Criminal Defence FAQs for Ontario — Clear Answers, Real Direction
Understand the charge, the process, your costs, and your defence options
When you’re facing a criminal allegation in Ontario, uncertainty makes everything harder. This page gives you clear, practical answers about the charge, the process, your rights, and common legal costs—without overwhelming legal jargon or judgment. We cover the questions clients ask most, including charge classification, bail and release considerations, criminal record impacts, and the role a licensed paralegal plays in your defence.
If you still have questions after reading, you won’t be left guessing. Our free case review connects you directly with an LSO-licensed paralegal who can explain your options and next steps based on your situation. You deserve answers that help you move forward with confidence—and a defence that starts with clarity and strategy, early.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Clients Across Ontario
★★★★★ Verified Google Review
“Provided very clear and straightforward advice.” — Dharma D., Former Client
Criminal Defence FAQ — Clear Answers for Serious Charges in Ontario
Facing a criminal allegation in Ontario raises urgent questions about your rights, your record, and what happens next. Since every case—and every client’s situation—is unique, it’s critical to understand what your defence team can do, what options may be available, and what costs to expect along the way.
The questions here cover the areas clients ask about most. We explain each topic in plain, accurate, judgment-free language, so you get clarity without intimidation or confusion.
If you don’t see your exact question here, you can always reach out—we answer quickly, we keep it confidential, and we give you real direction from day one.
Still Not Sure About Your Situation?
That’s what the free case review is for. You’ll speak directly to an LSO licensed Ontario paralegal who can assess your matter and outline your defence options.
The Bottom Line
Good information gives you confidence. Early strategy gives you leverage. The right advocate gives you a defended future.
1. What services can Ontario paralegals provide in criminal matters?
Licensed paralegals in Ontario can represent clients in the Ontario Court of Justice for summary conviction offences and many hybrid Criminal Code charges, including bail hearings, bail variations, Crown negotiations, trials (summary matters), parole hearings, and record-related applications.
This means you receive real legal advice and advocacy from a licensed courtroom representative—within the scope regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
2. What is theft under $5,000 under the Criminal Code?
This charge involves an allegation of taking property or services valued at less than $5,000, without permission, and with the intent to deprive the owner of it.
In Ontario, it is generally prosecuted as a summary conviction offence, but it can proceed by indictment in certain circumstances depending on factors such as prior record or breach of trust.
A conviction may lead to fines, probation, or custody, and can result in a criminal record unless successfully defended or resolved.
3. Can you avoid a criminal record in Ontario or Canada?
A criminal record is only registered if there is a conviction.
Many summary and hybrid charges can be challenged or negotiated based on evidence, identification issues, intent, miscommunication, or Charter concerns.
Early defence strategy gives you more options, which may include pursuing a withdrawal, a reduction, or a strong defence at a summary conviction trial.
While no outcome can be guaranteed, a prepared legal strategy early in the process can significantly strengthen your position.
4. What is a bail hearing, and can a paralegal represent me there?
A bail hearing determines whether you will be released from custody while your case moves through the court process.
Because this is a criminal matter, LSO licensed paralegals can appear for you at bail hearings in the Ontario Court of Justice.
We advocate for your release, challenge unreasonable conditions when legally appropriate, and help you understand court expectations so your defence begins early and confidently.
5. What is a parole hearing and how can you help me prepare?
A parole hearing is a proceeding before the Parole Board of Canada to determine release from federal custody.
We support your position by preparing submissions, organizing supporting documents, advising on hearing expectations, and helping you present your case clearly and strategically.
Our role is to ensure you are prepared, informed, and positioned strongly going into the hearing.
Our team includes a former federal parole officer, offering deep knowledge of the system and experienced strategic guidance.
6. What is an Ontario arrest record destruction request?
Even if your charge did not result in a conviction, an arrest file may still exist in police systems.
In Ontario, individuals can submit a direct request to a local police service to destroy or seal their arrest record (if eligible).
This is not the same as a federal Record Suspension.
We assist by reviewing eligibility, compiling supporting materials, preparing the request, and submitting it properly to the correct police service.
7. What are disbursements in a criminal case?
Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties during your case.
These are separate from legal fees and are charged at cost, not marked up.
Common disbursements can include fingerprinting fees, criminal record checks, file-copying charges, process server costs, disclosure requests, or administrative fees charged by police services or courts.
Because these are required steps or documents in many cases, they are billed in addition to representation fees and do not include HST unless applicable to that specific service.
8. How much do you charge for criminal legal services?
We use a flat-fee pricing model, quoted before HST and excluding disbursements, so you always know your legal cost upfront—no hourly billing and no surprise invoices.
Your final total depends on the service you require (defence, bail, arrest record request, parole hearing prep, etc.), but the structure is always predictable, transparent, and clearly explained.
Visit our Fee Schedule for Criminal Law Matters to view transparent, upfront pricing for all services.
9. Will my charge automatically go to trial?
No.
Many summary and hybrid matters in Ontario can be resolved through Crown negotiation or pre-trial advocacy, depending on the evidence and your goals.
If trial is the right path, licensed Ontario paralegals can represent you at a summary conviction trial in the Ontario Court of Justice.
We guide you early so you’re prepared for every stage and outcome.
10. Why do clients choose Cordaie Paralegal Services for their defence?
Clients choose us because we provide:
- Direct access to LSO-licensed paralegals
- Early legal analysis and defence strategy
- Crown negotiation and courtroom advocacy
- Ontario-wide service (remote or in person)
- Confidential, judgment-free support
- Flat-fee pricing, excluding disbursements and HST
You get a legal advocate who shows up, prepares the defence, and protects your future—not someone who leaves you guessing or navigating alone.
Why Ontarians Choose Cordaie Paralegal Services
When your future is on the line, you deserve defence support that’s experienced, accessible, and built for real results.
Cordaie Paralegal Services is trusted across Ontario because we combine licensed criminal defence advocacy with a client-first approach — offering flat-fee pricing, direct communication, and strategic case preparation without unnecessary complexity or judgment. Our team includes a former federal parole officer, giving clients the advantage of seasoned insight into how decisions are made and how to position a case for success.
Clients choose us because we do more than explain the process — we handle it. From building defences to managing court filings and coordinating required disbursements like fingerprinting and record checks, we deliver hands-on advocacy tailored to each case.
Our priority is protecting your record, your reputation, and your peace of mind, with clear communication and proactive strategy from start to finish. With Ontario-wide service, remote access, and experienced professionals in your corner, you get stronger defence support designed to move you forward, not hold you back.
“Provided very clear and straight forward advice. Would recommend you reach out.”
Dharma D., Former Client
Verified Google Review
Serving All of Ontario — Defence Support You Can Access From Anywhere
No matter where you live in Ontario, you deserve criminal defence support that is straightforward, reliable, and easy to access. As licensed paralegals regulated by the Law Society of Ontario, we represent clients across the province — remotely and in person — for summary conviction matters, breach of court orders, bail hearings, parole hearings, record suspensions, and more. Our fully remote model means you can get legal help without unnecessary travel, missed work, or added stress.
From Kenora to Kingston, Thunder Bay to Toronto, and every community in between, we manage your defence with clear communication and efficient digital processes. We coordinate court filings, disclosure requests, and required disbursements such as fingerprinting and record checks at cost, so you always know what to expect.
Ontario-wide support shouldn’t mean province-wide hassle — it should mean province-wide peace of mind. With Cordaie, your defence moves forward faster because we work smarter, respond quicker, and handle the details for you.
