Check your court date
Your date, time and courtroom are on the papers police or the court gave you when you were released. To confirm them, or if you lost the papers:
What happens at your first appearance
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.
Free help at court
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.
Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258
Questions people ask
How do I find my court date in Ontario?
It is on your release papers. You can also check it online: Daily Court Lists, Search for court cases online (Ontario.ca). Otherwise, call the courthouse criminal office.
Which court hears criminal cases in Ontario?
The Ontario Court of Justice hears first appearances, bail hearings and most trials. Jury trials and the most serious offences go to the Superior Court of Justice.
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.
How do I get legal aid in Ontario?
Contact Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258. On the day of court, duty counsel help people without a lawyer for free.