Frequently Asked Questions
Native Counselling Services of Alberta has been assisting Aboriginal people on legal matters for more than 35 years. Below is a list of frequently asked questions.
Q - If I plead “not guilty” will I get a harsher sentence?
A - The law says that if you plead not guilty, you shouldn't get a harsher sentence. While a guilty plea is a factor that the judge may take into account when deciding on a sentence, it's not a good idea to plead guilty just because you think you might get a lighter sentence.
Q - Will I get a criminal record?
A - You will get a criminal record if you are convicted of breaking a federal criminal law, such as the Criminal Code or the Narcotic Control Act. Examples of offences which result in a criminal record include theft, drinking and driving and possession of drugs. If your sentence is an absolute or conditional discharge, you will be deemed not to have been convicted, but there will be a record that you were found guilty. You will not get a criminal record if you are convicted of an offence under provincial laws.
Q - What do I do if I don't have a lawyer?
A - Contact your nearest court worker as soon as you possibly can, or contact Duty Council at the court house on the morning of your court appearance.
Q - I've received a subpoena. What happens if I don't appear in court?
A - You are legally required to appear in court. Should you choose not to, a warrant could be issued for your arrest, at the discretion of the Crown Prosecutor. If you have been subpoenaed and are unsure of what to do, contact your local victim services unit or the Crown Prosecutor's office for more information.
Q - How do I arrange an BearPaw Education workshop in my community?
A - You can either contact us at the BearPaw Education and ask us to arrange one for you, or we can provide you with a workshop kit and walk you through the steps of facilitating and delivering a workshop in your community.
For further inquiries, please e-mail Nadine Callihoo at nadine-callihoo@ncsa.ca.
