This toolkit is meant to empower anyone 18+ navigating the criminal legal system - with or without a lawyer - especially those who are also racialized, living with a disability, or who are autistic or neurodivergent.
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If you are under 18 and charged under the YCJA, see our Youth Toolkit Instead.
See our Sitemap as a text-only alternative to this page.​
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Being Black, Indigenous, or otherwise racialized will impact every interaction you have with the criminal legal system - from someone's decision to call police, to the outcome of your sentencing and prisoner security assessment.
Being disabled under/by capitalism also means we're more likely to come in to contact with the criminal legal system, and more likely to spend time in prison for it. Read more about ways those who are autistic, neurodivergent, or those who live with disabilities have experienced barriers & ableism in our criminal legal system.
From start to finish - get a simple overview of what to expect if you're criminalized in the Canadian legal system.
Learn about your legal rights - whether you're at a protest or police try and card you on the street.
So what actually happens if you are arrested? Read a bit about what it's like to be arrested and next steps.
Bail in so-called Canada isn't like you see on tv: It's also one of the most important moments in the entire legal process. Learn what you need to know to best prepare yourself for - or help others in - this moment.
Racialized folks, austistic & neurodivergent people, and those with disabilities are far more likely to spend time in jail or prison during remand or after sentencing. Read a bit and hear from others about their experiences while in custody.
Find a range of legal, advocacy and crisis supports that prisoners should be able to access directly for free through facility phones, or by mail - and information about calls and visits.
It is not uncommon for people to attend their first court date ready to fight - but that is not the way it works. Our legal system is long and drawn out. Read about the different types of court dates and be ready for the important moments.
Did you know that you do not always need a lawyer? Stop by here to read some of the pros, cons and other considerations before hiring private counsel. Also find guides to self-representation!
A collection of legal clinics, resources, and information or research hubs for legal information - to help you understand the process with your lawyer, or represent yourself.
Find information about accessibility requirements and accommodation requests you can make within the criminal legal system - as well as specific cultural entitlements.
Read about specialized courts for those with mental health and addictions concerns, Gladue court for Indigenous peoples, and the diversion process - which those with first-time offenses can often qualify for.
Find out about organizations and services inside courthouses that are meant to provide support and information to criminalized youth.
Our greatest source of strength and support often comes from people and relationships outside of systems. Drop by here to get some ideas for peer and community support resources and organizations within Hamilton, ON.
If our rights do not protect us within the criminal legal system, what will? Turns out - it is us! Read how people in and outside prison walls have worked together to create support, safety, and organized to have people's needs met.
Some common questions, answered! We will work to keep this section updated - because your curiosity can help others too. Submit questions through our contact form.
Our printable toolkit is free, a plain-language resource meant for people currently in jail or prison who can not access this website. It contains information on the legal process, legal options, as well as resources for prisoners and their support systems.