Find your court date
The date, time and courtroom are on your release papers. To confirm them:
- Dockets of Nova Scotia courts: Daily Provincial Court dockets for every courthouse.
- Call the court registry at 902-424-2390.
Your first appearance at Dartmouth Provincial Court
A first appearance is short. The court confirms who you are, notes whether you have a lawyer and sets the next date. You are not asked to plead guilty or not guilty that day, and the Crown gives you or your lawyer the evidence (disclosure) so you can decide what to do.
- Your release papers (undertaking, appearance notice or release order): they show the date, time and courtroom.
- Photo ID.
- Your lawyer’s name and number, if you have one.
- Arrive 30 minutes early: there is a security screening, and the day’s court list is posted at the entrance.
Duty counsel and legal aid
Duty counsel are lawyers paid by legal aid who help people without a lawyer at court, for free, on the day: at bail hearings, first appearances and simple guilty pleas. They do not take your case to trial; for that you need your own lawyer or a legal aid certificate.
Questions people ask
How do I find my court date at Dartmouth Provincial Court?
It is on your release papers. You can also check it online with Dockets of Nova Scotia courts. The court registry answers at 902-424-2390.
What cases are heard at Dartmouth Provincial Court?
The Provincial Court of Nova Scotia hears criminal cases there: first appearances, bail hearings, guilty pleas and trials.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Missing a court date is a criminal offence (failure to attend court) and the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. If you cannot attend, call the courthouse and a lawyer before the date. If you already missed it, speak to a lawyer right away: turning yourself in with a lawyer usually goes better than being arrested on the warrant.