Defence on the matters that follow you.
A paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario can represent you on summary conviction criminal charges — including assault, theft under $5,000, mischief, criminal harassment, and uttering threats. Summary criminal matters are within full paralegal scope: we review Crown disclosure, conduct resolution discussions, and go to trial if necessary.
A summary conviction is still a criminal record. Employers see it. U.S. border officers see it. Immigration officers see it. Our practice is to read every page of disclosure before a single plea conversation, then resolve the file at the earliest defensible stage — diversion, peace bond, conditional discharge, or withdrawal where the evidence allows.
- Scope
- Summary Conviction
- Jurisdiction
- All of Ontario
- Consultation
- Free & Confidential
Charges we defend
9 matters · Summary conviction- / 01Criminal Code s.265 / s.266
Assault
Any intentional application of force without consent — from a shove to a strike. Defended on consent, self-defence, de minimis, or evidentiary grounds.
Read defence overview - / 02Criminal Code s.334(b)
Theft Under $5,000
Shoplifting, employee theft, and other low-value theft charges. Routinely diverted or resolved without a criminal record for first-time accused.
Read defence overview - / 03Criminal Code s.430
Mischief
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
Read defence overview - / 04Criminal Code s.175
Cause Disturbance
Disturbing the peace in or near a public place by fighting, screaming, swearing, or obstructing persons. Summary offence — strong defences available.
Read defence overview - / 05Criminal Code s.320.13
Dangerous Driving
Operating a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public — a Criminal Code offence distinct from the HTA's careless driving. Hybrid; on summary election within paralegal scope.
Read defence overview - / 06Criminal Code s.320.18
Prohibited Driving
Driving while subject to a court-ordered driving prohibition. A Criminal Code offence distinct from the HTA's Drive Suspended. Hybrid; on summary election within paralegal scope.
Read defence overview - / 07Criminal Code s.264
Criminal Harassment
Repeated communication, following, or threatening conduct that causes another person to fear for their safety. Hybrid offence; on summary election within paralegal scope.
Read defence overview - / 08Criminal Code s.264.1
Uttering Threats
Knowingly uttering, conveying, or causing any person to receive a threat to cause death, bodily harm, or damage to property. Hybrid offence; on summary election within paralegal scope.
Read defence overview - / 09Criminal Code s.320.16
Fail to Stop After Accident
Failing to stop after a collision involving another person, vehicle, or animal, with knowledge of the accident. The criminal counterpart to the HTA's Fail to Remain — escalates when injury or death is involved.
Read defence overview
Summary vs. indictable — and when to call a lawyer.
Paralegals in Ontario are licensed to defend summary conviction matters only — the less serious of the two paths the Crown can take on most criminal charges. For matters where the Crown has elected to proceed by indictment, or for inherently indictable offences (robbery, break and enter, drug trafficking, sexual assault, and similar), a barrister is required. We work with a trusted network of Ontario criminal defence lawyers and will make the appropriate referral.
Can a paralegal defend criminal charges in Ontario?
- Yes — on summary conviction matters. Paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario can represent you on the less serious of the two paths the Crown can take, including most common assault, theft, and mischief charges.
What criminal charges can a paralegal handle?
- Summary conviction offences within paralegal scope — including assault, theft under $5,000, mischief, cause disturbance, criminal harassment, and uttering threats. Indictable matters require a barrister, and we refer those out.
What is the difference between summary and indictable offences?
- Summary offences are the less serious path, with lighter penalties and shorter limitation periods; indictable offences are more serious and carry heavier penalties. Many charges are 'hybrid,' and the Crown elects which path to take.
What should you do after being charged with a criminal offence in Ontario?
- Do not discuss the allegation with police beyond identifying yourself, note any conditions of your release, and get advice before your first appearance. The first call with Point Duty is free and confidential.
First call is free.
A confidential 20-minute call to understand the charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence. No retainer required — and if a lawyer is the right call instead, we’ll say so.