Criminal: understanding the process, preparing your case
A criminal charge has serious consequences, including a criminal record. One thing first, plainly: in criminal matters, consult a defence lawyer or legal aid as early as possible. This page provides general information and shows how the software helps you organize your facts and your exhibits · never advice about your case, never a strategy, never a prediction.
The process, in broad strokes
Every case varies, but the stages look alike: appearance → release (with or without conditions) → disclosure of the evidence by the prosecution → plea and, for certain indictable offences, choice of the mode of trial → trial (the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt) → verdict.
- Acquitted : no finding of guilt.
- Discharge (s. 730), absolute or conditional: you are not found guilty, so no criminal record (the discharge is removed from the records after the prescribed period).
- Found guilty : the sentence (fine, probation, imprisonment…) and a criminal record; a record suspension can sometimes be requested later.
What the app does for you
- Fact log : every fact dated, in factual language (who, what, when, where), reported statements in quotation marks.
- Evidence vault : your screenshots of texts, photos, and documents, each with its digital fingerprint and import date.
- Witnesses : who can confirm which fact.
- Prepare my case : go through what you are accused of point by point and note your response in facts, with the supporting exhibit.
- Case law : leading decisions + research on CanLII.
- What happens in court and statute search, adapted for criminal matters.
The report, ready to file
From your entries, the app generates a preparation binder polished and complete: cover page, timeline, your point-by-point preparation, and a compendium of screenshots and exhibits numbered (P-1, P-2…), dated, and fingerprinted, with an integrity attestation page.
You remain the author of everything. The app formats, dates, and organizes; it doesn't write for you, doesn't give advice, and doesn't predict any outcome. Open the app (free).
Learn more: the Library
General, sourced information on criminal law:
- Criminal law, the essentials · from arrest to sentencing (a complete overview)
- Conditional and absolute discharge (s. 730)
- Assault: the categories (265 to 268)
- Criminal record and record suspension
- Record suspension (pardon): how to apply on your own (official forms, $50)
- Preparing to meet a defence lawyer
- How criminal court unfolds: charge, trial, sentence
In an emergency or a crisis: see our emergency resources. For free legal aid based on your income, contact the legal aid office in your region.
Questions about criminal law
Short answers, dated and sourced. General information, never legal advice.
- Can an employer refuse to hire me because of my criminal record?
- Can I be compensated as the victim of a crime?
- Can I get legal aid for a criminal charge?
- Can I have my release conditions changed?
- Can I represent myself in criminal court?
- Can I travel to the United States with a criminal record?
- Can my name be published in the media if I am a victim?
- Can the police take my fingerprints if I have not been convicted?
- Can the public see my criminal file at the courthouse?
- Can the victim withdraw the complaint?
- Do I have the right to a free lawyer right away when I am arrested?
- Do I have to answer police questions?
- Does a record suspension erase my criminal record?
- Does a withdrawn charge or an acquittal leave a trace?
- Does the police have to tell me why I am being arrested?
- How do I find out if I have a criminal record?
- How long can a criminal case last before it is too long?
- How long can the police hold me before I go before a judge?
- How long do I have to wait to apply for a pardon or a record suspension?
- How long does a discharge stay in the RCMP file?
- How long does the police have to lay charges against me?
- How long will my criminal record last if I do not apply for a pardon?
- How much does it cost to apply for a record suspension?
- I received a summons to appear, do I have to go?
- Is my youth record a criminal record?
- What happens if I breach my conditions?
- What happens if I do not show up for my court date?
- What is a conditional sentence served in the community?
- What is a discharge and does it give you a criminal record?
- What is a section 810 peace bond and does it give you a criminal record?
- What is a victim impact statement and what is it for?
- What is disclosure of the evidence and how do I get it?
- What is the alternative measures program and does it avoid a trial?
- What is the difference between a summary conviction offence and an indictable offence?
- What is the difference between an absolute discharge and a conditional discharge?
- What is the difference between probation and a section 810 peace bond?
- What is the first appearance and what happens there?
- What is the victim surcharge I have to pay?
- What shows up in my criminal record?
- Where can I find free help when I am the victim of a crime?
- Who decides to lay criminal charges in Quebec?
- Who is not eligible for a record suspension?
- Why can the judge keep me in custody before my trial?
- Will I lose my right to own a firearm?