When should I go to court?

You’ll receive a notice that tells you

• what you’ve been charged with,
• what kind of offence it is, and
• the date, time, and place of your first appearance at court.

If you’re arrested, the police will give you a notice called a ​“promise to appear” or an ​“undertaking to appear.” Or a judge (or justice of the peace) will give you a ​“release order” after you’re released from custody.

If you’re charged with a crime but not arrested, you’ll later get a summons. This is a document that orders you to appear in court.

You must go to court at the time and date on the notice or the summons.

Remember: If you don’t show up in court when the document tells you to, you may be charged with another offence called ​“failure to appear.” The court may also issue a ​“bench warrant” for your arrest. If you’re arrested, you might not be released while you wait for your trial.

If you miss your court date, go to the registry as soon as you get to the courthouse. Explain to the staff there that you missed your court date, and they’ll tell you what to do. If there’s a warrant for your arrest because you missed your court date, it could take some time to deal with the situation. If duty counsel is available, ask for their help.