Offences

What to know about various offences, from shoplifting to criminal harassment to driving offences.

Women putting earring into her purse, shoplifting
Shoplifting

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is taking (or trying to take) something from a store without paying for it, with the intention of stealing. Learn what to expect if you’ve been charged with shoplifting.

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Woman sitting down looking at cellphone
Stalking, criminal harassment, and cyberbullying

Stalking, criminal harassment, and cyberbullying

It is criminal harassment for someone to repeatedly follow or contact you or engage in threatening behaviour, so as to make you afraid. Also capable of being criminal harassment: cyberbullying.

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Closeup of marijuana cigarette
Possession of marijuana

Possession of marijuana

Marijuana possession is now legal in British Columbia — within limits. There are still restrictions around how much you’re allowed, where you can use it, and how you can buy it.

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Glass of liquor beside keys, impaired driving
Impaired driving

Impaired driving

Impaired driving is a serious offence with complex legal and technical issues, as well as significant penalties if you’re convicted. Learn what to expect if you’re charged with impaired driving.

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Man handing over the car keys
Driving while prohibited

Driving while prohibited

There are several ways you can be prohibited from driving: by the province, by the police, or by a driving conviction. It is a driving offence to drive while prohibited.

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Close up of person's hands on steering wheel
Driving without insurance

Driving without insurance

Everyone who drives a vehicle in BC must have insurance. If you don’t, you can be charged with driving without insurance. Learn your rights and the steps you can take.

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Police officer giving man a traffic ticket
Traffic tickets

Traffic tickets

The police give out a violation ticket for less serious driving offences. Learn the options available if you get a traffic ticket, and the steps involved in disputing the ticket.

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We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.