3. Understand a Summons

A Summons is usually given out for more serious traffic offences than a Notice of Offence, like stunt driving or failing to stop for a police officer.

When you get a Summons, there is no option to pay the ticket online. Either you or someone acting on your behalf must appear in court. You can usually have a lawyer or paralegal go to court for you. But make sure you ask your lawyer or paralegal if you must also attend.

If you do not go to your court date, a trial date will be set. If you miss your trial date, the court may hold the trial in your absence, called an ex parte trial, or issue a warrant for your arrest.

You will have 2 options when you go to court.

Option 1: Plead guilty

If you choose to plead guilty:

• you agree that you broke the law
• you agree to pay the total amount ordered by the court
• you give up your right to trial

Option 2: Plead not guilty

Tell the court that you want to plead not guilty and fight your charge. You can then ask:

• for an adjournment if you need time to find a lawyer or paralegal
• for disclosure, which is the evidence the prosecutor has about your case
• to speak with the prosecutor about a resolution

Courts do not usually have a trial on the first day you go to court. In most cases, a Summons requires several court appearances over 6 to 12 months.