Outstanding Warrants and Welfare - Revision history

Elena Renderos: /* If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest */

2020-09-15T01:45:40Z

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest

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	===If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest===		===If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest===
	Under the law in BC, if there is a '''warrant''' for your arrest anywhere in Canada, you may not be able to get welfare in BC. It depends on the type of offence involved.		[https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2002-c-40/latest/sbc-2002-c-40.html#sec15.2_smooth Under the law in BC], if there is a '''warrant''' for your arrest anywhere in Canada, you may not be able to get welfare in BC. It depends on the type of offence involved.

	You aren’t eligible for welfare if there is an arrest warrant issued:		You aren’t eligible for welfare if there is an arrest warrant issued:

Elena Renderos: /* With more information */

2020-09-15T01:44:45Z

With more information

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	===With more information===		===With more information===
	The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' [http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/clastest/pages/79/attachments/original/1401252000/Outstanding_warrants_fact_sheet_FINAL.pdf?1401252000 publishes a factsheet on "Welfare and Outstanding Warrants"].		The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' [http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/clastest/pages/79/attachments/original/1401252000/Outstanding_warrants_fact_sheet_FINAL.pdf?1401252000 publishes a factsheet on "Welfare and Outstanding Warrants"].
	:[~~http~~://www.~~clasbc.net/~~ clasbc.net/ Visit website]		:[https://www.clasbc.net/ Visit website]

	The '''Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction''' is responsible for welfare in BC.		The '''Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction''' is responsible for welfare in BC.
	:Call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867 (toll-free)		:Call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867 (toll-free)
	~~:Visit website~~: [~~http~~://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/eligibility/warrants ~~gov.bc.ca/sdpr~~]		:[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/eligibility/warrants Visit website]

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Elena Renderos: /* Who can help */

2020-09-15T01:43:57Z

Who can help

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	You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.		You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.
	:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)		:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)
	:[~~http~~:/~~/legalaid.bc.ca~~/ legalaid.bc.ca/ Visit website]		:[https://legalaid.bc.ca/ Visit website]

	===With a welfare appeal===		===With a welfare appeal===

Elena Renderos: /* Who can help */

2020-09-15T01:43:11Z

Who can help

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	You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.		You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.
	:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)		:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)
	~~:Visit website~~: [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]		:[http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca/ Visit website]

	===With a welfare appeal===		===With a welfare appeal===
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	===With more information===		===With more information===
	The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' [http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/clastest/pages/79/attachments/original/1401252000/Outstanding_warrants_fact_sheet_FINAL.pdf?1401252000 publishes a factsheet on "Welfare and Outstanding Warrants"].		The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' [http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/clastest/pages/79/attachments/original/1401252000/Outstanding_warrants_fact_sheet_FINAL.pdf?1401252000 publishes a factsheet on "Welfare and Outstanding Warrants"].
	~~:Visit website~~: [http://www.clasbc.net/ clasbc.net]		:[http://www.clasbc.net/ clasbc.net/ Visit website]

	The '''Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction''' is responsible for welfare in BC.		The '''Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction''' is responsible for welfare in BC.

Elena Renderos: /* Who can help */

2020-09-15T01:42:08Z

Who can help

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	You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.		You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.
	:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)		:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)
	:Visit website:[http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]		:Visit website: [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]

	===With a welfare appeal===		===With a welfare appeal===

Elena Renderos: /* With legal advice */

2020-09-15T01:41:50Z

With legal advice

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:41, 15 September 2020
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	You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.		You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.
	:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)		:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)
	:Visit website [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]		:Visit website:[http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]

	===With a welfare appeal===		===With a welfare appeal===

Elena Renderos at 01:41, 15 September 2020

2020-09-15T01:41:34Z

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	====You can challenge the government’s decision====		====You can challenge the government’s decision====
	If the government says you can’t get welfare or it cuts you off from welfare, you have the right to challenge their decision. See our information on reconsiderations and appeals of income assistance.		If the government says you can’t get welfare or it cuts you off from welfare, you have the right to challenge their decision. [[Income Assistance: Reconsiderations and Appeals\|See our information on reconsiderations and appeals of income assistance]].

	====Short-term financial help====		====Short-term financial help====
	You may be able to get two kinds of financial supplements if you show ~~“undue hardship”~~.		You may be able to get two kinds of financial supplements if you show '''undue hardship'''.

