Duty Counsel (Criminal Law)

Provided by: Legal Aid BC (LABC)

Service Description

Criminal duty counsel (lawyers at the courthouse) may be able to help clients who have been charged with a crime and can't get a legal aid lawyer, or haven't yet applied for legal aid. They can provide advice about criminal charges, court procedures, and legal rights. They may also be able to represent clients at bail hearings or assist with guilty pleas. Clients do not have to be financially eligible to receive criminal duty counsel services. However, legal aid coverage and financial eligibility requirements must be met to receive ongoing representation. Duty counsel is available at courthouses throughout the province. To find duty counsel locations, contact the local court registry.

Service Location