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. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.

1. A first appearance is usually not a trial

   The court checks identity, whether you have a lawyer, release conditions, and the next date. Pleas and trials come later unless you have advice to do otherwise.

2. Read the charge against the Criminal Code

   Open the Criminal Code page on this site and use Go to section for the listed section.

3. Bring ID and any release papers

   Release conditions already bind you. Speak to duty counsel if you can.

4. This is not how you “beat” a charge

   If you were just charged, get a lawyer or licensed criminal-law professional quickly. Missing the date can lead to a warrant.

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 and the official form page linked from this guide before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.