Detainees

Persons under arrest and/or who are being detained have the right to receive free legal advice from a lawyer. 

In addition to Duty Counsel at the courthouse, Legal Aid Alberta also provides Duty Counsel services specifically for detained persons.  This service ensures access to immediate summary legal advice by telephone, for all detained persons in Alberta regardless of their financial situation.  (You do not need to qualify for legal aid to access this service) Duty Counsel Service for detained persons is offered 24 hours a day, including a partnering translation service that is available in over 200 languages.

Brydges service is available to young persons (under 18 years of age) who have been arrested pursuant to the Youth Criminal Justice Act or under provincial legislation only.  Translation service is not available.

The telephone number for the toll-free line is reserved for detained persons only, and is posted in police stations and detention centres across the province.    If you know someone who is being detained and you are able to speak with them, you may tell him/her:  

1. That they have the right to immediate, free legal advice from a lawyer.
2. To ask for the toll-free number to speak with a lawyer, if they have not already done so.