Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act — charge defence

Advice and representation on a charge under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in Provincial Offences court.

A Part I ticket usually must be answered within 15 days and a Part III summons gives a first court date; trial dates depend on the court and are confirmed in writing before work starts. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)

What is included

  • Reviewing the ticket, summons or charge and the law it is laid under
  • Filing the notice of intention to appear or trial request where needed
  • Requesting and reviewing the prosecutor's disclosure
  • Discussing a possible resolution with the prosecutor
  • Representing you or your business in the Ontario Court of Justice, where your service includes it
  • Making submissions on penalty if there is a conviction or plea

What is not included

  • Fines, surcharges and court costs if there is a conviction
  • Fixing the underlying issue, such as permits, repairs or licences
  • An appeal heard in the Superior Court of Justice, which is referred to a lawyer
  • Related civil claims, licensing hearings or other proceedings
  • Transcripts, professional reports and other disbursements

Who this service is for

  • People charged under an Ontario law other than the Highway Traffic Act
  • Businesses, directors and supervisors facing a regulatory charge
  • Property owners and tenants charged under a municipal by-law
  • Anyone who wants someone to attend court for them

Information to have ready

  1. 1The ticket, summons or information, front and back
  2. 2Any inspection orders, notices or letters from the enforcing agency
  3. 3Photos, permits, licences or other records related to the charge
  4. 4The names of anyone who saw what happened

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

The fee is $900 plus 13% HST ($1,017.00 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.

What happens when I check out?

You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.

What is the difference between a Part I ticket and a Part III summons?

A Part I ticket is used for less serious offences and usually shows a set fine. A Part III summons is used for more serious charges, which start with a court appearance and can carry much higher fines.

Can a paralegal represent a business?

Yes. Licensed paralegals in Ontario may represent individuals and corporations charged with provincial offences in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Do I have to attend court?

Often not. A licensed paralegal can usually appear for you, though the court may require you to attend in some cases.

Can a charge be resolved without a trial?

Sometimes. The prosecutor may agree to withdraw or reduce a charge, especially once the problem has been fixed, but this is never certain.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No outcome can be guaranteed
  • The court, not the firm, sets the dates and decides the result
  • Deadlines on the ticket or summons must be met, so bring it in early
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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