i.
What the charge means
Section 175 requires both the underlying conduct and an externally manifested disturbance to a third party — not merely an annoyance.
Criminal Code s.175
Cause Disturbance charges in Toronto, Ontario.
Disturbing the peace in or near a public place by fighting, screaming, swearing, or obstructing persons. Summary offence — strong defences available.
- Courthouse
- Toronto Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (416) 327-5707
- Consultation
- Free & Confidential
ii.
Penalties
Summary conviction: up to 2 years less a day and/or a $5,000 fine. Diversion and peace bonds are commonly used to resolve these matters without a record.
iii.
Available defences
- No externally manifested disturbance
- Conduct not in or near a public place
- Identification
- De minimis
iv.
The process
Most cause disturbance charges resolve through peace bond, diversion, or withdrawal after disclosure.
v.
Notes for Toronto
Toronto runs three Provincial Offences courts, not one — Toronto South on Front Street East, Toronto East on Markham Road, and Toronto West on Eglinton Avenue West. Which one hears your ticket is set by where it was issued. Summary criminal charges go to the Toronto Courthouse at 10 Armoury Street. We appear at all four.
Criminal Court
Toronto Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
10 Armoury Street, Toronto, ON M5T 0C2
(416) 327-5707
All Toronto criminal matters. Consolidated the former Old City Hall, College Park, 1000 Finch West, 2201 Finch West, 1911 Eglinton East and 311 Jarvis courthouses in March 2023.
Charged with cause disturbance?
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Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.