3. Make notes and gather your documents
Question and answer
What happens at a provincial offences trial, and how do I prepare?Your evidence can include witnesses, documents, or other things.
Make notes
As soon as you can after being charged, make notes about things like:
- the date of the offence
- details of what happened
- what you said to anyone who was present, including police officers
- contact information of anyone who was present who may be witnesses
- photos you took
- documents, letters, or other records that may be helpful
These notes will be important because sometimes it can take a long time before a trial happens.
Documents
Get and make copies of any photos or other documents you want to use at your trial.
- Letters and notes: For example, if you’re charged with trespassing and were given a letter from the person telling you to stay off the property.
- Business or property records: For example, records showing who owns the property.
- Expert reports: For example, a report by a doctor or a land surveyor.
- Photos or videos: For example, if you were charged with a traffic violation for not stopping at a stop sign and the sign wasn’t visible, you could take photos or a video of the stop sign.