Criminal & Traffic

Student caseworkers can act as agent for individuals in the Provincial Courts of Alberta. Students are able to enter pleas, run trials, speak to sentencing, request adjournments and make applications for the Alternative Measures Program.

Student caseworkers can only assist individuals who are charged with summary offences and regulatory offences.

Summary Offences which SLA may provide assistance include (but are not limited to):

• assault
• impaired driving
• refusal to provide a breath sample
• dangerous driving
• possession of stolen property
• theft under $5000
• communication for the purpose of prostitution
• failure to appear
• meal/transportation by fraud
• fraud/forgery /false pretences
• uttering threats
• breach of probation/recognizance
• mischief/wilful damage
• dangerous driving
• drug offences
• trespass
• harassment
• obstruction and more

The most common regulatory offences handled by SLA are traffic violations under the Highway Traffic Act and the Motor Vehicle Administration Act:

• driving an uninsured motor vehicle
• failure to remain at the scene
• speeding
• fail to stop at red light
• fail to produce insurance
• careless driving
• driving while suspended
• failure to produce insurance
• passing in school zone
• suspended licence
• unsafe lane change
• disobey traffic sign
• follow to closely and more

SLA does not handle cases under the following circumstances:

• where there is a real possibility of incarceration
• where domestic violence is involved
• SLA does not appear in Youth Court on criminal matters
• in impaired cases, where a blood sample has been taken.

All activity is conducted under the direction of our advising lawyers.

Referral Numbers

Legal Aid Alberta ..................................................[404] 297-2260
Lawyer Referral Service ......................................1-800-661-1095 (Toll Free)
Calgary Legal Guidance .....................................[403] 234 9266
Calgary Alpha House Society ...........................[403] 234-7388
AADAC ....................................................................1-866-33AADAC (Toll Free)
Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary .....................1-877-398-3656 (Toll Free)
Calgary John Howard Society ............................[403] 266-4566
Native Counselling Services of Alberta ............[780] 451-4002