Criminal Law

Summary Conviction Offences deals with the prosecution and defence of criminal charges under the Criminal Code in the Ontario Court of Justice that have a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or a fine of not more than $5000.

Under the Criminal Code(section 802.1), persons accused of summary conviction offences are limited in their right to appear before criminal courts by an agent.

The Law Society permits licensed paralegals, to appear as “agents” on certain summary conviction offences.  Indictable offences do not fall within the permitted scope of activity for paralegals.

The criminal court process begins in one of the following ways:

You are given a summons requiring you to attend court on a later date.
You are arrested and released on an appearance notice requiring you to attend court on a later date.
You are arrested and released on an undertaking to a police officer requiring you to attend court on a later date and obey conditions listed on the undertaking.
You are arrested and held in custody until your bail hearing.

Crimes Against Person 
Crimes Against Property
Theft
Break and Enter
Fraud
Mischief
Possess Stolen Property
Other Property Crimes

Administration of Justice Offences
Fail to Appear
Breach of Probation
Unlawfully at Large
Fail to Comply With Order
Other Admin. Justice

Other Criminal Code Offences 
Weapons
Prostitution
Disturbing the Peace

Criminal Code Traffic Offences
Impaired driving

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