LSLAP Policies on Criminal Law (1:X): Difference between revisions

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 7, 2024.

LSLAP Manual
This page is from the Law Students' Legal Advice Program Manual. See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
1. Criminal Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary
2. Youth Justice · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice Act · Appendix A: Glossary
3. Family Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary
4. Victims · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Abuse of the Seniors & Disabled · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP & Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up
5. Public Complaints · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Police Conduct Complaints · VI. Security Guard Conduct Complaints · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints & Appeals UBC · IX. Complaints & Appeals SFU · X. Complaints against Other Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · XIII. Complaints against other Professionals · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter
6. Human Rights · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings
7. Workers' Compensation · I. Introduction · II. Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Worker Compensation Claims · IV. LSLAP's Role at Initial Decision · V. Limitation Periods & Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits & Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. WCB Fair Practices Office · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Small Claims Flow Chart · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form
8. Employment Insurance · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist
9. Employment Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary
10. Creditors and Debtors · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist
11. Consumer Protection · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts & Security Agreements · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Checklist for Consumer Transactions
12. Auto Insurance (ICBC) I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Enhanced Care System · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. ICBC's Previous Autoplan Insurance System · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage
13. Motor Vehicle Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Driving Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent of Motor Vehicle Prohibitions · IX. Alcohol & Drug Driving Offences · X. Federal Driving Offences · XI. Provincial Driving While Prohibited Offences · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles & Motor Assisted Cycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines
14. Mental Health Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted Patients · VIII. Mental Health Act and Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP Program Information
15. Adult Guardianship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect
16. Wills and Estate Administration · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Making and Executing a Will · IV. Will Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. Estate Administration · XI. Duties of Personal Representative · XII. Tax: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary
17. Citizenship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Citizenship Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation of Citizenship · VIII. Proof of Citizenship · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals
18. Immigration Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Immigration Players · IV. Categories of Persons under IRPA · V. Applying for Permanent Residency · VI. Identification for PR · VII. Immigration and Refugee Board · VIII. Loss of PR Status · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Immigration Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts
19. Landlord and Tenant Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Residential Tenancy Act & Laws · IV. Tenancy Agreements · V. Moving In & Moving Out · VI. Security Deposits · VII. Repair & Service · VIII. Rent Increase · IX. Tenant's Rights · X. Subletting & Assignment · XI. Termination & Eviction · XII. Dispute Resolution · XIII. Common Law · XIV. Strata & Condos · XV. Assisted Living · XVI. Manufactured Homes · XVII. Guidelines & Resources
20. Small Claims and the CRT · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial Applications · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial & Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · XVIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal
21. Welfare Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments & Fraud · VIII. Rates & Payment Issues · IX. Additional Allowances & Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals
22. Strata Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property & Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws & Rules · XI. Rentals & Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair & Maintenance · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts
23. Referrals · I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others
v • d • e

A. Who LSLAP Can Help

LSLAP can help with many criminal matters, but there are restrictions. We can assist the following people:

people who do not have a serious criminal record;
people against whom the Crown is not seeking jail time;
people who are charged with an adult summary conviction offence or hybrid offence where the Crown is proceeding summarily;
people who are classified as low-income, determined on a case-by-case basis;
people whose cases are being tried in Provincial Court (not Supreme Court or Federal Court);
people facing a weapons prohibition hearing;
people whose trial dates are 3 months away or longer;
people applying through s. 684 for a court appointed lawyer;
complainants who are seeking either third party legal advice in relation to a proceeding or who are seeking general counsel with respect to the criminal justice system;
people facing bylaw offences;
people facing Motor Vehicle Act/Regulation offences (traffic tickets); and
people facing ICBC driving prohibitions

It is important to note that all cases are contingent on the approval of LSLAP’s supervising lawyer. For trials, LSLAP is only able to help if the student is also able to secure a volunteer supervising lawyer for the trial.

B. What We Can Do for Our Clients

1. If the Client Meets LSLAP Requirements

LSLAP clinicians may provide assistance to clients including:

helping the accused obtain particulars and set trial dates;
representing an accused at trial for some summary offences with supervision, and/or speaking to sentence for such offences;
contacting and negotiating with the Crown, in some cases, to agree in advance to a disposition favourable to the client; and
applying for a diversion or peace bond for the client.

