Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indian Act
Know Your Rights
Criminal Law
Child Protection
Fair Decision Making
Police should provide you with access to a lawyer (by phone) as soon as possible after you request it.
When you are arrested or detained, you have the right to speak to a lawyer. Police must tell you this right away and they must take steps to let you speak to a lawyer if you want to. You can say "I want to talk to a lawyer". You can call any lawyer you wish.
The police must also tell you about the duty counsel phone line (the "Brydges Line") which is operated by Legal Aid and provides free legal advice to anyone held in custody.
Police must give you a chance to call a lawyer, including the duty counsel phone line, in private and as soon as possible. Police cannot limit you to one phone call if you are trying to call a lawyer.
Your Right to Remain Silent
It is very important to talk to a lawyer before saying anything to the police. Make sure to tell the police you want to talk to a lawyer. Then wait to speak with a lawyer before deciding to say anything else.
