Criminal Lawyers in Nova Scotia

Where criminal cases are heard in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service prosecutes charges laid under the Criminal Code. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada prosecutes drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Legal aid and duty counsel

Nova Scotia Legal Aid

Check that a lawyer is licensed

The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society regulates lawyers in the province. Its Lawyer Directory lets the public search for a lawyer and verify their status.

Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

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 Nova Scotia 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.