Summary Criminal Offences are comparatively less serious in nature compared to other criminal offences under the Criminal Code. For instance, if you are causing a disturbance in a public place, this would be categorized as a summary criminal offence. There are different approaches in punishing an individual with a varied list of rules, regulations, and comparatively lower sentencing guidelines.
However, this does not mean that there are no serious consequences to facing a summary offence conviction. The individual charged may face a maximum fine of up to $5000.00 and or Imprisonment that does not exceed 2 years (2 years Less a Day). Furthermore, other alternative measures can also be considered for these less serious summary offences. If you are charged with a summary offence, your trial will be heard in the Provincial Court by a Judge.
The accused should be charged with the summary offence within a certain specified time from when the offence was allegedly committed. This allows officers and the RCMP up to 12 months to lay a charge. For Summary Offences, it is not mandatory that the accused appear personally before the court. They may, at any point hire a legal representative to appear before the honorable court. However, the judge in the case may order that the accused be present during the proceedings and failure to do so may result in a bench warrant being issued.
Some examples of Summary Criminal Offences examples are:
- Harassing Phone Calls
- Causing A Disturbance
- Trespassing
- Fraudulently obtaining transportation
- Unlawful Assembly
- Vagrancy
- Public Nudity
- Solicitation of Prostitution
If you find yourself in one of these unfortunate situations, our trained and skilled experts will be able to assist you immediately. We will provide the necessary guidance you require and represent you to the best of our ability. At, Frontline Traffic Tickets we work alongside a team of respected lawyers to ensure that each case results in a positive outcome.