Where criminal cases are heard in Newfoundland and Labrador
The Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador is the court of first instance for all criminal and regulatory offences.
The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, General Division, hears civil, family and criminal matters.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada prosecutes drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in the province, as it does in most provinces.
Legal aid and duty counsel
The Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission provides family and criminal law services to low-income people. To apply by phone, call the legal aid office nearest you; the commission's website also lists 1-800-563-9911.
Legal aid provides a lawyer in the Provincial Court, in its criminal and youth divisions, on days the court deals with first appearances and bail hearings.
Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid: apply
Check that a lawyer is licensed
The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador regulates lawyers in the province and publishes a lawyer directory on its website.
Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
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 Newfoundland and Labrador 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
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