Application to stay proceedings or withdraw charges based on charter violations or new evidence.
Court dates are set by the Ontario Court of Justice; your first appearance date is on your release document or summons, and later dates depend on the court. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)
What is included
Reviewing the disclosure and whether diversion or another resolution may be available
Applying for diversion or negotiating a peace bond with the Crown
Preparing a Charter or delay application where the facts support one
Attending court to complete the resolution, where your service includes it
What is not included
Indictable charges, or any charge outside the Law Society's permitted list, which are referred to a criminal defence lawyer
Bail reviews and appeals heard in the Superior Court of Justice, which are referred to a lawyer
Transcripts, professional reports and other disbursements
Immigration or employment effects of a charge, which may need separate advice
Related family, civil or other proceedings
Who this service is for
Someone charged with a less serious offence who has little or no record
A person asked to enter a peace bond
An accused person whose case has had long delays
Information to have ready
1Your undertaking, release order, appearance notice or summons
2Any disclosure you have already received
3Your release conditions and next court date
4Information about any prior record
5Names of anyone who may be a witness
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?+
The fee is $1,500 plus 13% HST ($1,695.00 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.
Is a peace bond a criminal record?+
No. A peace bond is a court order to keep the peace and follow conditions; it is not a conviction. Breaking its conditions can lead to a new charge.
What is diversion?+
Diversion lets some people complete a program, such as counselling, community work or a donation, after which the Crown usually withdraws the charge. Whether it is offered is up to the Crown.
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
Limited to charges a licensed paralegal is permitted to handle; if the Crown proceeds by indictment, a lawyer is needed
You must attend court when required and follow your release conditions
A licensed paralegal may act only on the less serious summary conviction offences the Law Society of Ontario permits, in the Ontario Court of Justice; if the Crown proceeds by indictment, or a step is heard in the Superior Court of Justice, such as a bail review, the firm refers you to a criminal defence lawyer.