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Difference between revisions of "I've Been Charged with a Criminal (or Youth) Offence and Have to Go to Court"
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I've Been Charged with a Criminal (or Youth) Offence and Have to Go to Court (view source)
Revision as of 23:06, 16 March 2010
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If you are charged with a criminal or youth offence, it means that, unless you are sent for '''diversion''', | {{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}If you are charged with a criminal or youth offence, it means that, unless you are sent for '''diversion''', '''restorative justice''' or '''alternative measures''' (see below under the heading, "[[I've been accused of a criminal offence and have been offered "diversion", "restorative justice" or "alternative measures"|I've been offered 'diversion']]"), you will have to deal with the charge in court, either by pleading guilty and being sentenced by a judge, or by pleading not guilty and going to trial. If you are convicted at trial, you will be sentenced by a judge. | ||
'''restorative justice''' or '''alternative measures''' (see below under the heading, "[[I've been accused of a criminal offence and have been offered "diversion", "restorative justice" or "alternative measures"|I've been offered 'diversion']]"), you will have to deal with the charge in court, either by pleading guilty and being sentenced by a judge, or by pleading not guilty and going to trial. If you are convicted at trial, you will be sentenced by a judge. | |||
==First steps== | ==First steps== | ||
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If you are found not guilty, the matter will be over and you will be free to leave the court. | If you are found not guilty, the matter will be over and you will be free to leave the court. | ||
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|quote = [[image:Tips-and-notes.png|left]] If you can't make it to court for one of your court appearances, you may be allowed to get "Duty Counsel" to go to court for you. Call your local legal aid office or LSS Regional Centre to find out duty counsel schedules. Check the white pages of your | |||
phone book under "Legal Aid" or call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867 for the number of the legal aid office nearest you. | |||
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}} | |||
== Where to get help == | |||
See the Resource Guide in Part 2 for a list of helpful resources. Your best bets are: | |||
* [[Legal Aid Representation]], to see if you qualify for legal aid. | |||
* [[Duty Counsel]], for assistance on the day you have to appear in court. | |||
* [[Native Courtworkers]], for aboriginal clients. | |||
* [[Access Justice]], [[Lawyer Referral Service]], [[Salvation Army Pro Bono Lawyer Consultation Program]], [[Private Bar Lawyers]]. | |||
* [[Legal Services Society|Legal Services Society Publications]], such as "If You are Charged with a Crime", "Representing Yourself in a Criminal Trial", "Speaking to the Judge Before You are Sentenced" and "What to do if You are Charged with…". | |||
Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the form [[Preparing for Your Interview]] in Part 3 of this guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case. | |||
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