Don’t have a lawyer? Here’s what to do next

You’ve just been released from police custody and have been told to go to court for your first appearance — which is not your trial.

What is Self-Represented Court?

After your first appearance, you will need to attend court several more times before your case is resolved or goes to trial.

If you do not have a lawyer, your case will go into a court called the Self-Represented Court on your next court date. This is a special court program that tries to help people without a lawyer move through the court process more efficiently. In this court, you can get help from duty counsel (a lawyer at the courthouse) even if you can not afford one. You must attend this court in person.

Who can help you at court?

A system navigator can help you:

• Understand what happens in court
• Find legal help
• Know what to do next

They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice.

Important to know:

The court has mandatory timelines and wants your trial date set within six months. This means you need to complete all necessary steps quickly. Getting help early makes everything easier and with a lawyer, you might not have to go to court as often.

Step 1: ask for your disclosure

Ask for your disclosure (the police evidence in your case) and charge screening form (what the Crown wants to do with your case).

Request both from the Crown attorney’s office:

• In person? Go to the 15th floor

• Online? Email: torontocrownattorneysoffice@ontario.ca
  Include your full name and ask for your disclosure and charge screening form.

  Subject Line: Disclosure Request – [Your Full Name]”

Step 2: get legal help

You have options:

• Hire your own lawyer

• Apply for Legal Aid: 1-800-668-8258

• Talk to duty counsel (free legal advice at court, available in the Self-Represented Court even if you can’t afford a lawyer): 416-646-1286

• Contact a student clinic

  • Community and Legal Aid Services Program (York University): 416-736-5029
  • Downtown Legal Services (University of Toronto): 416-978-6447

Important notes

• Need an interpreter? Tell the court — it’s free.
• Identify as Indigenous? You can ask to appear in Gladue Court.

Not in Toronto?

For general information that applies anywhere in Ontario, visit: legalaid.on.ca/selfrep