How to Prepare for Your Next Court Date After an Initial Criminal Appearance

Once you appear in criminal court, your next date is there so that your matter can progress further and you’re asked to comply with any directions from the court. To help avoid missing a date, confusion, and misunderstandings – it is vital that you know the necessary steps to have done prior to arriving at your court proceeding.

There are a number of things you will be expected to have done depending on what charges you’re facing and what stage you’re at. Understanding what must be done can make your criminal court experience much smoother.

Review the Court Instructions

The first thing you must do is make sure you know exactly when and where your criminal court appearance is. At your initial court date, the judge or the court will have given you some direction as to what happens next.

You should record the date and location of your proceeding somewhere easily accessible, and set a reminder well in advance. You might want to confirm the details, date or location especially, if there is any uncertainty. In this case, contact your local courthouse and ask what your next steps need to be, or call your lawyer to arrange the next steps

Understand the Required Next Steps

As part of your criminal proceeding, the court may have directed you in relation to disclosure, court appearances, or other steps that need to be taken. Make sure you confirm and understand what must be done so that you aren’t caught off guard. It is always wise to record all directions you’ve been given from the court. If you are instructed, for example, to get something or complete one of the criminal court forms, ensure you completely understand what needs to be done and when.

Review the Case Information

Organize all notices, court documents or charge papers relating to your appearance. It’s a good idea to keep a separate log or record of dates, questions or things said at court. Anytime you notice something wrong, a part of the document missing, or just something that doesn’t make sense, speak to your lawyer prior to your next appearance.

The information and things you need to take with you will most likely relate to the charges or appearance notice. Understanding the documents can be confusing, especially if this is your first time speaking to the courts. It may be a good idea to look over any charges or documents with a lawyer, or if any information has been missed, ask the lawyer for their direction on what to do next. When speaking with the court, you must also ask yourself if the documents you are given seem strong enough to prove the charges brought against you.

Understand the Disclosure Process

Speak to a criminal defence lawyer to gain a better understanding as to what you must do next, and to ask any questions regarding your court appearance, charges, or disclosure documents. You might want to contact a Mississauga criminal lawyer to speak about your appearance, what next steps may involve, and to confirm any doubts as to what to do next. If you can’t afford legal representation at this time, ask about whether you’d qualify for Legal Aid Ontario and if there are any duty counsel programs available, as each have their own requirements.

Prepare Questions Before the Appointment

When you meet with your lawyer, make sure that you ask any and all questions regarding your next steps, disclosure, court appearance, or anything else that may be of concern to you. In asking questions, ensure you’ve got all doubts or concerns addressed, and that all necessary information received is understood by you as the accused.

If anything has occurred since your first hearing, share it with your lawyer so that they can provide you with better guidance based on a wider scope of information. Avoid leaving any questions till your meeting with legal counsel, instead make sure you’ve got all the information provided and the questions you have are asked to ensure the best possible outcome of your hearing.

Comply With Any Conditions

If you are released with certain conditions, make sure that you have these done prior to your appearance, unless there are legal changes otherwise. The conditions placed on you will be there to protect both parties involved and ensure there is no unnecessary cause for the court to proceed further. Conditions can depend on why you are released, such as certain restrictions or prohibitions.

If you aren’t sure what some of the conditions mean or how they should affect you, speak to your criminal lawyer to find out. You may want to speak about the conditions at any time you aren’t clear on the meaning, or have difficulties complying with them. You mustn’t assume your request to the court overrides a condition – the courts could still expect that you comply lawfully. Speak to your lawyer if there are conditions you aren’t able to meet or if a variation of them is possible.

Keep All Relevant Information

Any documents, messages, photographs or information of relevance should be kept, as the court will be making decisions according to this at the time of questioning. Ensure that you don’t delete, remove or edit any information that has been given on either side. Avoid contacting witnesses and commenting on social media regarding the allegations, statements, or evidence provided. You would be held to any consequences or repercussions resulting from this, so any questions, such as how this may affect your appearance in court, are best asked to your lawyer or during speaking with the justice departments.

Prepare for the Court Appearance

The accused should give consideration to the required arrangements for appearing in the criminal courts: transport, parking, entry requirements, and time to spare at the courthouse. It is a good idea to bring the appropriate documents and information needed to court, and to confirm if the virtual appearances will have different requirements. Ensure that your work, child care and any other responsibilities that may need to change are made aware of ahead of your appearance.

These steps can prepare any accused for the following steps that need to be taken for their next court date. There are a number of things the accused must take into consideration, regarding court appearances, their documents, any questions they may have or conditions they have been placed under. As there are many cases that follow different procedural steps, speaking with legal counsel and being aware of the court’s decisions will guide you in the right direction.