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The Charter, Section 10: Arrest or Detention
Last Updated: July 02 2026
Question: What does the right to counsel mean after I’m arrested or detained in Ontario, and when should I ask for a lawyer?
Answer: If you’ve been arrested or detained in Ontario, DefendCharges.Lawyer (a Lawyer) can help you understand your right to counsel under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including being informed promptly of why you were detained, being told you can retain and instruct counsel without delay, and getting a real chance to consult a lawyer, plus having a lawyer present during police questioning and court proceedings; even if you can’t afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for Legal Aid representation, so if you’re facing charges, call (647) 977-5997 right away to protect your rights and discuss next steps with a criminal lawyer across Ontario.
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Rights to Counsel
The right to counsel is a fundamental right in Canada, and it is important to understand the scope of this right when it comes to accused persons. In Canada, the right to counsel is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and it is a cornerstone of the criminal justice system. The right to counsel means that an accused person has the right to be represented by a lawyer of their choice. This right applies to all criminal proceedings, including bail hearings, trials, and appeals. It is important to note that the right to counsel applies even if the accused person cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. In these cases, the accused person has the right to be represented by a lawyer provided by Legal Aid.
Summary of Rights to Counsel
When an individual is arrested or detained, the individual’s right to counsel include::
- the right to be informed of the reason for their arrest or detention;
- the right to be informed of the charges against the accused person, and to be informed of the consequences of those charges;
- the right to be informed of the accused person’s right to remain silent;
- the right to be informed of the right to be represented by a lawyer;
- the right to counsel also includes the right to be provided with a reasonable opportunity to consult with a lawyer;
- the right to have a lawyer present during police questioning;
- the right to have a lawyer present during court proceedings.
The Law
The constitutional right, per The Constitution Act, 1982, Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, Chapter 11, the various legal rights afforded to an accused person on arrest or detention is prescribed at section 10, known as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which states:
Arrest or detention (10) Everyone has the right on arrest or detention (a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor; (b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and (c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released if the detention is not lawful.
Summary Comment
The right to counsel is an important part of the criminal justice system in Canada, and it is important to understand the scope of this right. The right to counsel is a fundamental right that is protected by the Charter, and it is essential to ensure that accused persons are aware of this right and are able to exercise it. Our experienced criminal lawyers can review your case and advise of any violation of your rights to counsel.
