that focus on balancing rehabilitation, accountability, and healing.