Kitchener Courthouse Guide for Criminal Charges

The short answer

Criminal charges laid in Kitchener and Waterloo are generally heard at the Waterloo Region Courthouse at 85 Frederick Street in downtown Kitchener. The building brought the region's courts together in one place, so both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice sit there. Many early appearances are handled virtually or by a lawyer on your behalf, which means you may not need to attend in person at first. Knowing what to expect before your first date can make the process far less stressful.

Courthouse details

The courthouse is at 85 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario N2H 0A7, near Duke and Frederick streets in the downtown core. Court offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and counter service runs from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The following phone numbers are listed on official Ontario court pages:

• Criminal court office: (519) 741-3200.
• Crown Attorney's Office: (519) 741-3222.
• Public Prosecution Service of Canada (federal prosecutor): (519) 571-5778.
• Victim/Witness Assistance Program: (519) 741-3351.
• Kitchener Duty Counsel office: (519) 578-0869.

Who is heard here

The Waterloo Region Courthouse replaced three separate court locations in the region, so it now handles court matters from across the Region of Waterloo. If you were charged in Kitchener or Waterloo, your criminal case will generally be heard here. Your release papers will list the exact court location and the date of your first appearance, so always check them carefully.

We help clients charged in Kitchener and Waterloo with all types of criminal charges.

Common charges heard here

The Ontario Court of Justice in Kitchener hears the full range of criminal charges, including:

• Assault charges, including assault causing bodily harm.
• Domestic assault charges, which often come with strict no-contact conditions.
• Impaired driving and refusal charges.
• Theft charges, including shoplifting.
• Drug offences, which are usually prosecuted by the federal prosecutor.
• Youth charges, which follow the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• Peace bond applications.

Your first appearance

Your first court date is usually an administrative step, not a trial. At this stage, the court confirms that you have the Crown's evidence, called disclosure, and sets a date for the next step. This early stage is often called case management court.

The Ontario Court of Justice in Kitchener uses virtual appearances for many criminal case management dates, and the court's location page lists a dial-in number for its virtual courtroom: 1-855-703-8985. However, the method of appearance can change, so always follow the instructions on your papers.

If you have a lawyer, your lawyer can usually appear for you by filing a document called a designation of counsel. This means you often do not need to attend the first few dates yourself. If you do attend, bring your release papers, photo identification and any documents the court or your lawyer has asked for.

Getting your disclosure

Disclosure is the evidence the police and prosecutor have gathered, such as police notes, statements and video. Who provides it depends on the charge:

• Criminal Code and youth charges: The provincial Crown Attorney's Office in Kitchener prosecutes these charges and provides disclosure.
• Federal drug charges: The Public Prosecution Service of Canada prosecutes most charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

If you have a lawyer, your lawyer requests and reviews the disclosure for you. Reviewing disclosure early is important, because it shapes every decision that follows in the case.

Bail hearings in Kitchener

If police hold you after an arrest, you must generally be brought before a justice within 24 hours. Bail hearings for Waterloo Region are held at the Kitchener courthouse, and many are conducted by video from the police station or jail.

At a bail hearing, the court decides whether you will be released and on what conditions. In some cases, called reverse onus cases, you must show why you should be released. A strong release plan, often with a responsible surety, can make a real difference. Learn more about bail hearings, what happens at a bail hearing, show cause hearings and how sureties work.

Duty counsel and Legal Aid

Duty counsel are Legal Aid Ontario lawyers who can give free, limited help at court, such as advice at a bail hearing or on a first appearance. They cannot usually take over your whole case. The Kitchener Duty Counsel office can be reached at (519) 578-0869, and Legal Aid Ontario's general line is 1-800-668-8258.

If you qualify for a Legal Aid certificate, you can use it to hire a private lawyer for your case. We accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates.

How a criminal case moves through Kitchener court

1. First appearance: The court confirms that disclosure has been provided and sets the next date.
2. Crown pre-trial: Your lawyer meets with the prosecutor to discuss the evidence and possible resolutions.
3. Judicial pre-trial: For more serious or longer cases, a judge meets with both lawyers to narrow the issues and estimate the trial time.
4. Resolution or trial: The case may end in a withdrawal, a peace bond, a plea or a trial.

Most cases take several months, and serious cases can take longer.

Youth matters

If the person charged was between 12 and 17 at the time of the alleged offence, the case follows the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which has its own rules on privacy, sentencing and records. Parents should check the court location and time on the young person's papers carefully. See our youth criminal justice page.

Accessibility and language services

If you need a disability accommodation for a court proceeding, contact the courthouse's accessibility coordinator as early as possible. The current contact details are listed on the Ontario government's court location page for 85 Frederick Street. When you ask, include the court address, your court file number, the date and time of the proceeding, and the accommodation you need.

Interpreters can be arranged for court proceedings when needed. Tell your lawyer early if you need an interpreter, so the request can be made before your court date.

What to do before your court date

• Check your papers: Confirm the date, time, location and whether the appearance is in person or virtual.
• Plan your travel: Our office is in Mississauga, so for in-person dates in Kitchener we plan travel time in advance. If you are attending yourself, allow extra time for travel and security screening.
• Follow your conditions: Your release conditions apply every day, including on the way to and from court.
• Gather documents: Keep your release papers, any letters from the court and your lawyer's contact information in one place.

Other courthouses we attend

• Brampton courthouse guide
• Milton courthouse guide
• Toronto courthouse guide
• Newmarket courthouse guide
• Orangeville courthouse guide

How we can help

We can appear for you at the Kitchener courthouse, review your disclosure and prepare for bail, resolution or trial. Call (647) 223-1980 for a free consultation. We accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates. Consultations in English, Punjabi and Hindi.

Frequently asked questions