After Being Charged — Now What?
Being arrested can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure about what happens next. You may be wondering what you should be doing now. As criminal lawyers, we explain the process clearly and help you understand your next steps in the Ontario criminal court process.
- You were arrested and charged: The police believed they had reasonable grounds to think you committed a criminal offence. You were taken into custody and then released while your case moves forward in the Ontario court process.
- You received documents with your court date and conditions: These documents outline your charges, when you must attend court (usually within 2 to 6 weeks), and any conditions you must follow until your case is resolved. You are required to attend court on that date to answer to the charge.
- You must follow your conditions strictly: These may include no-contact orders, location restrictions, driving prohibitions, or curfews. Breaking any condition can result in new charges, arrest, and possible detention.
The question now is what you should be doing next. Start by learning what to expect, understanding your charges, and how the criminal court process works in Ontario. This knowledge will help you feel more in control and better prepared for what comes next.
If you need to speak with a criminal lawyer call Charitsis Law at 647-930-0200.
Understanding the Documents You Received from Police
After being released, the documents you received from police explain your charges, your court date, and any conditions you must follow.
These documents are important. They tell you what you are facing and what is expected of you as your case moves through the Ontario criminal court process.
- Release documents (Appearance Notice, Promise to Appear, Undertaking): These documents confirm your court date and may include conditions you must follow, such as no contact with certain people or staying away from specific places. They apply whether you were released at the scene or from the police station.
- Bail hearing documents (Recognizance and release terms): If you were held for a bail hearing, these documents set out the conditions of your release and may include a surety or financial pledge. These conditions are strictly enforced by the court.
- DUI and charge-related documents: In impaired driving cases, this can include a licence suspension notice, breathalyzer test results, and a notice that the Crown intends to rely on this evidence. You may also receive a Notice of Increased Punishment if prior convictions could affect sentencing.
These documents can be very important to your case. When reviewed together with the disclosure, they help a criminal lawyer identify the key issues, including whether there are weaknesses in the evidence, whether the charge may be withdrawn, how serious the situation is, and whether there may be an opportunity to reduce the charge.
Conditions You Must Follow After Being Released
After being released, you may have conditions that you must follow until your case is finished. These conditions are legally binding. If you break them, you can be charged with a separate criminal offence, even if your original charge has not been proven in court.
- No contact conditions – You may be ordered to have no contact with a specific person, including direct or indirect communication such as calls, texts, or messages through others.
- Stay away or location restrictions – You may be required to stay away from certain places, such as a home, workplace, or specific area, and even accidental contact can lead to a breach.
- Curfew or house arrest – You may have to follow a curfew or remain at home except for approved reasons, and these conditions are strictly enforced.
- Alcohol or drug restrictions – You may be required to abstain from alcohol or drugs, including avoiding places where alcohol is the primary purpose.
- Driving prohibitions – You may not be allowed to drive, either as a condition of your release or due to an immediate licence suspension related to your charge.
These conditions are taken seriously by the court. Mistakes and breaches will result in new charges and make your situation more difficult. Take the time to read your release documents carefully and make sure you fully understand what is expected of you.
If you need to speak with a criminal lawyer call Charitsis Law at 647-930-0200.
Your First Court Date — What to Expect
Your first court date is usually scheduled within a few weeks after your release. This is your first appearance in the Ontario Court of Justice. It is an important step in the court process, but it is not your trial.
- This is not a trial date – It is an administrative appearance only. The court is not deciding your guilt or innocence at this stage.
- The Crown Attorney will – provide disclosure and ask if you have spoken to a lawyer. The disclosure is the evidence against you from the police. The crown attorney will want to know if you have retained a lawyer or received legal advice.
- Your case will be remanded – to another date to give you and your lawyer an opportunity to review the disclosure and then return to the court to tell the court how you intent to proceed with your case.I
At this stage, the court is giving you time to understand your case before any decisions are made.
Reviewing Disclosure with a Criminal Lawyer
Before your next court date, the Crown Attorney expects you to speak with a criminal defence lawyer and review the disclosure. This is a normal and important part of the process. The disclosure shows what evidence the Crown has, how the police handled the investigation, and whether there are any issues in the case.
A criminal lawyer can review this with you and explain what it means. They can identify problems with the evidence, legal issues, or weaknesses that may lead to reduced charges or even a full withdrawal. In some cases, the disclosure may support a defence and give you a real opportunity to fight the charge.
- The strength of the evidence against you
- Any legal issues or Charter violations
- Opportunities to reduce or withdraw the charge
- Whether you have a defence and should go to trial
This step is about understanding your situation clearly and finding out if there is a way to improve your outcome before your case moves forward.
Speaking to a Criminal Lawyer Before the First Court Date
After being charged, it may feel like nothing needs to be done until your first court date. In reality, this is the point where most people either take control of their case or fall behind.
- You may be required to speak in court: At your first appearance, you can be called forward and asked questions by the Crown. Many people are not comfortable and may say something that does not help their case.
- A lawyer can attend for you: In many cases, your lawyer can appear on your behalf, so you do not have to stand up in court or respond directly.
- You avoid going in blind: Without speaking to a lawyer first, you are walking into court without understanding your situation or what to expect.
- Early steps can affect your case: How your matter is handled from the beginning can impact timing issues, delay arguments, and how the case moves forward.
Taking this step early helps you avoid mistakes and stay in control of your case from the start. Call Charitsis Law at 647-930-0200 to speak with a criminal lawyer before your first court date.
After the First Court Date
After your first court appearance, your case will be set over to another date, usually within a few weeks. This period is important. It’s meant to give you time to meet with a criminal lawyer to review the disclosure and understand your situation before any decisions are made.