	You can apply for a repayable monthly supplement, if you can show that without financial help you will experience undue hardship. This assistance can be provided for three months, with the possibility of three additional months in exceptional circumstances.		You can apply for a repayable monthly supplement, if you can show that without financial help you will experience undue hardship. This assistance can be provided for three months, with the possibility of three additional months in exceptional circumstances.

	You may also be able to get a repayable transportation supplement so you can go back to the place where the warrant is outstanding and deal with it.		You may also be able to get a repayable transportation supplement so you can go back to the place where the warrant is outstanding and deal with it.
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	===Do I have to consent to a warrant check by the welfare Ministry?===		===Do I have to consent to a warrant check by the welfare Ministry?===
	Yes. The application for welfare asks you to provide the welfare Ministry with written consent to check if you have any relevant warrants. If you do not consent, you will not be eligible for welfare.		Yes. The application for welfare asks you to provide the welfare Ministry with written consent to check if you have any relevant warrants. If you do not consent, you will not be eligible for welfare.

	==~~Get~~ help==		==Who can help==

	===With legal advice===		===With legal advice===
	You can apply to the '''Legal ~~Services Society~~''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.		You can apply to the '''Legal Aid BC''' to see if you qualify under legal aid for a criminal lawyer to take your case or give you some advice about a warrant.
	:~~Toll-free:~~ 1-866-577-2525		:Call 1-866-577-2525 (toll-free)
	:~~Web:~~ [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]		:Visit website [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]

	===With a welfare appeal===		===With a welfare appeal===
	For help in challenging a decision about your eligibility for welfare, you could seek out an '''advocate'''. Advocates are community workers trained to help people, including with the paperwork involved. ~~PovNet has a~~ [http://www.povnet.org/find-an-advocate/bc Find an Advocate ~~Map at povnet.org~~]. ~~Clicklaw’s~~ [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap HelpMap] lists dozens of advocates in BC.		For help in challenging a decision about your eligibility for welfare, you could seek out an '''advocate'''. Advocates are community workers trained to help people, including with the paperwork involved. [http://www.povnet.org/find-an-advocate/ PovNet has a Find an Advocate tool]. [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap Clicklaw’s HelpMap lists dozens of advocates in BC].

	The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' (CLAS) may be able to help you if you have been denied welfare due to a warrant and you have lost your welfare appeal.		The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' (CLAS) may be able to help you if you have been denied welfare due to a warrant and you have lost your welfare appeal.
	~~:Web~~: [http://www.clasbc.net/ ~~clasbc.net~~]		:[http://www.clasbc.net/ Visit website]

	===~~More~~ information===		===With more information===
	The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' ~~publishes a factsheet on “~~[http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/clastest/pages/79/attachments/original/1401252000/Outstanding_warrants_fact_sheet_FINAL.pdf?1401252000 Welfare and Outstanding Warrants]”.		The '''Community Legal Assistance Society''' [http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/clastest/pages/79/attachments/original/1401252000/Outstanding_warrants_fact_sheet_FINAL.pdf?1401252000 publishes a factsheet on "Welfare and Outstanding Warrants"].
	:~~Web~~: [http://www.clasbc.net/ clasbc.net]		:Visit website: [http://www.clasbc.net/ clasbc.net]

	The '''Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction''' is responsible for welfare in BC.		The '''Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction''' is responsible for welfare in BC.
	~~:Toll-free~~: Call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867		:Call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867 (toll-free)
	:~~Web~~: [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/eligibility/warrants gov.bc.ca/sdpr]		:Visit website: [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/eligibility/warrants gov.bc.ca/sdpr]

	{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=courts}}		{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=courts}}
	{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}		{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}

Elena Renderos at 01:35, 15 September 2020

2020-09-15T01:35:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:35, 15 September 2020
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	===If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest===		===If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest===
	~~[[Under the law in BChttps://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2002-c-40/latest/sbc-2002-c-40.html#sec15.2_smooth\|~~Under the law in BC]], if there is a '''warrant''' for your arrest anywhere in Canada, you may not be able to get welfare in BC. It depends on the type of offence involved.		Under the law in BC, if there is a '''warrant''' for your arrest anywhere in Canada, you may not be able to get welfare in BC. It depends on the type of offence involved.

