About Defence Counsel Services

Contact for immediate legal advice

A CAF member (or a civilian subject to the CSD) arrested or under investigation may call duty counsel 24 hours a day.

For non-urgent matters, please call during regular business hours of 9am to 5pm Eastern (Ottawa) time.

Canada/USA

Outside Canada or the US

 

Our Mission

To advise and represent CAF members in the military justice system with the highest degree of competence, integrity and independence.

Our Approach

Legal services are provided, in the context of a solicitor-client relationship and in the official language of the client's choice and are explained clearly so that clients can understand the military justice system. There are many stages during the process when clients must make certain choices and give instructions to their lawyer on how their defence should be conducted. Our objective, as defence counsel, is to ensure that these choices are informed choices.

Our Services

Generally, DCS provides legal advice and/or legal representation to CAF members (or civilians subject to the CSD) who are likely to be charged, have been charged, or will be tried for a service offence under the Code of Service Discipline (CSD).  There is no cost for advice or representation from DCS.

A full description of our mandate and services.

Our Lawyers

DCS lawyers include the Director and military legal officers. All our lawyers are licensed and have been called to at least one of the provincial Bars. They have extensive experience both in the military, and in the military justice system.

When CAF members have the right to be represented by DCS counsel, the Director will assign counsel. The Director will consider a member’s request for a particular lawyer.

Leadership

Director of Defence Counsel Services

The Director of Defence Counsel Services (DDCS) is appointed by the Minister of National Defence for a fixed term pursuant to section 249.18 of the National Defence Act.  The DDCS supervises and directs Defence Counsel Services (DCS).  The current DDCS is Colonel Nooral Ahmed.

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