By-law charge defence — Township of Scugog
Defending a municipal by-law charge (noise, property standards, zoning, licensing) laid by the Township of Scugog.
What is included
- Reviewing the charge, the by-law and any order or notice from the municipality
- Requesting disclosure, including the officer's notes and photos
- Discussing resolution with the municipal prosecutor, especially once the issue is fixed
- Representing you in Provincial Offences court, where your service includes it
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
- Homeowners and tenants charged under a municipal by-law
- Short-term rental hosts and small businesses
- Property owners facing a property standards or zoning charge
Information to have ready
- 1The ticket or summons and any order to comply
- 2Photos of the property or issue, and any permits
- 3Letters and emails with the municipality or neighbours
- 4Proof of any work done to fix the issue
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $450 plus 13% HST ($508.50 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.
Is a by-law conviction a criminal record?
No. A by-law conviction is a provincial offence, not a criminal conviction, though it can bring fines and orders to fix the problem.
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.
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.
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
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