Your rights - Information for crime witnesses
Last updated on April 29, 2026As a witness to a crime, you have legal rights. This page explains those rights and connects you to additional resources for support.
On this page
Your rights as a witness to a crime
As a witness to a crime, your rights include:
- Information about the criminal justice process:
- If you are called to court, Crown counsel will provide you with general information about testifying
- A court interpreter, if you do not speak or understand the language used during a trial
- Not to have the evidence you give used against you in other trials unless you have committed perjury or given inconsistent evidence
You also have rights as a witness under the Victims of Crime Act, Section 14, which states:
An employer must not discharge, suspend, intimidate, coerce, impose any financial or other penalty on or otherwise discriminate against an employee because that person is absent from work:
- To appear in court as a witness in a proceeding respecting an offence, or
- To attend at a meeting with justice system personnel at the request of those personnel to assist in an investigation or preparation for the prosecution of an offence
If you are a victim of crime, see the If you are a victim section for information and support.
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
If you are an immigrant or refugee, see the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information.
For more information
If you have questions or need more information about your rights, contact VictimLink BC or your local police.
To find others who can help, as well as legal information and resources, see Legal assistance.