2. If the Client Does Not Meet LSLAP Requirements

LSLAP clinicians may assist the client solely by providing the client with a referral. No advice can be given. If the client wishes to review a decision denying Legal Aid BC, LSLAP may be able to assist with this review.

3. What to Do if LSLAP Cannot Represent a Client

Clients should be encouraged to find counsel as quickly as possible. If an accused must appear in court and has not yet found counsel, they should ask for an adjournment. It is common for the court to allow an adjournment for several weeks to permit the accused to obtain counsel after the first appearance.

LSLAP Manual

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Chapters 1-7
Criminal Law · Youth Justice · Family Law · Victims · Public Complaints · Human Rights · Workers Compensation

Chapter One: Criminal Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary

Chapter Two: Youth Justice	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Criminal Offences: Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Provincial Offences: Youth Justice Act · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Three: Family Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Four: Victims	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Abuse and Neglect of Seniors or Those with Disabilities · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. Trauma Informed Practice and Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up

Chapter Five: Public Complaints	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Complaints Concerning Police Conduct · VI. Complaints against Security Guards · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints and Appeals UBC · IX. Complaints and Appeals SFU · X. Complaints Against Other Colleges and Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · XIII. Complaints against other Professionals · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter

Chapter Six: Human Rights	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role in Human Rights Proceedings · VIII. Alternative Processes for Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings

Chapter Seven: Workers' Compensation	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims for Injured Workers · IV. LSLAP's Role at the Initial Decision Level · V. Limitation Periods and Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits and Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. The WCB Fair Practices Office · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Small Claims Flow Chart · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form

Chapters 8-14
Employment Insurance · Employment Law · Creditors and Debtors · Consumer Protection · Auto Insurance (ICBC) · Motor Vehicle Law · Mental Health Law

Chapter Eight: Employment Insurance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist

Chapter Nine: Employment Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Ten: Creditors' Remedies and Debtors' Assistance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist

Chapter Eleven: Consumer Protection	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts and Security Agreements · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Checklist for Consumer Transactions

Chapter Twelve: Auto Insurance (ICBC)	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. ICBC Enhanced Care System (Current Model) · IV. ICBC Enhanced Care System and Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. ICBC's Autoplan Insurance System (Prior System) · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Basic Compulsory Autoplan Coverage

Chapter Thirteen: Motor Vehicle Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Driving Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent of Motor Vehicle Prohibitions · IX. Alcohol and Drug Driving Offences · X. Federal Driving Offences · XI. Provincial Offence of Driving While Prohibited · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles and Motor Assisted Cycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines

Chapter Fourteen: Mental Health Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted Patients · VIII. Mental Health Act and Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP Program Information

Chapters 15-23
Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making · Wills and Estates · Citizenship · Immigration · Landlord and Tenant Rights · Small Claims · Welfare Law · Strata Law · Referrals

Chapter Fifteen: Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect

Chapter Sixteen: Wills and Estate Administration	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Making and Executing a Will · IV. Will Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. Estate Administration · XI. Duties of a Personal Representative · XII. Taxation: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary

Chapter Seventeen: Citizenship	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Advantages & Responsibilities of Citizenship · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation of Citizenship · VIII. Proof of Citizenship · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals

Chapter Eighteen: Immigration Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Immigration Players · IV. Categories of Persons under IRPA · V. Applying for Permanent Residency · VI. Identification for PR · VII. Immigration and Refugee Board · VIII. Loss of PR Status · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Immigration Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts

Chapter Nineteen: Landlord and Tenant Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Residential Tenancy Act & Laws · IV. Tenancy Agreements · V. Moving In & Moving Out · VI. Security Deposits · VII. Repair & Service · VIII. Rent Increase · IX. Tenant's Rights · X. Subletting & Assignment · XI. Termination & Eviction · XII. Dispute Resolution · XIII. Common Law · XIV. Strata & Condos · XV. Assisted Living · XVI. Manufactured Homes · XVII. Guidelines & Resources

Chapter Twenty: Small Claims and the CRT	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial Applications · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial/Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · XVIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal

Chapter Twenty One: Welfare Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments and Fraud · VIII. Rates and Payment Issues · IX. Additional Allowances and Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals

Chapter Twenty Two: Strata Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property and Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws and Rules · XI. Rentals and Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair and Maintenance · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts

Chapter Twenty Three: Referrals	I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 7, 2024}}
 {{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = criminal}}
-== A. Who LSLAP can help ==
+== A. Who LSLAP Can Help ==
-LSLAP can  help with  many criminal matters,  but there are  restrictions. We can assist  the following people:
+LSLAP can help with many criminal matters, but there are restrictions. We can assist the following people:
-# people who ''do not'' have a serious criminal record,
+# people who do not have a serious criminal record;
-# when the Crown is ''not'' seeking jail time,
+# people against whom the Crown is not seeking jail time;
-# people who are charged with an ''adult'' summary conviction offence or hybrid offence where the Crown is proceeding summarily,
+# people who are charged with an adult summary conviction offence or hybrid offence where the Crown is proceeding summarily;
-# people who are classified as low-income, determined on a case-by-case basis,
+# people who are classified as low-income, determined on a case-by-case basis;
-# the case is being tried in Provincial Court (not Supreme Court of Federal Court), and
+# people whose cases are being tried in Provincial Court (not Supreme Court or Federal Court);
-# people whose trial dates are 3 months away or longer.
+# people facing a weapons prohibition hearing;
+# people whose trial dates are 3 months away or longer;
+# people applying through s. 684 for a court appointed lawyer;
+# complainants who are seeking either third party legal advice in relation to a proceeding or who are seeking general counsel with respect to the criminal justice system;
+# people facing bylaw offences;
+# people facing Motor Vehicle Act/Regulation offences (traffic tickets); and
+# people facing ICBC driving prohibitions
-It is important to note that all cases are contingent on the approval of LSLAP’s supervising lawyer. For trials, LSLAP is only able to help if the student is able to secure a volunteer supervising lawyer for the trial.
+It is important to note that all cases are contingent on the approval of LSLAP’s supervising lawyer. For trials, LSLAP is only able to help if the student is also able to secure a volunteer supervising lawyer for the trial.
-== B. What we can do for our clients ==
+== B. What We Can Do for Our Clients ==
-=== 1. If the client meets LSLAP requirements ===
+=== 1. If the Client Meets LSLAP Requirements ===
 LSLAP clinicians may provide assistance to clients including:
-* helping the accused obtain particulars and set trial dates,
+* helping the accused obtain particulars and set trial dates;
-* representing an accused at trial for some summary offences with supervision, and/or speaking to sentence for such offences,
+* representing an accused at trial for some summary offences with supervision, and/or speaking to sentence for such offences;
-* contacting  and  negotiating  with  the  Crown,  in  some cases,  to  agree in  advance  to  a disposition favourable to the client, and
+* contacting and negotiating with the Crown, in some cases, to agree in advance to a disposition favourable to the client; and
 * applying for a diversion or peace bond for the client.
-=== 2. If the client does not meet LSLAP requirements ===
+=== 2. If the Client Does Not Meet LSLAP Requirements ===
-LSLAP  clinicians  may  assist  the  client  solely  by  providing  the  client  with  a  referral. No advice should be given. If the client wishes to review a decision denying Legal Aid, LSLAP may be able to assist with this review (see number 4(c), below).
+LSLAP clinicians may assist the client solely by providing the client with a referral. No advice can be given. If the client wishes to review a decision denying Legal Aid BC, LSLAP may be able to assist with this review.
-=== 3. What to do if LSLAP cannot represent a client ===
+=== 3. What to Do if LSLAP Cannot Represent a Client ===
-Clients should be encouraged to find counsel as quickly as possible. If an accused must appear in court and has not yet found counsel, he or she should ask for an adjournment. It is common for  the  court  to  allow  an  adjournment  for  several  weeks  to  permit  the  accused  to  obtain counsel after the first appearance.
+Clients should be encouraged to find counsel as quickly as possible. If an accused must appear in court and has not yet found counsel, they should ask for an adjournment. It is common for the court to allow an adjournment for several weeks to permit the accused to obtain counsel after the first appearance.