	You aren’t eligible for welfare if there is an arrest warrant issued:		You aren’t eligible for welfare if there is an arrest warrant issued:

	# [~~[under the ''Immigration and Refugee Protection Acthttps~~://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/sc-2001-c-27/latest/sc-2001-c-27.html\|under the ''Immigration and Refugee Protection Act]]'', or		# [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/sc-2001-c-27/latest/sc-2001-c-27.html under the ''Immigration and Refugee Protection Act''], or
	# under any other Canadian law in relation to an '''indictable''' offence.		# under any other Canadian law in relation to an '''indictable''' offence.

	Indictable offences are the more serious ones, ~~usually~~ [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html under the Criminal Code] or the law on illegal drugs. They include aggravated assault, theft over $5,000, drug trafficking, and murder.		Indictable offences are the more serious ones, [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html usually under the ''Criminal Code''] or [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/sc-1996-c-19/latest/sc-1996-c-19.html the law on illegal drugs]. They include aggravated assault, theft over $5,000, drug trafficking, and murder.

	If an arrest warrant for you is outstanding and falls in one of these categories, you can be cut off from (and ineligible for) welfare benefits until you take steps to deal with the warrant. The welfare benefits affected include income assistance, disability assistance, hardship assistance, and supplements.		If an arrest warrant for you is outstanding and falls in one of these categories, you can be cut off from (and ineligible for) welfare benefits until you take steps to deal with the warrant. The welfare benefits affected include income assistance, disability assistance, hardship assistance, and supplements.

	===There are exceptions===		===There are exceptions===
	Some people can still get welfare even if they have an outstanding warrant falling in one of the named categories. ~~The~~ [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/regu/bc-reg-263-2002/latest/bc-reg-263-2002.html#sec38.1_smooth warrant provision in the welfare law] doesn’t apply to:		Some people can still get welfare even if they have an outstanding warrant falling in one of the named categories. [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/regu/bc-reg-263-2002/latest/bc-reg-263-2002.html#sec38.1_smooth The warrant provision in the welfare law] doesn’t apply to:
	*pregnant women,
	*people in the end stage of a terminal illness, or
	*someone under age 18.

	The family of a person with an outstanding warrant is still eligible for welfare.		* pregnant women,
			* people in the end stage of a terminal illness, or
			* someone under age 18.

			The family of a person with an outstanding warrant is still eligible for welfare.

	==When you apply for welfare==		==When you apply for welfare==
	When you apply for welfare, you have to say if there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest issued under:		When you apply for welfare, you have to say if there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest issued under:
	*Canada’s immigration law, or
	*another Canadian law in relation to an '''indictable''' offence.		* Canada’s immigration law, or
			* another Canadian law in relation to an '''indictable''' offence.

	If you don’t tell the truth, you may have to repay any welfare benefits you receive, and you could face criminal charges. You also have to agree that the government can check the information you report.		If you don’t tell the truth, you may have to repay any welfare benefits you receive, and you could face criminal charges. You also have to agree that the government can check the information you report.

	But you may not know if you have an outstanding warrant. For example, perhaps there was a warrant for your arrest. But sometimes charges are '''stayed''', with the prosecutor deciding not to proceed with the charges. When that happens, warrants are cancelled. A warrant can be cancelled without you knowing about it. As a result, you can’t assume you still have an active warrant.		But you may not know if you have an outstanding warrant. For example, perhaps there ''was'' a warrant for your arrest. But sometimes charges are '''stayed''', with the prosecutor deciding not to proceed with the charges. When that happens, warrants are cancelled. A warrant can be cancelled without you knowing about it. As a result, you can’t assume you still have an active warrant.

			Or you may know there’s a warrant, but not know if it’s in relation to an indictable offence. (Less serious offences are called '''summary conviction''' offences. Some offences are '''hybrid''' offences, meaning the prosecutor can choose to proceed either summarily or by indictment.)

	Or you may know there’s a warrant, but not know if it’s in relation to an indictable offence. (Less serious offences are called '''summary conviction''' offences. Some offences are '''hybrid''' offences, meaning the prosecutor can choose to proceed either summarily or by indictment.)

	So the most accurate answer may be that '''you don’t know''' if there’s an outstanding arrest warrant falling in one of the named categories. The government can then check for any outstanding warrants for your arrest and what type of offence they are for.		So the most accurate answer may be that '''you don’t know''' if there’s an outstanding arrest warrant falling in one of the named categories. The government can then check for any outstanding warrants for your arrest and what type of offence they are for.

