Information on Criminal Law for LSLAP Students (1:XI): Difference between revisions

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. Determine the Status of the File

When a client comes into the clinic and informs a clinician that he or she must appear in court, the first thing to do is determine the nature of the next appearance.

1. Client Comes to the Clinic Before the First Appearance Date

The clinician should first advise the client he or she must attend court at each appearance date. The clinician should further advise the client about the nature of the first appearance, and tell the client that the trial never proceeds at that time. If the time before the first appearance date is brief (one week or less), the client should be advised not to enter a plea, but to ask for a two-week adjournment to find counsel, to seek further legal advice, or to prepare his or her case. The clinician should assess the possible options for legal counsel and give general advice. They should not get into the client’s version of the events that led to the criminal charge until particulars are obtained and they have met with the supervising lawyer.

If the complainant and the accused both seek advice from LSLAP, the student must be aware that this is a serious conflict of interest. The second party must seek independent advice even if the complainant and accused are husband and wife. Under no circumstances should counsel for the accused advise the complainant, or vice versa. If the other party approaches LSLAP for advice, they must be immediately referred to their own legal counsel.

2. Client is on Probation or Otherwise Serving a Sentence

The student may be able to help the client understand the terms of a sentence, or help the client in his or her relationship with the supervising authority. If the issue for which the client is seeking advice is complex, the client should be advised to seek legal counsel.

3. Client Has Already Appeared in Court

If the client has only appeared in court once, he or she has likely already been granted an adjournment to retain counsel. If the client has appeared in court on a number of occasions, the Justice of the Peace (JP) might not grant another adjournment, and a trial date may be set at the next appearance. A judge, however, has discretion to allow further adjournments when there are extenuating circumstances, like LSLAP black-out dates.

If the client has already obtained particulars and the Initial Sentencing Position, and the clinician needs time to review the particulars and to discuss the client’s options, the client should be instructed to attend the Initial Appearance and inform Crown that they are being represented and ask that the matter be adjourned for one to two weeks. The client may also request an adjournment if there are significant outstanding disclosure issues.

4. The Trial has Already Been Set

LSLAP cannot represent a client unless the trial is more than 3 months away. If the trial date is sooner, the clinician can advise the client to ask for an adjournment of the trial to a later date. This can be done at the Trial Confirmation Hearing or earlier. If the adjournment is not granted, the clinician should tell the client that LSLAP cannot represent him/her and it is their responsibility to seek other counsel.

NOTE: Several pamphlets available from the Legal Services Society may help a client prepare for his or her own trial. These include: “Representing Yourself in a Criminal Trial,” “Speaking to the Judge Before you are Sentenced,” and “If you are Charged with a Crime”.

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: @@
 {{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = criminal}}
+== A. Determine the Status of the File ==
-=== 4. Legal Aid ===
+When a client comes into the clinic and informs a clinician that he or she must appear in court, the first thing to do is determine the nature of the next appearance.
-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.
+=== 1. Client Comes to the Clinic Before the First Appearance Date ===
-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.
+The clinician should first advise the client he or she must attend court at each appearance date. The clinician should further advise the client about the nature of the first appearance, and tell the client that the trial never proceeds at that time. If the time before the first appearance date is brief (one week or less), the client should be advised not to enter a plea, but to ask for a two-week adjournment to find counsel, to seek further legal advice, or to prepare his or her case. The clinician should assess the possible options for legal counsel and give general advice. They should not get into the client’s version of the events that led to the criminal charge until particulars are obtained and they have met with the supervising lawyer.
+If the complainant and the accused both seek advice from LSLAP, the student must be aware that this is a serious conflict of interest. The second party must seek independent advice even if the complainant and accused are husband and wife. Under no circumstances should counsel for the accused advise the complainant, or vice versa. If the other party approaches LSLAP for advice, they must be immediately referred to their own legal counsel.
-==== a) Financial eligibility ====
+=== 2. Client is on Probation or Otherwise Serving a Sentence ===
-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 ====
+The student may be able to help the client understand the terms of a sentence, or help the client in his or her relationship with the supervising authority. If the issue for which the client is seeking advice is complex, the client should be advised to seek legal counsel.
-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),
+=== 3. Client Has Already Appeared in Court ===
-*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 ====
+If the client has only appeared in court once, he or she has likely already been granted an adjournment to retain counsel. If the client has appeared in court on a number of occasions, the Justice of the Peace (JP) might not grant another adjournment, and a trial date may be set at the next appearance. A judge, however, has discretion to allow further adjournments when there are extenuating circumstances, like LSLAP black-out dates.
-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.
+If the client has already obtained particulars and the Initial Sentencing Position, and the clinician needs time to review the particulars and to discuss the client’s options, the client should be instructed to attend the Initial Appearance and inform Crown that they are being represented and ask that the matter be adjourned for one to two weeks. The client may also request an adjournment if there are significant outstanding disclosure issues.
-=== 5. Vancouver Lawyer Referral Service ===
+=== 4. The Trial has Already Been Set ===
-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 ===
+LSLAP cannot represent a client unless the trial is more than 3 months away. If the trial date is sooner, the clinician can advise the client to ask for an adjournment of the trial to a later date. This can be done at the Trial Confirmation Hearing or earlier. If the adjournment is not granted, the clinician should tell the client that LSLAP cannot represent him/her and it is their responsibility to seek other 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,
+:'''NOTE:''' Several pamphlets available from the Legal Services Society may help a client prepare for his or her own trial. These include: “Representing Yourself in a Criminal Trial,” “Speaking to the Judge Before you are Sentenced,” and “If you are Charged with a Crime”.
-*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}}

Information on Criminal Law for LSLAP Students (1:XI): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:10, 16 February 2017

A. Determine the Status of the File

1. Client Comes to the Clinic Before the First Appearance Date

2. Client is on Probation or Otherwise Serving a Sentence

3. Client Has Already Appeared in Court

4. The Trial has Already Been Set

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Information on Criminal Law for LSLAP Students (1:XI): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:10, 16 February 2017

A. Determine the Status of the File

1. Client Comes to the Clinic Before the First Appearance Date

2. Client is on Probation or Otherwise Serving a Sentence

3. Client Has Already Appeared in Court

4. The Trial has Already Been Set

Navigation menu

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