What to expect at a first criminal court appearance in Ontario

This page is a public educational walkthrough. It is not a retainer, a court form, or a promise about your result.

1. The court checks identity, counsel and the next date

   Pleas and trials come later unless you have advice to do otherwise.

2. Read the charge in the Criminal Code

   Use Go to section.

3. Release conditions are court orders

   They bind you before trial.

4. Speak to duty counsel if you can

   This page does not tell you how to plead.

Official law on this site: criminal-law.

Disclaimer: Know The Law publishes legal information for the public, not legal advice. Court forms, fees and filing channels change. Read the official statute text linked from each page before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you.