Milton Courthouse Guide for Criminal Charges
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Charged with a criminal offence? Tell us what happened.
The short answer
Criminal charges laid in Halton Region, including Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills, are heard at the Milton Courthouse at 491 Steeles Avenue East. Both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice hear criminal cases in this building. Many early court dates take place by video or phone, but every date on your papers is mandatory. Understanding how the Milton courthouse works can help you prepare and avoid mistakes that make your case harder.
Charged with a criminal offence?
Courthouse details
The Milton Courthouse is at the corner of Ontario Street North and Steeles Avenue East. Criminal, youth, family, civil and small claims courts all sit at this location.
- Court office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Counter service: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Criminal and youth court office: (905) 878-4165.
- Crown Attorney's Office: (905) 878-7291.
- Victim/Witness Assistance Program: (905) 878-6292.
Who is heard here
The Milton Courthouse serves all of Halton Region. If you were charged by Halton Regional Police, your criminal case will usually be heard here, whether the incident happened in Oakville, Burlington, Milton or Halton Hills. The Ontario Court of Justice handles the large majority of criminal cases, while the Superior Court of Justice hears the most serious ones, such as murder, manslaughter and many jury trials.
If you live in Halton, you can learn more on our pages for a criminal lawyer in Milton, a criminal lawyer in Oakville and a criminal lawyer in Burlington.
Common charges heard here
The Milton Courthouse hears every kind of criminal charge. Some of the most common include:
- Assault: Our assault charges page explains the offence, the possible penalties and common defences.
- Domestic assault: Our domestic assault page explains release conditions, no-contact orders and the 2026 changes.
- Impaired driving: Our impaired driving and refusal page explains licence suspensions, minimum penalties and Charter issues.
- Theft: Our theft charges page explains shoplifting, diversion and theft over and under $5,000.
- Drug offences: Our drug offences page explains possession, trafficking and search and seizure issues.
- Youth charges: Our youth criminal justice page explains how the separate youth system protects young people.
- Peace bonds: Our peace bonds page explains how a peace bond can resolve a charge without a conviction.
Your first appearance
Your first court date is usually in case management court. At this stage, no one decides whether you are guilty, because the purpose of the appearance is to confirm that you have received the evidence, have a chance to get a lawyer and set the next step.
The Ontario Court of Justice runs adult case management in Milton by Zoom and phone, with separate times for people who have a lawyer and people who do not. The connection details are posted on the court's Milton location page. Check your release papers, or ask a lawyer, before you decide how to attend.
If you have a lawyer, your lawyer can usually appear for you by filing a designation. That means you may not need to attend the early dates at all, unless the court specifically orders you to attend.
Getting your disclosure
Disclosure is the evidence the prosecution has gathered, such as police notes, statements and video. You are entitled to receive it before you make any important decision about your case.
- Criminal Code and youth charges: These are prosecuted by the Crown Attorney's Office in Milton.
- Federal drug charges: These are prosecuted for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. The court's Milton location page lists the disclosure contact for these cases.
If you have a lawyer, your lawyer requests and reviews the disclosure for you.
Bail hearings in Milton
If police hold you after an arrest in Halton, you must generally be brought before a justice within 24 hours. Bail hearings for Halton are handled through the Ontario Court of Justice at the Milton Courthouse. A bail hearing decides whether you will be released while your case continues, and on what conditions.
Preparing a strong release plan early, often with a responsible surety, can make a real difference. Learn more about bail hearings, what a bail hearing is, show cause hearings and how sureties work.
Duty counsel and Legal Aid in Milton
Duty counsel are Legal Aid Ontario lawyers who give free, limited help at court. They can explain the process, help with bail and speak to simple matters, but they cannot take on your whole case. The Milton duty counsel office can be reached at (905) 864-8616, and Legal Aid Ontario's main line is 1-800-668-8258. Contact them well before your court date.
If you qualify financially, Legal Aid Ontario may give you a certificate to hire a private lawyer, and we accept Legal Aid certificates.
How a criminal case moves through Milton court
- First appearance: You or your lawyer appear in case management court, and disclosure is requested.
- Crown pre-trial: Your lawyer meets with the Crown to discuss the evidence and possible resolutions.
- Judicial pre-trial: For more serious or longer cases, a judge meets with both lawyers to narrow the issues and discuss timing.
- Resolution or trial: The case ends with a withdrawal, a peace bond, a plea or a trial.
Youth court
Charges against young people aged 12 to 17 in Halton are heard in the criminal youth court at the Milton Courthouse. Youth cases follow the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which has its own rules about privacy, sentencing and records. Parents can usually attend court with their child and help them prepare for each appearance.
Accessibility and language services
The Milton Courthouse is fully accessible. If you need an accommodation, contact the courthouse accessibility coordinator listed on the Ministry of the Attorney General's court locations page before your court date. You have the right to a trial in French in Ontario. If you need an interpreter for another language, tell your lawyer or the court early so one can be arranged.
What to do before your court date
- Read your release papers carefully and note every date, including any fingerprint date.
- Follow every condition exactly, even if the complainant contacts you.
- Gather any documents that may matter, such as messages, receipts or medical records.
- Speak to a lawyer before your first appearance if you can.
How we can help
We can handle your early court dates in Milton, request disclosure and prepare for bail 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
Where is the criminal court for Oakville and Burlington?
Criminal cases from across Halton Region, including Oakville and Burlington, are heard at the Milton Courthouse, 491 Steeles Ave E., Milton, ON L9T 1Y7.
Do I have to go to court in person in Milton?
Many early appearances take place by Zoom or phone. Check your papers or ask a lawyer before your date, because you must appear in the way the court requires.
Is there duty counsel at the Milton courthouse?
Legal Aid Ontario duty counsel provide free, limited help at the Milton courthouse. Contact them before your court date if you can.
Can a lawyer appear for me in Milton?
A lawyer can usually appear for you on early dates by filing a designation, unless the court orders you to attend.
Who prosecutes my case in Milton?
The Crown Attorney's Office in Milton prosecutes Criminal Code and youth charges, while federal drug charges are prosecuted for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
What should I bring to court?
Bring your release papers, photo identification and any documents your lawyer asked for. If you are attending by video, test your connection before the hearing.