Criminal Lawyers in Manitoba: Courts, Legal Aid and Licence Checks

Where criminal cases are heard in Manitoba

More than 95% of all criminal cases in Manitoba begin in the Provincial Court of Manitoba.

The Court of King's Bench (General Division) is the highest trial court in Manitoba, for civil and criminal matters.

The Manitoba Prosecution Service prosecutes most offences in the province, including offences under federal laws such as the Criminal Code.

Legal aid and duty counsel

Legal Aid Manitoba gives full representation by a lawyer it appoints to a person charged with an indictable offence who qualifies financially. Summary offences are considered case by case. Apply by phone at 204-985-8511 or toll-free at 1-866-800-8056, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

People without legal aid can use free duty counsel for help with criminal defence matters, whatever their financial situation.

Legal Aid Manitoba: criminal services

Check that a lawyer is licensed

The Law Society of Manitoba regulates lawyers in the province. Its Lawyer Lookup finds a lawyer's contact information and verifies their status.

Law Society of Manitoba: Lawyer Lookup

The same Criminal Code across Canada

Criminal law is federal. The Constitution Act, 1867 gives Parliament the criminal law and the procedure in criminal matters, so a Criminal Code charge in Manitoba is the same offence it would be anywhere in Canada, and the charge guides on this site apply here too. The administration of justice, including the organization of the criminal courts, belongs to the province.

Everyone who is arrested or detained has the right under the Charter to retain and instruct a lawyer without delay, and to be told of that right. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Criminal Lawyers in Manitoba

Where criminal cases are heard in Manitoba

Legal aid and duty counsel

Check that a lawyer is licensed

The same Criminal Code across Canada

Charge guides

Other provinces and territories

Sources