Understand Criminal Law in Ontario
Criminal Law in Ontario is an independent, plain-language information hub. Here you can find step-by-step guides, practical tools, checklists, and resources about criminal charges, legal rights, and court procedures that affect people across Ontario — explained clearly, without legal jargon.
If You Need Help Now
If you have been arrested, are currently detained, have an upcoming criminal court appearance, or are subject to bail or release conditions, it may be important to get timely advice from a qualified criminal lawyer. The links below can help you find official support and information. Court dates, bail conditions, probation conditions, subpoenas, and other court orders remain in effect and must be followed unless a court or other appropriate authority formally changes them.
What Do You Need Help With?
Choose the situation that best describes where you are right now.
I have been arrested
Learn what an arrest generally involves and what may happen next.
Police want to question me
Understand your general rights before answering police questions.
I have been charged
Get an overview of what a criminal charge means and what typically follows.
I need to understand bail
See a plain-language overview of how bail hearings generally work.
I have release conditions
Learn what release conditions are and why they must be followed.
I have an upcoming court date
Understand generally what to expect at a criminal court appearance.
I need to understand disclosure
Learn what disclosure means in a criminal case.
I am considering a guilty plea
Read general information about what a guilty plea involves.
I am preparing for trial
Get a general overview of how criminal trials proceed in Ontario.
I want to understand sentencing
Learn about the general principles that guide criminal sentencing.
I have a criminal record
Explore general information about criminal records and record suspensions.
I am a victim or witness
Find information and support specific to victims and witnesses.
Browse Criminal Charges
General, plain-language information organized by charge category. Each topic links to a future in-depth guide. This section does not describe penalties, mandatory minimums, or how the Crown may proceed — that information will be added once verified against current authoritative sources.
Violent and Personal Offences
Property Offences
Weapons Offences
Drug Offences
Driving-Related Offences
Sexual Offences
Administration of Justice Offences
What Happens After You Are Charged?
A general pathway through the Ontario criminal court system. Not every case follows every step.
- 1Investigation or arrest
- 2Release by police or detention for bail
- 3First court appearance
- 4Receiving disclosure
- 5Obtaining legal advice
- 6Crown pretrial or resolution discussions
- 7Judicial pretrial where applicable
- 8Motions or preliminary proceedings where applicable
- 9Guilty plea or trial
- 10Verdict
- 11Sentencing if convicted
- 12Appeal or post-sentence process where applicable
The exact process in any individual case depends on factors such as the charge itself, how the Crown chooses to proceed, which court is hearing the matter, whether the accused person is in custody, whether the case resolves or proceeds to trial, and the specific facts involved. This is a general illustration, not a guarantee of how any particular case will unfold.
Understand Your Rights
General information about legal rights that may apply during police and court interactions in Canada.
Rights when stopped by police
General information about police stops.
Rights when detained
What detention generally means and related rights.
Rights when arrested
General rights that may apply upon arrest.
The right to remain silent
An overview of this fundamental legal right.
The right to speak with a lawyer
General information about the right to counsel.
Police searches
An overview of when police may search a person or property.
Search warrants
General information about search warrants.
Giving consent to a search
What it generally means to consent to a search.
Police questioning
General information about being questioned by police.
Statements to police
General information about statements made to police.
Rights at a bail hearing
General information about rights during a bail hearing.
Rights during a criminal trial
General information about rights during trial.
Bail and Release Conditions
General information about how release from custody and bail generally work in Ontario.
Release and bail conditions remain legally binding unless they are formally changed by the appropriate court or authority. Two people cannot privately agree to disregard a court-ordered condition — only a formal legal process can change a condition.
Court Process Directory
General topics organized by stage of the criminal court process.
Before Court
Preparing a Case
Trial
Free Calculators and Legal Wizards
Free, general-purpose calculators and interactive wizards covering bail, sentencing, custody, and your rights. These tools are for general educational purposes only — they do not predict outcomes, guarantee results, or replace individualized legal advice.
Understanding Criminal Sentencing
Sentencing is highly fact-specific. It depends on the law, the offence, the individual circumstances of the person being sentenced, aggravating and mitigating factors, binding court decisions, and other considerations. General topics below explain concepts — they are not a prediction or guarantee of any outcome.
Sentencing principles
General principles that guide sentencing decisions.
Discharges
An overview of absolute and conditional discharges.
Suspended sentences
General information about suspended sentences.
Probation
General information about probation orders.
Fines
General information about fines as a sentence.
