SECTION 161 ORDER VARIATIONS
Fair terms. Worable restrictions.
A Criminal Code section 161 order is a court order that can impose restrictions on a person’s contact with young people, attendance at certain places, use of the internet, employment, volunteering, or other activities. In some circumstances, a person subject to a section 161 order may apply to vary the terms of the order.
PATH assists with section 161 variation applications that fall within our mandate. We may help clients understand the existing terms, assess whether a variation may be appropriate, gather evidence about changed circumstances, and prepare materials seeking fair, workable, and legally appropriate restrictions.
How We Can Help
PATH may be able to assist with:
Reviewing the terms of a section 161 order an helping clients understand restrictions and legal obligations
Assessing whether a variation application may be appropriate
Gathering information about changes in circumstances, rehabilitation, employment, family responsibilities, or community supports
Preparing court materials for a variation application
Representing clients in court on applications to vary conditions
Helping clients understand possible outcomes and ongoing obligations
What to Expect
If your matter appears to fall within PATH’s mandate, we may ask for a copy of the section 161 order, sentencing materials, information about your current circumstances, and details about why the existing terms are causing difficulty. We will assess whether a variation application may be appropriate and what evidence may be needed to support it.
When to Contact Us
If your matter appears to fall within PATH’s mandate, we may ask for a copy of the section 161 order, sentencing materials, information about your current circumstances, and details about why the existing terms are causing difficulty. We will assess whether a variation application may be appropriate and what evidence may be needed to support it.
Documents & Information
That May Help
You do not need to have all of these documents or details before contacting PATH. If your matter appears to fall within our mandate, we may ask for some of the following information to better understand the issue and assess how we may be able to assist.
A copy of the section 161 order
Sentencing documents, reasons for sentence, or probation/parole documents
The date the order was made
The specific terms you want varied
Information about why the current terms are difficult, unworkable, or no longer appropriate
Evidence of changed circumstances, rehabilitation, employment, education, treatment, family responsibilities, or reintegration needs
Letters of support
Any related criminal, probation, parole, or court records
Need help?
To request assistance, please complete PATH's intake form. If there are any upcoming hearing dates, deadlines, or urgent issues, please include that information when contacting us.
Alternatively, you may call our intake phone line at 1 (844) PAROLE-04 (1-844-727-6534) to leave a voicemail. Please note that PATH Legal does not accept unscheduled or cold calls. If you would like to speak with a member of our team, you must leave a voicemail or complete the intake form above.