Duty counsel lawyers for criminal law matters

BC First Nations Justice Council — Indigenous Justice Centres
Indigenous Justice Centres offer culturally appropriate information, advice, support, and representation for Indigenous people.

You may be able to get help from duty counsel in Provincial Court if you:

  • are charged with a crime, and
  • can’t get a legal aid lawyer, or
  • haven’t yet applied for legal aid.

Duty counsel can provide you with advice about:

  • the charges against you,
  • court procedures, and
  • your legal rights (including the right to counsel and the right to apply for legal aid).

Duty counsel can also represent you at a bail hearing. If there’s time, duty counsel can help with a guilty plea.

Who is eligible for duty counsel services?

You don’t have to be financially eligible to get criminal duty counsel services. However, you must meet Legal Aid BC coverage and financial eligibility requirements to receive ongoing representation.

Where to find duty counsel

Duty counsel is available at courthouses throughout the province. For duty counsel hours in your area:

  • Contact your local court registry. (Click the location nearest you to find the court’s address, phone number, and hours.)

Are you Indigenous? First Nations/​Indigenous Court

If you identify as Indigenous, you may be able to have your bail or sentencing hearing in First Nations/​Indigenous Court. Courts are located in:

Duncan

Kamloops

  • Cknúcwentn — Kamloops Court 
    (The place where help is given)

    455 Columbia Street 

    Kamloops BC V2C 6K4

    250-828-4344
    Open in Google Maps

Lillooet

Merritt

  • Nicola Valley Indigenous Court (Merritt)

    3420 Voght Street 

    Merritt BC V1K 1C7

    250-378-1856
    Open in Google Maps

New Hazelton

  • Hazelton Indigenous Court 

    Erwin Stege Community Hall
    4633 10 Ave

    New Hazelton BC V0J 2J0

    250-847-7376
    Open in Google Maps

New Westminster

  • New Westminster Court 

    651 Carnarvon Street 

    New Westminster BC V3M 1C9

    604-660-8522
    Open in Google Maps

North Vancouver

  • Chet wa nexwníw̓ ta S7eḵw’í7tel — North Vancouver Court 
    (We are giving family good advice)

    200 23rd Street E 

    North Vancouver BC V7L 4R4

    604-981-0200
    Open in Google Maps

Prince George

  • Prince George Indigenous Court 

    250 George Street 

    Prince George BC V2L 5S2

    250-614-2700
    Open in Google Maps

Williams Lake

  • Williams Lake Court 
    - Williams Lake Elks Hall

    98 1st Avenue S. 

    Williams Lake BC V2G 1H5

    250-398-4301
    Open in Google Maps

The Provincial Court of BC website gives the dates when First Nations/​Indigenous Court sits in each location: Duncan, Kamloops, MerrittNew HazeltonNew WestminsterNorth Vancouver, Prince George, and Williams Lake.

If you identify as Indigenous, ask your lawyer about having Gladue principles applied to your case and what’s best for you. For more information, contact the BC First Nations Justice Council.

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC

Find out more about Aboriginal legal rights in BC, including First Nations Court, fishing/​hunting/​gathering, and child and family rights.