Requesting disclosure for a Toronto provincial offence

Disclosure is the prosecution information relevant to the charge that must be provided under the applicable legal requirements. In Toronto, use the correct prosecutor's process for the case. A general request sent to the wrong office may not reach the person responsible for your file.

Include accurate identifying information and retain the request and response. Review what is provided, identify relevant missing material, and raise follow-up requests promptly. Receiving disclosure does not mean the court has already accepted it as proof. Nor does requesting it replace selecting a ticket response or attending court. Keep the hearing date under review while disclosure is outstanding. A useful defence assessment compares the legal elements with the actual evidence rather than relying only on the ticket description.

Use the file number, defendant's name, offence details, and hearing information required by the responsible prosecution office. Save the exact request and any acknowledgment. When disclosure arrives, organize it by type and date, then note specific gaps or unreadable material for a focused follow-up. A request for relevant missing video, for example, should identify what is sought and its connection to the allegation. Repeated broad requests without explaining the issue may not advance preparation.

Allow time to understand the material and obtain advice before the hearing. If disclosure remains outstanding or arrives late, ask about the proper way to raise that concern with the court; do not assume the charge automatically disappears. Keep track of the steps taken and any effect on readiness. Disclosure is part of preparing a fair response, while proof of the offence is assessed through the applicable court process. Continue attending required appearances and following directions unless the court has actually changed them.

Sources

• City of Toronto requesting prosecution disclosure

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.