Criminal Defence
Don't navigate a summary conviction charge alone — get your case reviewed and understand your options today.
Facing a Criminal Charge?
A criminal charge or court summons can bring strict deadlines, court appearances and serious personal consequences. Taking the right steps early can help you understand the allegation, protect your legal position and prepare for the next stage of the Ontario court process.
Understand what happens next
Summary conviction offence: the court process in Ontario
Most appearances move the case forward without deciding anything
Frequently Asked Questions
Our firm faq's section provide quick answers to common questions about our legal service and consultations
A summary conviction offence is a less serious category of offence under the Criminal Code, generally carrying lighter maximum penalties and a faster, simpler court process than an indictable offence. Common examples include causing a disturbance, minor theft, and simple assault, though the classification depends on the specific charge.
Summary conviction offences are handled in provincial court, carry lower maximum penalties, and generally move through the system faster. Indictable offences are more serious, can involve a preliminary inquiry or jury trial, and carry significantly higher maximum penalties. Some offences are "hybrid," meaning the Crown chooses which path to proceed with.
Licensed paralegals in Ontario can represent clients on certain summary conviction matters, subject to the scope of practice set by the Law Society of Ontario. Whether a paralegal can act on your specific matter depends on the offence and potential penalty involved, so it's worth confirming early.
Penalties can include a fine, probation, a conditional or absolute discharge, or in some cases jail time, depending on the offence and your record. A conviction also creates a criminal record, which can affect employment, travel, and other areas of life unless a discharge or later pardon applies.
Yes, a summary conviction generally results in a criminal record unless the court grants a discharge (absolute or conditional), in which case no conviction is registered. The specific outcome depends on the facts of the case and is decided by the court, not guaranteed in advance.
A summary conviction can remain on your record indefinitely unless you apply for and receive a record suspension (formerly called a pardon), generally available after a waiting period once your sentence is complete. Discharges are removed from most record checks automatically after a set period.
Yes. Under the Criminal Code, the Crown generally has 12 months from the date of the alleged offence to lay a purely summary conviction charge, unless both parties agree to extend that period. Hybrid offences prosecuted as indictable are not subject to this limitation.
Many matters can be resolved without a full trial through Crown discussions, diversion programs, or a negotiated plea, depending on the offence and your circumstances. Whether these options are available depends on the specific facts and the Crown's position on your file.
Get legal advice as early as possible, avoid discussing the details of your
charge with anyone other than your representative, and gather any documents or information related to the incident. Early advice matters because it affects what options, such as diversion or early resolution, may still be available to you.Costs vary depending on the offence, complexity, and whether the matter resolves early or proceeds toward trial. Many firms, including ours, offer block fees for defined stages of a matter so clients understand the cost before committing to next steps.