crime & police
crime & police

Your rights with police, in court, and when accused of a crime.

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Right to a lawyer

Right to a Lawyer

If you’re a youth in BC who’s been arrested, you have the right to speak to a lawyer. You also have rights under the Youth Criminal Justice Act to talk to your parents or another trusted adult, and to have them along with a lawyer in the room with you if you choose to talk to police. 

To contact a free lawyer, call Legal Aid at 604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver) or 1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC).

Basic Rights,

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Family,

Driving,

Legal Life Skills,

Health & Sexuality,

Money Stuff,

Crime & Police

Age Based Rights

Basic Rights
Legal Rights For Youth - Age Based Rights - Age of Majority
Discover your rights and responsibilities at each age in British Columbia—from school attendance at age 5 to voting at 18 and beyond. This guide helps youth understand legal milestones and protections.

Crime & Police

A Practical Guide for Interacting with Police

Crime Driving Drugs/Alcohol Police Basic Rights School
Legal Rights For Youth - Interacting with Police
BIG IDEA
Being approached by a police officer can be intimidating. Knowing your rights can help keep you safe and out of trouble. 
Facing a police stop in British Columbia? This youth-friendly guide explains your rights—like staying silent, refusing searches, and recording interactions—so you can stay safe and informed.

Crime & Police

Drunk and Drugged Driving

Crime Driving Drugs/Alcohol Police Basic Rights
Legal Rights For Youth - Drunk and Drugged Driving
BIG IDEA
There are serious consequences to impaired driving. Always plan a safe way to get home if you intend to drink or use drugs.
Driving under the influence in British Columbia has serious consequences. Learn about zero-tolerance rules for new drivers, penalties for impaired driving, and how to protect your rights if stopped by police.

Crime & Police

Cyberbullying: What You Need to Know

Crime Mental Health Bullying Abuse
Legal Rights For Youth - Cyberbullying
BIG IDEA
If you are being cyberbullied you are not alone and help is available. Reach out to trusted adults or try online resources to get support and stop the bullying.
Facing cyberbullying in British Columbia? This youth-friendly guide explains what cyberbullying is, your rights, how to record and report it, and where to get help.

Crime & Police

Sexual Assault

Sexuality Crime Health Consent Abuse Police
Legal Rights For Youth - Sexual Assault
BIG IDEA
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. Help is available and you are not alone.
If you've been sexually assaulted in British Columbia, it's not your fault. Learn how to recognize assault, what steps to take, and where to find confidential support and legal resources.

Crime & Police

Sextortion & Sharing Intimate Images Without Permission

Sexuality Crime Relationships Consent Privacy Bullying Abuse Police
Legal Rights For Youth - Sextortion & Sharing Intimate Images Without Permission
BIG IDEA
If someone is sharing your intimate image or threatening to share your images, it is not your fault and you do not have to deal with it by yourself. There are people to support you and ways to take back control.
If someone has shared or threatened to share your intimate images without your consent in British Columbia, it's illegal. Learn how to take action through the Civil Resolution Tribunal, report to Cybertip.ca, and access support from the Intimate Images Protection Service.

Driving,

Crime & Police

Got a Traffic Ticket? Here's What to Do!

Driving Legal skills Police
Legal Rights For Youth - Traffic Tickets
BIG IDEA
Don’t ignore it.For things like speeding, driving without insurance, and several offenses under the Motor Vehicle Act, the police may give you a Violation Ticket (an ordinary traffic ticket.) The ticket will show the offense you are charged with and the penalty.
Got a traffic ticket in British Columbia? This guide for youth explains your rights, how to respond, whether to pay or dispute, and what the consequences could be.
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