(403) 220-6637
M-F 9AM - 4:30PM
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Student Legal Assistance operates year round. Please note that Caseworkers cannot make Court appearances for you during examination time periods.

Appointments

Important Notes

  • Intake appointments are booked on a first come first serve basis.
  • There is a one-time application fee of $50 (except for U of C Undergrads, they get the services for free)
  • The SLA office is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • The SLA office is closed on week-ends and statutory holidays.
  • Caseworkers do not provide legal information over the phone. In order to obtain summary information or access legal information and representation, clients must first attend an intake appointment.
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Criminal

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Do you have a criminal legal issue? We may be able to help you with the following offences:

  • Assault 

  • Impaired Driving                                                    (excluding Administrative Suspension)

  • Possession of stolen property  

  • Meal/transportation by fraud 

  • Uttering threats 

  • Mischief/willful damage 

  • Drug offences 

  • Harassment 

  • Refusal to provide a breath sample 

  • Dangerous driving 

  • Theft under $5,000 

  • Failure to appear 

  • Fraud/forgery/false pretenses 

  • Breach of probation/recognizance 

  • Dangerous driving 

  • Trespassing 

  • Obstruction 

What happens now?

Each proceeding is unique based on its circumstances, but here are some common steps involved in a criminal proceeding: 

1

You are charged with an offence.

2

Book an appointment with SLA to seek agent representation.

3

Request “Disclosure”: Disclosure is evidence compiled by the Crown and Police used to prosecute your case.

4

First Appearance. At this stage you (or and SLA Student Caseworker retained to act as an agent on your behalf) can either enter a plea or ask for an adjournment if necessary.

5

Enter a Plea:
1. Plead Not Guilty – A trial date will be set.
2. Plead Guilty – A disposition date will be set.

6

Trial (if you have pleaded not guilty).

For more information, please refer to the following helpful resource provided by Alberta Justice: “You’ve been Charged with a crime: what you need to know” 

Criminal Terminology to Get Familiar With:

Below are some common terms you may hear when you are facing a criminal charge. Familiarizing yourself with them may be helpful as you navigate your legal issue.

  1. Alternative Measures Program (AMP): The Alternative Measures Program is a program offered by Alberta Correctional Services. It may be used as an alternative to judicial proceedings if you are alleged to have committed minor offences. The goals of the program include:

    • Preventing you from obtaining a criminal record

    • Preventing the continuation of criminal behaviour

    • Promoting community involvement

    • Fostering community awareness through participation

      • You may be eligible for AMP if you are a first or second time adult offender, and The Crown must decide if you are eligible to enter the program. If approved, you must acknowledge that you are guilty and sign an agreement that sets out what you must do to satisfy the program requirements. The main benefit of AMP is that you will not have a criminal record once you have successfully completed the program.

  2. The Crown: Crown prosecutors employed by Alberta Justice are the lawyers whose job it is to argue against you in your legal matter. They are responsible for presenting arguments and reasons for your conviction to a judge. A Crown prosecutor’s arguments are governed by the law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, legal tradition, Alberta Justice policy and the Law Society of Alberta’s Code of Conduct.

  3. Days in Default: A term of imprisonment imposed by a court if you have defaulted on payment of a fine.

  4. Disclosure: Disclosure means copies of all the evidence available in your case, such as witness statements and the police officer’s notes.

  5. Disposition: When your matter is resolved without a trial. “Disposition” also refers to the final appearance before the court to determine the criminal charge.

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Student Legal Assistance operates year round. However, please note that Caseworkers are unavailable and cannot make Court appearances on their client’s behalf during winter and spring examination periods.

Get Legal Support Today

Request an Appointment
(403) 220-6637
M-F 9AM - 4:30PM

Contact Us

Tel: (403) 220-6637

Fax: (403) 282-0473

3390 Murray Fraser Hall
2500 University Drive N.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4

The SLA office is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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