	===Dealing with an outstanding warrant===		===Dealing with an outstanding warrant===
	How you deal with an outstanding warrant depends on the facts of the case and the offence you are charged with. You have various options.		How you deal with an outstanding warrant depends on the facts of the case and the offence you are charged with. You have various options.

	You can call the prosecutor in the location where the warrant was issued to see if they might drop the underlying criminal charges (which would cancel the warrant).		You can call the prosecutor in the location where the warrant was issued to see if they might drop the underlying criminal charges (which would cancel the warrant).

	Or you can go back to that place to deal with the warrant.		Or you can go back to that place to deal with the warrant.

	Or if you have a relevant warrant in another province, you can “'''waive in'''” your charges to BC so you can attend court here to clear the warrant and deal with the charges. (You can only waive charges into BC if you intend to plead guilty to them.)		Or if you have a relevant warrant in another province, you can '''waive in''' your charges to BC so you can attend court here to clear the warrant and deal with the charges. (You can only waive charges into BC if you intend to plead guilty to them.)

	You should get legal advice before you decide what to do. See below for options for legal help.		You should get legal advice before you decide what to do. See below for options for legal help.
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	====You can challenge the government’s decision====		====You can challenge the government’s decision====
	If the government says you can’t get welfare or it cuts you off from welfare, you have the right to challenge their decision. See our information on ~~[[Income Assistance: Reconsiderations and Appeals (No. 288)\|~~reconsiderations and appeals~~, no. 288]]~~.		If the government says you can’t get welfare or it cuts you off from welfare, you have the right to challenge their decision. See our information on reconsiderations and appeals of income assistance.

	====Short-term financial help====		====Short-term financial help====

Elena Renderos at 01:28, 15 September 2020

2020-09-15T01:28:15Z

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	{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]]\|date= August 2017}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = crime}}		{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]]\|date= August 2017}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = crime}}
	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.		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.

	==~~Understand your legal rights~~==		==What you should know==

	===If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest===		===If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest===
	Under the ~~[https~~://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2002-c-40/latest/sbc-2002-c-40.html#sec15.2_smooth law in BC], if there is a '''warrant''' for your arrest anywhere in Canada, you may not be able to get welfare in BC. It depends on the type of offence involved.		[[Under the law in BChttps://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2002-c-40/latest/sbc-2002-c-40.html#sec15.2_smooth\|Under the law in BC]], if there is a '''warrant''' for your arrest anywhere in Canada, you may not be able to get welfare in BC. It depends on the type of offence involved.

	You aren’t eligible for welfare if there is an arrest warrant issued:		You aren’t eligible for welfare if there is an arrest warrant issued:
	~~#under the ''[http://canlii.ca/t/7vwq Immigration and Refugee Protection Act]'', or~~
	~~#under any other Canadian law in relation to an '''indictable''' offence.~~

	~~Indictable offences are the more serious ones, usually~~ under the ''~~[http~~://canlii.ca/t/~~7vf2 Criminal Code~~]'' or the [~~http~~://canlii.ca/t/~~7vtc~~ law on illegal drugs]. They include aggravated assault, theft over $5,000, drug trafficking, and murder.		# [[under the ''Immigration and Refugee Protection Acthttps://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/sc-2001-c-27/latest/sc-2001-c-27.html\|under the ''Immigration and Refugee Protection Act]]'', or
			# under any other Canadian law in relation to an '''indictable''' offence.

			Indictable offences are the more serious ones, usually [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html under the Criminal Code] or the law on illegal drugs. They include aggravated assault, theft over $5,000, drug trafficking, and murder.

	If an arrest warrant for you is outstanding and falls in one of these categories, you can be cut off from (and ineligible for) welfare benefits until you take steps to deal with the warrant. The welfare benefits affected include income assistance, disability assistance, hardship assistance, and supplements.		If an arrest warrant for you is outstanding and falls in one of these categories, you can be cut off from (and ineligible for) welfare benefits until you take steps to deal with the warrant. The welfare benefits affected include income assistance, disability assistance, hardship assistance, and supplements.

Elena Renderos: Elena Renderos moved page Outstanding Warrants and Welfare (No. 204) to Outstanding Warrants and Welfare: Removing recording numbers from page names

2020-09-12T00:40:08Z

Elena Renderos moved page Outstanding Warrants and Welfare (No. 204) to Outstanding Warrants and Welfare: Removing recording numbers from page names

← Older revision	Revision as of 00:40, 12 September 2020
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