Summary Criminal Defence
Representation on summary conviction matters in the Ontario Court of Justice.
Paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario can represent clients on summary conviction offences in the Ontario Court of Justice. Stephanie focuses on these matters — appearing at first appearances, conducting bail variations where appropriate, reviewing Crown disclosure, negotiating resolutions, and running summary trials.
Important: paralegal scope is limited to summary conviction offences. Stephanie cannot represent clients on indictable offences, hybrid offences where the Crown has elected indictably, or any offence carrying a maximum penalty of more than six months' imprisonment as a strict summary offence. If your charge falls outside the paralegal scope, Stephanie will tell you straight away and refer you to a qualified criminal lawyer.
Common summary charges Stephanie can help with include simple assault, mischief, theft under $5,000 (where Crown proceeds summarily), fail to comply with a probation order or undertaking, and certain driving-related Criminal Code offences when proceeded summarily.
What's included
- ●First appearances and case management
- ●Crown disclosure review
- ●Resolution discussions and diversion programs
- ●Summary conviction trials in Ontario Court of Justice
- ●Common charges: assault, mischief, theft under $5K (summary), fail to comply
- ●Honest scope check — referral if your matter falls outside paralegal jurisdiction