-=== 4. Legal Aid ===
-The Legal Services Society of B.C. (LSS) is the major source of criminal legal aid in British Columbia. Legal Aid’s purpose is to provide free representation for financially eligible clients (low-income), who are charged with certain offences. The Society will provide a retainer to a lawyer chosen by the eligible client in private practice who will provide legal assistance on a contract basis. The Society will also assist the eligible client in finding a lawyer if needed.
-A wide range of booklets and pamphlets covering various legal problems and legal rights are also available from LSS offices. This material is free.
-The client should be advised to contact Legal Aid directly at (604) 408-2172. See [[General_Legal_Help_Resources_(22:I)#Legal Services Society | Chapter 22: Referrals]], or the blue pages of the phone book, for more information.
-==== a) Financial eligibility ====
-The Legal Services Society will grant a letter of referral to applicants who meet the Society’s financial   eligibility requirements. These can be found at [http://www.lss.bc.ca/legal_aid/doIQualifyRepresentation.php Do I qualify for legal representation?].
-There is some flexibility in the requirements, subject to the discretion of the person assessing the application. Clients will be required to fill out a means test indicating income, expenses, education, and employment history.
-==== b) Eligible offences and conditions ====
-You may be able to get a legal aid lawyer to represent you in your criminal case if, after you were convicted (or plead guilty) you would:
-*be sentenced to a period of jail (including a conditional sentence),
-*lose your way of earning a living, or
-*face  an  immigration  proceeding  that  could  lead  to  your  deportation  from Canada.
-You can also get a legal aid lawyer to represent you if you:
-*have a physical condition or disability or mental or emotional illness that makes it impossible for you to represent yourself, or
-*are Aboriginal and the case affects your ability to follow a traditional livelihood of hunting and fishing.
-==== c) Reviewing a decision ====
-A client who has been rejected can have their decision reviewed where circumstances warrant it. Requests for reviews must be in writing, must set out the reasons for disagreeing  with  the  decision,  and  must  include  copies of  supporting documentation. LSS does not consider any requests received after 30 days from the date of the intake legal assistant’s decision. LSLAP students may help by writing a letter to review the decision.
-=== 5. Vancouver Lawyer Referral Service ===
-The client may call (604) 687-3221 or 1-800-663-1919 (for those outside the Lower Mainland) to  reach  the  service,  where  an  operator  will  provide  the  name  of  a  lawyer  who  practices criminal law. The client should then call the lawyer to make an appointment. The fee is $25 plus  tax  for  the  first  half-hour  session,  and  the  client  will  have  to  negotiate  the  fee  for subsequent sessions at his or her first meeting with the lawyer. See [[General_Legal_Help_Resources_(22:I)#The Lawyer Referral Service | Chapter 22: Referrals]] for more information.
-=== 6. Duty counsel ===
-If the accused does not have a lawyer (either retained privately or through Legal Aid) duty counsel (lawyers paid by the government) are there to assist unrepresented people (whether in custody or out of custody) by providing them with basic legal information and advice and to assist them in conducting basic court appearances. Duty counsel is often the first lawyer to give legal advice to people in custody. As duty counsel are there to assist anyone on a given day, they cannot conduct trials or other lengthy matters. Duty counsel can help the accused by:
-*giving advice about the charges and court procedures,
-*conducting a bail hearing,
-*entering a guilty plea and providing background information about the accused for the purposes of sentencing, and
-*talking  to  the  accused  about  possible  ways  of  resolving  the  file  such  as  through diversion.
 {{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters1-7}}

LSLAP Policies on Criminal Law (1:X): Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:56, 7 August 2024

A. Who LSLAP Can Help

B. What We Can Do for Our Clients

1. If the Client Meets LSLAP Requirements

2. If the Client Does Not Meet LSLAP Requirements

3. What to Do if LSLAP Cannot Represent a Client

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LSLAP Policies on Criminal Law (1:X): Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:56, 7 August 2024

A. Who LSLAP Can Help

B. What We Can Do for Our Clients

1. If the Client Meets LSLAP Requirements

2. If the Client Does Not Meet LSLAP Requirements

3. What to Do if LSLAP Cannot Represent a Client

Navigation menu

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