Criminal Law
Sexual Crimes
If you are a victim of sexual crime, you can get legal information and support from the RISE program. If you are a friend, family member, or service provider to a victim, you are also welcome to contact RISE. Visit www.risepei.com, or call or text 902-218-6143. If you are looking for legal information because you…
Read MoreSentencing
If you plead guilty or are found guilty of a criminal offence, the judge will decide what punishment you receive. This is called sentencing. The purposes of sentencing are to protect the public, to punish the behavior in order to discourage future offenders, and to rehabilitate the particular offender. Therefore, the judge considers several factors…
Read MoreKnow Trespassing
Trespassing is entering another’s land or entering lands protected by the provincial Trespass to Property Act without permission or without a reason recognized by law. Property owners may give written (including posted signage) or verbal notice of restrictions on the property. If the person will not leave, the property owner can call the police. Possible…
Read MoreDefending Yourself in Criminal Court
If you are charged with a criminal offence, certain federal offences, or a provincial offence, you will have to go to court to defend yourself against the charge. You can go to court with a lawyer to defend you or you can defend yourself. It is important to get legal advice if you are charged…
Read MoreCriminal Trial Procedure
If you’ve been charged with a crime and your case has not been diverted from the courts system, you will usually answer to the charge in a criminal court. Tips for when you go to court: Dress neatly and arrive early Ask for directions to the courtroom being used for your case at the front…
Read MoreAlternative Measures: Information for Victims of Adult and Youth Crime
Prince Edward Island has an Alternative Measures Program which is used to divert people from the criminal court system while still holding them accountable for what they have done. The program consists of out-of-court options for youth from age 12 to their 18th birthday, and for adults 18 and older.
Read MoreA Guide for Witnesses
You may be called as a witness for either a criminal or civil trial. The testimony of witnesses is an important source of information for the courts and helps the judge decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty. It is important to know your rights and responsibilities as a witness in the criminal…
Read MoreFamily Violence and the Law
Court Orders for Your Protection
As of March 1st, 2021, there were significant changes to family law on PEI. Some of the information on this page may be out of date. It will be updated soon. The Court Orders for Your Protection publication has been reviewed by experts and is up to date. The legal system can help protect you…
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