What happens when a charge is laid?
If a crime has been reported, and RCMP lay charges, the accused may be:
- released until a scheduled court appearance; or
- taken into custody and not released unless granted bail at a bail hearing.
What are conditions of release?
When someone is charged, the court may place them on conditions they must follow until the court case is done.
A possible condition is no contact with you. This means they cannot:
- email you;
- phone you;
- text you;
- contact you on social media;
- go to your home or work; or
- ask someone to pass on a message to you.
What if there are no charges laid?
Victims can apply for protective orders to protect themselves.
If the accused pleads guilty
If the accused pleads guilty to any of the charges:
- there is no need for a trial on those charges; and
- a sentencing hearing date will be set.
Victims can complete a victim impact statement. It will be considered by the judge as part of sentencing.
What if it's a domestic violence case?
The accused will first appear in Domestic Violence Treatment Option (DVTO) court. DVTO is a therapeutic alternative. It's intended to help offenders take responsibility for the violent behaviour.
There are alternative courts that the case may be referred to.
If the accused pleads not guilty
Everyone charged with an offence is entitled to a trial. If the accused pleads not guilty to any of the charges, a trial date will be set.
Read about the steps in the court process for each type of offence.
Contact
Victim Services
You can call or drop in to talk to us (no appointment required) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Email: victim.services@yukon.ca
Whitehorse
In person: 212 Main Street, Suite 210 – 2nd floor
Phone: 867-667-8500
Toll free: 1-800-661-0408
Dawson City
In person: 813B 3rd Avenue
Phone: 867-993-5831
Watson Lake
In person: 820 Adela Trail
Phone: 867-536-2541
