Resources
-
Criminal Court Illustration
This illustration gives people an idea about what a criminal courtroom at the Ontario Court of Justice looks like and who may be present at a hearing.
-
-
Do you know a woman who is being abused? A legal rights handbook
This handbook is for any woman in Ontario who is being abused, or who has been abused, by her partner. It includes information on making a safety plan, preparing to leave, the criminal process and trial, a woman's rights under family law, protection orders, and legal and community resources in Ontario. It also has information on how abuse may affect a woman's immigration status, and a section that focuses on Indigenous women.
-
Has your child been charged with a crime?
This resource offers basic information about what a parent can expect if a child under the age of 18 is charged with a crime. It includes sections on the kind of lawyer the child needs, relating to the child’s lawyer, keeping the child in school, how the child’s records can affect their future, what to do if asked to pay for damage the child has caused, and where to get help in many languages.
-
Indigenous rights: Bail
This resource explains Gladue factors that courts must consider when deciding whether to give bail to an Indigenous person.
-
Indigenous rights: Diversion
This resource explains when Indigenous diversion may be available and how it works.
-
Indigenous rights: Sentencing
This resource explains Gladue factors that courts must consider when sentencing an Indigenous person.
-
Police Powers: Stops and Searches
This resource sets out the rights of a person who is stopped, questioned, searched, arrested, or detained by the police. It also explains when the police can enter or search someone's home.
-
Types of criminal offences
This resource explains the difference between the 3 types of criminal offences a person can be charged with: summary, hybrid, and indictable offences.
-
Victim Quick Response Program+
This resource is about the Ontario government’s Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+). The VQRP+ helps pay for certain expenses that victims and witnesses of a violent crime have. It explains who is eligible, what expenses are covered, and how to apply.
-
Youth flowcharts: Criminal court process for youth aged 12-17
This flowchart explains the youth criminal court process. It is on the Steps to Justice website.
-
Youth flowcharts: When the police talk to youth aged 12-17
This flowchart explains what happens when the police talk to a youth. It is on the Steps to Justice website.