Ontario Water Resources Act offence
Defending a water resources or discharge charge.
What is included
- Reviewing the summons, the information and the law the charge is laid under
- Attending the first appearance and obtaining disclosure
- Reviewing inspection reports, orders and the steps taken to fix the problem
- Discussing resolution with the prosecutor
- Representing the person or business at trial and on sentence, 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
- Businesses, directors and supervisors charged after an inspection or incident
- Employers charged under workplace laws
- Anyone served with a Part III summons
Information to have ready
- 1The summons or information, and any inspector's orders or reports
- 2Policies, training records and safety or compliance records
- 3Records showing what has been done to fix the issue
- 4The name of the person authorized to give instructions for the business
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $1,200 plus 13% HST ($1,356.00 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.
Why are Part III charges treated more seriously?
Part III charges start with a summons to court instead of a set-fine ticket, and many workplace and environmental laws allow much higher fines. Some also allow probation or jail for individuals.
What is a due diligence defence?
For many regulatory offences, a defendant may avoid conviction by showing it took all reasonable care to prevent the offence. Whether that defence fits depends on the facts and the records kept.
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.
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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