What Happens Next? Criminal Law in Ontario

1. Where You Are Now

   An allegation is not a finding of guilt. You may have been released with documents or may still be in custody. The immediate priorities depend on your situation and any conditions already imposed.

2. What May Happen Next

   A person held in custody may need a bail hearing. If released, the documents generally set out attendance requirements. Early court appearances often address representation and disclosure, the information the Crown provides about the case.

3. What to Do Immediately

   • Read your release papers and note every court or identification appointment.
   • Follow existing conditions. Ask a lawyer about anything unclear or any proposed change.
   • Seek legal advice promptly, especially if you are detained or a condition affects your home or family.

4. What to Avoid

   • Do not miss an appearance because you expect someone else to arrange it.
   • Do not contact someone if a condition prohibits it, even if that person contacts you first.
   • Do not delete relevant material or discuss the allegations on social media.

5. What to Prepare for a Consultation

   Keep your summons, appearance notice, undertaking or release order together. Preserve original messages and other relevant material without editing them. Have the charge wording and next date ready; ask counsel how to prepare any chronology for a private discussion. Bring documents to an agreed consultation rather than uploading evidence through the enquiry form.

Just arrested? Read what to do in the first 24 hours.

This roadmap provides general information and is not legal advice. The appropriate next steps depend on the specific facts and procedural history of your matter. Submitting a consultation request does not create a lawyer-client relationship.

1. Where You Are Now

   You have a scheduled appearance. It may be an early administrative appearance, a hearing or a trial. Confirm what the date is for rather than assuming all appearances are alike.

2. What May Happen Next

   The court may address disclosure, representation and scheduling. Some appearances require different preparation or attendance arrangements. Follow your own documents and current instructions from the court.

3. What to Do Immediately

   Check the date, time, location and attendance method. If a conflict arises, obtain advice promptly; do not assume the date has changed. Ask about disclosure if you have not received it.

4. What to Avoid

   Avoid waiting until the morning of court to arrange advice. Do not assume that retaining a lawyer automatically excuses personal attendance or that an online link applies to every appearance.

5. What to Prepare for a Consultation

   Gather court notices, release papers, available disclosure and previous endorsements. Note missing documents and questions about the purpose of the appearance. A lawyer can help identify what needs attention before the date.

This roadmap provides general information and is not legal advice. The appropriate next steps depend on the specific facts and procedural history of your matter. Submitting a consultation request does not create a lawyer-client relationship.

1. Where You Are Now

   Police may be seeking information as part of an investigation. A request to speak does not by itself establish whether you are a witness, a suspect or detained.

2. What May Happen Next

   Your rights and obligations depend on the circumstances. On arrest or detention, the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay is engaged. Whether a particular encounter amounts to detention can require legal assessment.

3. What to Do Immediately

   Ask whether you are free to leave and whether you are detained. If arrested or detained, ask to speak with a lawyer. Obtain advice before giving a voluntary account of the events.

4. What to Avoid

   Do not lie, obstruct police or destroy records. Do not assume silence means you can refuse every legal requirement, such as a lawful demand in an impaired-driving investigation. Ask for advice about the specific situation.

5. What to Prepare for a Consultation

   Write down the officer’s name, contact information, when contact occurred and what was requested. Preserve any notice, message or warrant provided. Explain whether you are currently detained and whether police have set a meeting time.

This roadmap provides general information and is not legal advice. The appropriate next steps depend on the specific facts and procedural history of your matter. Submitting a consultation request does not create a lawyer-client relationship.