Duty Counsel: Criminal Law - Nelson Courthouse

A program of Legal Aid BC

If a person can't get legal aid and is charged with a crime, they may be able to get help from duty counsel.

Duty counsel are lawyers paid by Legal Aid BC to provide legal services to in- and out-of-custody accused people in Provincial Court.

Duty counsel can provide advice about the charges , court procedures, and legal rights (including the right to counsel and the right to apply for legal aid).

Duty counsel can also represent a person at a bail hearing, and, if there is time, help with a guilty plea.

While the person does not have to be financially eligible for legal aid to receive duty counsel services, they must meet Legal Aid BC coverage and eligibility requirements to get a referral for ongoing representation.

For more information about Duty Counsel availability, contact the Court Registry in Nelson