Who is this resource for?
This resource can help you if:
- you’re an adult facing a criminal charge,
- you’ve been denied legal aid,
- the Crown prosecutor isn’t asking for a jail sentence (if you’re found guilty),
- you can’t afford to pay for a lawyer, and
- you decide to represent yourself in court.
Remember: A conviction on any criminal charge will lead to a criminal record. If you have a criminal record, it can limit the kinds of jobs you can get and where you can travel to.
What you’re charged with is called an offence. A conviction on any criminal charge is a serious matter. If you’re found guilty, you’ll end up with a criminal record, have to pay a fine, or go to jail. Also, some offences carry mandatory minimum sentences. If you’re convicted of one of these offences, the judge can’t give you a lighter sentence.
A criminal conviction can also affect your job, your ability to travel, and your ability to support yourself and your family. If you’re found guilty of certain offences, you can have your fishing, hunting, or driver’s licence taken away for months or years — or even for the rest of your life.
Before deciding to plead guilty, think over what you did — and what you’re charged with. Are they the same? Can you explain why the offence happened? Don’t plead guilty just because you want to get things over with. Plead guilty only if you’re sure that you want to say, “Yes, I did it, and I intended to do it.” Plead guilty only after you’ve spoken to a lawyer and confirmed that you don’t have defences against the charge.
If you find yourself saying, “Yes, I did it … but,” get some legal advice. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can ask to talk to duty counsel at the courthouse where you’re charged. Duty counsel are lawyers who provide free summary legal help to in- and out-of-custody accused people in Provincial Court. See Where can I get legal help? for more information about free advice.
Who is this resource not for?
This resource can’t help you if you’ve been:
- charged with a serious offence (which means the Crown prosecutor is asking for a jail sentence if you’re found guilty), and
- denied legal aid because of your income level.
Get legal help. You can get some free legal advice even if you’ve been denied legal aid. See Where can I get legal help?
