Criminal defence in St. Catharines.
Summary conviction matters in St. Catharines are heard at St. Catharines Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice). We accept retainers from across the Niagara Region and beyond. Choose a charge below for a defence overview and the next step.
St. Catharines Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
59 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7N8
(905) 988-6200
North Niagara criminal matters. South Niagara matters are heard at the Welland courthouse on East Main Street.
Charges in St. Catharines
9 matters- / 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; only the simpliciter offence at s.320.13(1) is within paralegal scope, on a summary election.
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 or bodily harm, to damage property, or to injure an animal. Hybrid offence; only the property and animal branch, punishable under s.264.1(3), is 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. Only the base offence at s.320.16(1) is within paralegal scope, on a summary election.
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First appearance in St. Catharines?
Call before the date. Adjournments are routine on first appearance — there is almost always time to build the right defence if you reach out now.