Are there any financial assistance programs for criminal matters in Ontario?

Yes. Legal Aid Ontario is a government program that assists with paying for legal services for those who qualify financially, and have a legal issue that is covered. In the case of criminal charges, this includes those charges that could result in a jail sentence if you are found guilty, or any charges for those between 12 and 17 years old who have been charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Legal Aid applications can be made online, via telephone, or done for you by your desired lawyer. These applications will require proof of income, so you should prepare financial documents such as tax returns and bank statements in order to speed up the process.

Successful Legal Aid Applications

If you apply for Legal Aid and are successful in your application, you will receive a legal aid certificate, which contains a unique certificate number and other important information that will directly pay your lawyer to cover the cost of your matter. Once your lawyer agrees to take your case and accepts your legal aid certificate, they will begin the process of representing you.

Unsuccessful Legal Aid Applications

If your Legal Aid application is not successful, you will receive a refusal notice with information on how to appeal the decision. You must follow the appeal process and ensure that the timelines in the information are met in order to make sure that your appeal is considered.

Yes, We Accept Legal Aid

Collett Read is proud to accept Legal Aid certificates and assist clients of all financial means and circumstances. We are happy to work with you and assist you in obtaining your Legal Aid certificate, so that you can have the benefit of our firm and trained lawyers working for you on your case.

Collett Read LLP