Restitution
General information about restitution orders.
Conditional sentences
General information about serving a sentence in the community.
Custodial sentences
General information about custody as a sentence.
Ancillary orders
General information about orders that may accompany a sentence.
Victim impact statements
General information about victim impact statements.
Sentencing for Indigenous offenders
General information about relevant sentencing considerations.
Youth sentencing
General information about sentencing under the youth justice system.
Criminal Records
Different types of records and record checks are governed by different rules. The topics below provide a general starting point.
Youth Criminal Justice
The youth criminal justice system is separate from the adult system and follows its own legislation and procedures.
Young people accused of offences
General information for young people facing allegations.
Parents and guardians
General information for parents and guardians.
Youth bail
General information about release for young people.
Youth court
General information about how youth court differs from adult court.
Youth sentencing
General information about sentencing for young people.
Youth records
General information about youth records.
Access to legal assistance
General information about finding help for a young person.
Victims and Witnesses
Information for people who have experienced a crime or who have been asked to be a witness in a criminal case. This information is separate from the information above, which is written for people who have been accused of an offence.
What Is Criminal Law in Ontario?
In Canada, most criminal offences and the general rules of criminal procedure are set out in federal legislation, primarily the Criminal Code of Canada, along with other federal statutes such as the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This means the definitions of criminal offences are the same across the country — Ontario does not create its own separate list of criminal offences.
What does differ by province is how criminal cases are administered and heard. In Ontario, criminal charges are processed through Ontario's court system, including the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice, and are supported by Ontario institutions such as Legal Aid Ontario and the Ministry of the Attorney General. Ontario is also responsible for prosecuting most criminal offences under the Criminal Code within the province, and for the practical, day-to-day administration of justice, including courthouses, court staff, and certain correctional and probation services.
In short: the criminal law itself comes primarily from federal legislation, while the process of applying that law — the courts, procedures, and many of the services involved — is administered provincially in Ontario. This website focuses on explaining that process in plain language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after being arrested in Ontario?
Every situation is different, but understanding your general rights and, where possible, obtaining legal advice as soon as reasonably possible are often important early steps.
Read the full guideDo I have to answer police questions?
There are general rights that relate to police questioning, including the right to remain silent in most circumstances. The specifics depend on the situation.
Read the full guideWhat happens at a bail hearing?
A bail hearing is generally where a court decides whether a person will be released before trial, and on what conditions, if any.
Read the full guideWhat is criminal disclosure?
Disclosure generally refers to the evidence and information the Crown provides to a person who has been charged with an offence.
Read the full guideWhat happens at a first court appearance?
A first appearance is generally an early, procedural court date. What happens can vary depending on the case.
Read the full guideWhat is the difference between a guilty plea and a trial?
A guilty plea generally resolves a charge without a trial, while a trial is a hearing where a judge, or judge and jury, decides the outcome based on evidence.
Read the full guideHow is a criminal sentence determined?
Sentencing generally depends on the law, the offence, the individual's circumstances, and a range of aggravating and mitigating factors considered by the court.
Read the full guideHow long does a criminal charge remain on a record?
This depends on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and applicable rules. General information will be added once verified against authoritative sources.
Read the full guideCan release or bail conditions be changed?
Release and bail conditions generally can only be changed through a formal legal process, such as a bail review or a variation application.
Read the full guideDo I need a criminal lawyer?
Whether you need a lawyer depends on your individual circumstances. Speaking with a qualified criminal lawyer can help you understand your options.
Read the full guideInsights: Our Criminal Law Library
In-depth, plain-language guides from our Insights library, organized into seven topic hubs.
Impaired Driving, DUI & Traffic Offences
Assault, Domestic Violence & Violent Offences
Theft, Fraud, Property & Financial Crimes
Drug, Weapons & Serious Criminal Charges
Arrest, Bail & the Criminal Court Process
Your Rights, Police Powers & Defences
Criminal Records, Youth Charges & Life After Court
Official Resources
Links to verified primary and official sources. External resources, not affiliated with this website.
Trust and Editorial Standards
Criminal Law in Ontario aims to provide information that is:
- Written in plain language
- Based on current Canadian legislation and Ontario procedures
- Supported by primary sources
- Reviewed and updated as laws change
- Transparent about publication and update dates
- Neutral and educational
- Not a substitute for individualized legal advice
Speak With a Criminal Lawyer
If you have questions about criminal law or have been charged and would like to speak to a criminal lawyer in Ontario for a free 30-minute consultation, please let us know.