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.