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While new initiatives aimed at creating effective processes vary from community to community, many involve improving service so that people have the information they need before stepping into a criminal courtroom. As a result, each court appearance is more meaningful and more is accomplished.
The following chart lists examples of some of these new initiatives.
INITIATIVE |
IMPROVED SERVICE |
WHERE |
|---|---|---|
| Notice to Accused | Accused person is given a handout at time of arrest and/or release from bail court with information about first appearance, court decorum, legal aid, and receiving the screening form with the Crown’s position. Notices are translated into several languages most appropriate to the community. Result: Accused are more informed about their case and better prepared before arriving at court. |
Criminal courts in Ontario have now developed a Notice to Accused that is customized for local communities. Examples include: |
| Information Desk | A desk near first appearance courts where Court Services, Crown staff, and/or Police can direct people to the correct courtroom or office and keep a list of people waiting to see Duty Counsel. In locations where the desk is staffed by the Crown’s office, it can be used for accused persons to receive their screening form with the Crown’s position. Result: Accused are better informed and can take steps, such as apply for legal aid or, if eligible, pursue Direct Accountability, before court starts. |
Court locations across the province have created an information desk for people appearing in court for the first time. Examples include: |
| Information Sessions | Innovative orientation sessions held by Duty Counsel for accused persons before first appearance court starts with information on applying for Legal Aid, Direct Accountability, and what will happen in court. A member of the Crown’s office can explain and provide the disclosure package and the screening form. Result: Accused persons better informed and better able to proceed before court starts. Family members and others are also better informed about the criminal court process and decorum. |
Local leaders at several locations have developed a process and checklist for information to cover at these sessions. Examples include:
|
| Check-in Office | An office staffed by members of the Crown Attorney’s Office, where accused are directed to go in advance of their first court appearance. Disclosure is distributed and accused can be directed to the next appropriate location in the courthouse, such as Duty Counsel, Legal Aid Ontario or, if they qualify, Direct Accountability. Result: Accused persons are better informed and better able to make decisions related to their case when it is time to appear in court. |
Local leaders are developing or considering a streamlined intake process, which can include a check-in office for first time accused. Examples include: |
| Enhanced Reminder Notice | Information about the next court appearance, including a checklist of activities for an accused person to complete such as applying for legal aid or hiring a lawyer (if they have not already done so), and attending a resolution meeting. The reason for the adjournment is clearly stated on the notice. Result: All justice participants agree on what can and should be accomplished before the next court appearance so that it is more productive. |
Most large court locations now have an Enhanced Reminder Notice. Examples include:
|
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