- You are expected to review disclosure with a lawyer: The Crown Attorney expects you to take your documents and the disclosure and have them reviewed by a criminal defence lawyer before returning to court for the next hearing date.
- Your lawyer will assess the strength of your case: This includes identifying issues with the evidence, legal problems, errors, witness issues, and opportunities to reduce or withdraw the charge.
- The lawyer usually will appear on the next court date: In many cases, our lawyers will attend on your behalf and speak to the Crown, or they may provide you with a letter from the lawyer saying they are representing you.
- Your case is usually remanded for a Pre-trial: After disclosure is reviewed, the next step is often a pre-trial where your lawyer and the Crown Attorney discuss the case, the evidence, and possible outcomes.
Until you sit down with a lawyer and review your disclosure, most people may not see or fully understand where they stand, whether there are issues in the case, or if there is an opportunity to reduce or resolve the charge.
Call Charitsis Law at 647-930-0200 to speak with our criminal lawyers and schedule a free, confidential case review.
Can You Live With a Criminal Record?
At your first court date, you may feel pressure to plead guilty just to get it over with. Before making that decision, ask yourself one question: can you live with a criminal record?
- A criminal record can affect your entire future: It can limit your ability to get a job, pass background checks, or move forward in your career.
- Travel can become difficult or restricted: Many countries, including the United States, can deny entry if you have a criminal record.
- Your immigration status can be impacted: For non-citizens, a conviction can affect status in Canada, future applications, or even lead to removal.
- Professional licences and designations may be at risk: Many careers require a clean record, and a conviction can prevent you from entering or continuing in your field.
- The consequences do not go away quickly: A criminal record can follow you for years and affect opportunities long after your case is finished.
- DUI convictions carry serious financial and legal impact: Fines, licence suspensions, increased insurance, and mandatory programs can add up quickly.
Before making a decision that can affect your future, speak with our criminal lawyers and understand your situation clearly.
At Charitsis Law we’ve have helped thousands of people facing criminal charges. In many cases, there are options to avoid a criminal record depending on the facts and how the case is handled. Call Charitsis Law at 647-930-0200 to discuss your case and find out where you stand before your first court date.
What Happens at a Pre-Trial in Ontario
After disclosure has been reviewed, your case will often be scheduled for a pre-trial.
A pre-trial hearing is a meeting between your criminal lawyer and the Crown Attorney to discuss your case in detail. It may take place at the courthouse or by telephone, depending on the court and the circumstances. You do not attend this meeting. Your lawyer speaks on your behalf.
- Your lawyer meets directly with the Crown Attorney: This may happen in person at the courthouse or over the phone, allowing both sides to discuss the case openly.
- The evidence is reviewed in detail: Your lawyer will address the strengths and weaknesses of the Crown’s case, including any issues with the evidence or how it was obtained.
- Legal issues and defences are raised: This is where problems such as Charter violations, inconsistencies, or gaps in the evidence can be brought forward.
- Resolution options are discussed: Depending on the case, this may include reduced charges, withdrawals, or other outcomes that avoid a criminal record where possible.
This stage is where experience matters. A strong criminal defence lawyer uses the pre-trial to advocate for you, challenge the case, and push for the best possible outcome. In many cases, this is where meaningful progress is made toward resolving the matter.
At the end of the pre-trial, your case will usually move in one of two directions. It may be resolved, or it will be scheduled for trial where the evidence will be tested in court.
Discuss Your Case with Criminal Lawyer
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, now is the time to understand your situation and take control of your case. The steps you take early can affect the outcome, including whether there are issues in the evidence, opportunities to reduce the charge, or ways to avoid a criminal record.
- Get clear answers about your case: Understand what the evidence shows and where you stand before making any decisions.
- Avoid costly mistakes early on: The wrong step at the beginning can limit your options later in the court process.
- Know your options before court: Learn whether your case can be resolved, reduced, or challenged at trial.
We have helped thousands of people facing criminal charges and understand how to identify issues that can make a difference in your case.
Call Charitsis Law at 647-930-0200 to speak directly with our criminal lawyers and schedule your free, confidential case review.
FAQs – About What to do After Being Charged in Ontario
Q. What should I do after being charged with a criminal offence in Ontario?
A. After being charged, you should carefully review your release documents, follow all conditions, and prepare for your first court date. The most important step is to understand your situation and the court process. Many people choose to speak with a criminal defence lawyer early to review their case and avoid mistakes before court.
Q. Do I have to go to court for my first appearance?
A. In many cases, you are required to attend your first court date unless a criminal lawyer appears on your behalf. If you do not attend when required, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest. A lawyer can often attend for you and help move your case forward properly.
Q. What happens if I miss my court date?
A. Missing a court date is serious. The court can issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and you may face additional criminal charges. If you realize you have missed a date, you should take steps right away to address it and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Q. Will I get a criminal record right away?
A. No, you do not receive a criminal record just for being charged. A criminal record only results from a conviction or guilty plea. Until your case is resolved, you are presumed innocent, and there may be options available to avoid a criminal record.
Q. Can charges be dropped before my court date?
A. In some cases, charges can be withdrawn or resolved early, but this usually happens after the evidence is reviewed. The Crown Attorney must assess the case, and issues with the evidence or legal problems may affect whether the charge proceeds.
Q. Should I plead guilty at my first court date?
A. In most cases, it is not recommended to plead guilty at your first appearance. You will not have reviewed the disclosure or understood the strength of the case against you. It is important to understand your options before making a decision that can result in a criminal record.
