If you or someone you know is facing a criminal charge connected to Hamilton, the same Ontario-wide criminal process applies as anywhere else in the province — but knowing which courthouse handles the matter and which police service was likely involved can help make sense of what happens next. Hamilton has its own dedicated criminal courthouse, the John Sopinka Courthouse. This page is general legal information, not legal advice about a specific case. See our guide to understanding Ontario's criminal court structure for background on how the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice fit together.
Which Court Handles Criminal Charges in Hamilton
Criminal matters connected to Hamilton are generally handled at the following courthouse, part of our Hamilton & Niagara listings in the Ontario Criminal Court Locations directory:
Hamilton & Niagara
What Happens After an Arrest in Hamilton and Niagara
If someone is arrested by Hamilton Police Service or issued a summons connected to Hamilton, the general process that follows is the same as anywhere in Ontario: release or a bail hearing, a first appearance at the courthouse listed above, an exchange of disclosure, and either a resolution or a trial. See our guide to what happens after an arrest and our overview of how bail hearings work for more detail on these early stages.
Common Criminal Charges We Help People Understand
The following guides cover some of the most common charges we hear about from people in and around Hamilton. Every charge page explains the general classification, potential penalties, and what typically happens next.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving, refusing a breath sample, and related driving charges.
Assault
Simple assault, assault causing bodily harm, and aggravated assault.
Domestic Assault
Assault charges arising from a domestic or family relationship.
Theft
Theft under and over $5,000, and motor vehicle theft.
Drug Possession
Simple possession charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Local Legal Resources
Our full Ontario Criminal Court Locations directory covers courthouses across the province, and our legal wizards, including the After Being Charged and Bail Conditions Review wizards, can help you get general guidance on your specific situation before you speak with a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What court will handle my case if I'm charged in Hamilton?
Criminal charges arising in Hamilton are generally heard at the Hamilton and Niagara courthouse listed above, in the Ontario Court of Justice, with more serious indictable matters potentially proceeding to the Superior Court of Justice at the same location.
Is the criminal process different depending on which city I'm in?
No. The Criminal Code and general court process are the same across Ontario. What differs from city to city is which courthouse handles the matter and which police service was involved, not the underlying law or procedure.
Where can I get free legal help near Hamilton?
Legal Aid Ontario and duty counsel at the courthouse can provide help depending on financial eligibility and the stage of your case. See our Legal Assistance page for a general starting point, or request a free consultation with a criminal lawyer.