An applicant who is denied legal aid may appeal against this decision to the Regional Committee. Applicants must submit an application form. The final decision is based on the application and includes a review of the income, assets, liabilities and merits of the case. It is determined on a case-by-case basis. The plan covers all indictable offences – adults and youth charged with federal crimes and who have a chance of imprisonment if convicted are covered – and some summary offences – most criminal claims denied by the plan include a summary conviction with a low probability of imprisonment if convicted. The Legal Aid Act states that certificates are issued only if: Unlike other provinces, New Brunswick does not have financial eligibility criteria. The rules state that “a person`s ability not to pay part, part or all of the costs of legal aid at the time of application shall be determined by reference to the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the applicant, his or her spouse and dependants.” In order to decide whether an applicant should contribute to the costs of legal aid, he or she must have a contribution “equal to the monthly amount of disposable income multiplied by eighteen or the annual amount of disposable income multiplied by one and a half”. The New Brunswick Legal Aid Plan was launched in 1971 and criminal legal services began in 1972. The Legal Aid Act (1971) and subsequent regulations set out the details of the plan. Legal Aid New Brunswick provides its criminal legal aid services through a court system. Other factors considered include: There is no clearly defined wealth criterion. Again, this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Assets are only taken into account if, in the opinion of the sector manager, the value exceeds the needs of the applicant and his family. Centurion Ministries (609) 921-03341000 Herrontown RoadPrinceton, NJ 08540Appeals, civil liberties and criminal appeals brought by the defendant must be justified, reasonable and have a substantial probability of success before they are granted. Appeals are also covered in response to Crown appeals. The same rules apply to young people. Mandatory defence services are provided in all criminal courts. The accused will discuss the charge, the procedures and the options available. Duty counsel does not normally represent the person at trial, but can help them request an adjournment or plead guilty. In cases that are not complex, the Public Defender provides a full service and closes the case. NOTE: Services will likely be impacted in response to COVID-19.

Please contact each department before visiting you in person.