1. Book a pre-trial

Usually, if you've hired a lawyer, the pre-trial will happen over the phone. But your lawyer may also have a pre-trial with a Crown in a meeting at the courthouse.

If you don't plan to hire a lawyer, you can:

• ask duty counsel if they will help you during your Crown pre-trial
• go to the Crown's office in the courthouse and book a pre-trial with the Crown yourself

Sometimes the Crown lets you have your pre-trial with them outside of the courtroom. Each Crown's office has their own way of scheduling pre-trials.