Domestic Violence Court - Surrey

Hears all matters related to intimate partner violence charges other than trials. Matters heard include bail, applications to change bail, guilty pleas, and sentencing hearings taking not more than 30 minutes. Appearances are just long enough to fix trial dates, make applications, conduct bail hearings, enter pleas and hold short sentencing hearings. Trials and longer sentencing hearings are heard in other courts. Prosecutors are assigned to this courtroom for extended periods, and existing duty counsel is available to help accused. Judges and lawyers use a collaborative, therapeutic approach where service providers share information and coordinate services for victims and offenders, but do not attend court in person.