Criminal Law Problems

Here are the first steps and some useful resources for people in BC facing problems with the criminal justice system such as:

• I've been charged with a criminal offence and have to go to court.
• I've been accused of a criminal offence and have been offered "diversion", "restorative justice" or "alternative measures".
• I've been charged with a criminal offence and want to change my release conditions so I can have contact with my spouse or children.
• I've been charged with a criminal offence out-of-town and want to move the case closer to home.
• I have a criminal record and want to get a pardon.

A number of "problem-solving courts" have emerged over the past few years that deal with people who are prepared to plead guilty or take responsibility for criminal offences. Two of them—the Drug Treatment Court of Vancouver and the Downtown Community Court—only take cases from the Vancouver area, but the New Westminster First Nations Court will take some aboriginal offender cases waived from elsewhere in the province. Sentencing at the First Nations Court consists of a roundtable discussion among the judge, lawyers, helping professionals, offender, victim and supportive family and community members about an appropriate sentence or "healing plan". Related family legal matters and youth court matters can be dealt with at the same time. Contact Native Courtworkers (see Part 2 of this guide), Crown Counsel or a lawyer for information about accessing the New Westminster First Nations Court.