Glossary

In Criminal Law

A promise to appear is a legal document that you sign. It says that you promise to go to court on a specific date.

In Criminal Law

This means having legal proceedings against someone accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty.

In Criminal Law

Crown prosecutors are lawyers employed by the Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General. They are also known as the Crown, prosecutors, or Crown counsel.

Crown prosecutors present the case against you at court. They will try and prove the allegations against you beyond a reasonable doubt by calling witnesses to testify in court. They have a responsibility to make sure that the evidence is presented fairly. The Crown’s job is not about winning or losing.

In Criminal Law

Provincial offences are minor non-criminal offences, such as traffic violations. These offences are dealt with in the Ontario Court of Justice by a judge or a justice of the peace.