Where criminal cases are heard in New Brunswick
The Provincial Court is the entry point for everyone charged in New Brunswick with an offence under the Criminal Code or other federal or provincial legislation.
The Court of King's Bench is the province's superior trial court. It hears family, civil and criminal matters, along with certain appeals.
Legal aid and duty counsel
The New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission helps low-income people with certain family and criminal matters, and may be able to provide a lawyer for some criminal matters. Contact your local legal aid office about your situation. The head office in Fredericton is at 506-444-2776.
For certain criminal matters, duty counsel at the courthouse can give advice.
NB Legal Aid: getting help with a criminal matter
Check that a lawyer is licensed
The Law Society of New Brunswick (Barreau du Nouveau-Brunswick) regulates lawyers in the province and has a public Lawyer Search on its website.
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 New Brunswick 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.
Charge guides
Other provinces and territories
- Ontario1,206 criminal lawyers in 51 cities
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