Police Encounters
You're stopped while walking and a police officer starts asking questions. What's the first thing you should ask?
What is “Am I being detained or Am I free to go?”
Your landlord shows up without notice and enters your unit. Can they do that?
What is “No, they must give 24 hours' written notice unless it’s an emergency.”
You work 6 hours straight and your boss says no breaks today. Is that allowed?
What is “No. You’re entitled to a 30-minute break after 5 hours.”
Can your school or job demand access to your private Instagram or social media accounts?
What is “No. They can only view what you post publicly.”
At what age can you be charged under adult criminal law in Canada?
What is “At 18. Youth 12–17 fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).”
The police pull you over while driving. What are you legally required to provide?
"What is “Your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance”
Your heat stops working in winter. Who’s responsible for fixing it?
What is “The landlord. Heating is an essential service by law.”
You’re asked to stay 2 hours late, unpaid. What should you do?
What is “Remind them that overtime must be paid at 1.5x the rate after 44 hours/week.”
You share a friend's private photo in a group chat without asking. What law might you be breaking?
What is “It may be a violation of privacy and criminal under non-consensual image sharing laws.”
You’re under 18 and get arrested. Who must the police contact right away?
What is “Your parent or legal guardian and your lawyer.”
The police ask to search your backpack. You know you have nothing to hide. Should you let them?
What is “No. You can say ‘I do not consent to a search.’” (Unless there is a warrant then you have bigger problems lol)
Can your landlord evict you by text or email?
What is “No. Eviction requires a formal process through the Landlord and Tenant Board."
What can you do if your employer does not pay you or refuses to pay you?
"What is “File a claim or complaint with the Ministry of Labour for review.”
A police officer asks to unlock your phone during a stop. What do you do
What is “Say ‘I do not consent to a search.’ They need a warrant.”
You committed a crime at 17 and now you’re 19. Can your youth record be seen?
What is “Only in limited cases. Most youth records are sealed after a time.”
You’re filming a police interaction in public. The officer tells you to stop. Are you allowed to keep recording?
What is “Yes, as long as you don’t interfere or break any other laws.” (Such as interuppting the interaction by intervening)
You’ve received an eviction notice. What’s one step you can take right away?
What is “Request a hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board”
You’re paid in cash, but your employer doesn’t give pay stubs. Is that legal?
What is “No. Employers must provide a written pay statement.”
You record a conversation you’re part of without telling the other person. Is that legal in Ontario?
What is “Yes, single-party consent is legal — if you’re involved.”
You’re on probation and miss your curfew. What could happen?
What is “You could face a probation violation and possibly be charged again.”
You're being arrested. What’s the most important thing to say (or not say) right away?
What is “I want to remain silent and speak to a lawyer.”
You live in a room without a written lease. Do you still have tenant rights?
What is “Yes. Verbal or informal agreements still offer legal protection.”
You’re fired after asking about your unpaid wages. What law protects you?
What is “The Employment Standards Act protects against retaliation.”
Can police track your phone calls, location, messages on your phone.
Only with a warrant but they can stalk your social media through fake accounts without warrants
What are “diversion programs” and who are they for?
What is “Alternatives to formal charges for youth and first-time offenders, like community service or counseling.”