This page answers common questions about Criminal Law in Ontario as a website, such as what it is, how current it is, and how to use it responsibly. For questions about a specific criminal charge or court process, see the relevant topic page instead, such as criminal charges, bail and release, or court process, each of which has its own frequently asked questions.
Is anything on this site legal advice?
No. Everything on Criminal Law in Ontario is general educational information about how Ontario criminal law and court procedure generally work. It is not legal advice, and reading this site does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Criminal cases depend heavily on specific facts, and only a lawyer reviewing your actual situation can give you advice you should rely on.
Is this site affiliated with the government, the courts, or a law firm?
No. Criminal Law in Ontario is an independent educational resource. It is not affiliated with the Government of Ontario, the Ontario courts, any police service, prosecutor, Legal Aid Ontario, or any law firm. See the about page for more on what this site is and how it is put together.
How current is the information on this site?
Content is reviewed periodically and each page shows an "Updated" date. Criminal law can change through legislative amendments and new court decisions, sometimes shortly after a page was last reviewed, so the date shown is not a guarantee that nothing has changed since. See the content update policy for more detail, and always confirm current rules with a lawyer for anything time-sensitive.
Can I use this site instead of hiring a lawyer?
No. This site can help you understand the general process and ask better questions, but it cannot review the specific facts of your case, assess the evidence against you, or represent you in court. If you are facing an actual criminal charge, see the legal assistance page for how to find a lawyer, Legal Aid Ontario, or duty counsel.
How do I report an error or outdated information?
Use the contact page to describe the page and the specific statement you believe is incorrect or outdated. See the corrections policy for how reports are reviewed and handled.
Is this website free to use?
Yes. All of the educational content on this site is free to read, with no account, paywall, or subscription required.
Does this site cover criminal law outside Ontario?
This site focuses specifically on Ontario, including how Ontario's courts apply the federal Criminal Code and other federal statutes. While much of the underlying federal criminal law is the same across Canada, court procedure, local practice, and provincial resources such as legal aid can differ significantly between provinces, so content here should not be assumed to apply outside Ontario.
What should I do if I need help right now?
See the urgent legal help resources on the homepage, or the legal assistance page for options including duty counsel, Legal Aid Ontario, and the Law Society of Ontario's Lawyer Referral Service. This site itself is not a substitute for reaching a lawyer or duty counsel directly in an urgent situation.
Still Have Questions About This Site?
Questions not answered here can be sent through the contact page. Questions about a specific criminal charge or legal situation should instead go to a lawyer, duty counsel, or through the free consultation request on the homepage.