Check your court date
Your date, time and courtroom are on the papers police or the court gave you when you were released. To confirm them, or if you lost the papers:
There is no public online search of criminal cases in Nunavut. Call the court registry to confirm your date. Official court website.
What happens at your first appearance
A first appearance is short. The court confirms who you are, notes whether you have a lawyer and sets the next date. You are not asked to plead guilty or not guilty that day, and the Crown gives you or your lawyer the evidence (disclosure) so you can decide what to do.
- Your release papers (undertaking, appearance notice or release order): they show the date, time and courtroom.
- Photo ID.
- Your lawyer’s name and number, if you have one.
- Arrive 30 minutes early: there is a security screening, and the day’s court list is posted at the entrance.
Free help at court
Duty counsel are lawyers paid by legal aid who help people without a lawyer at court, for free, on the day: at bail hearings, first appearances and simple guilty pleas. They do not take your case to trial; for that you need your own lawyer or a legal aid certificate.
Legal Services Board of Nunavut
Questions people ask
How do I find my court date in Nunavut?
It is on your release papers. There is no public online search; call the courthouse criminal office to confirm it.
Which court hears criminal cases in Nunavut?
The Nunavut Court of Justice hears first appearances, bail hearings and most trials. Jury trials and the most serious offences go to the Nunavut Court of Justice.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Missing a court date is a criminal offence (failure to attend court) and the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. If you cannot attend, call the courthouse and a lawyer before the date. If you already missed it, speak to a lawyer right away: turning yourself in with a lawyer usually goes better than being arrested on the warrant.
How do I get legal aid in Nunavut?
Contact Legal Services Board of Nunavut. On the day of court, duty counsel help people without a lawyer for free.