Being charged with a criminal offence can be overwhelming. Many times, a person’s first experience with the justice system occurs after an unexpected arrest, a release from jail or prison, or receiving a court date. Suddenly, they must navigate court appearances, paperwork related to their case, disclosure packages containing evidence gathered by police, and unfamiliar procedures inside the courtroom.
If your criminal case started in Brampton and Mississauga, there is a good possibility your case will go through Brampton Criminal Court.
This article covers how the Brampton Courthouse operates, what happens after you’re charged, what to anticipate at your first appearance, and how criminal cases go through the Canadian court system.
Regardless of which criminal charge you’ve received, drunk driving, assault, domestic assault, theft, fraud, drug offences, weapon offences, etc., understanding how the court system works is often the first step toward managing your anxiety and making fewer expensive mistakes.
About Brampton Criminal Court
Most criminal cases in Peel Region are dealt with in:
A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse
7755 Hurontario St.
Brampton, ON L6W 4T6
Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mSd3wnGVexopAVL1A
Brampton Courthouse serves one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions and deals with thousands of criminal cases each year.
The types of cases heard in Brampton include:
To many people involved in a criminal prosecution, this courthouse represents all stages of their case.
Why Do Criminal Charges From Other Areas Go Through Brampton?
There are many people who ask:
“Why am I going to Brampton? I was charged in Mississauga.”
The reason is that there isn’t a separate courthouse located in Mississauga for most Criminal Code violations. Offences occurring anywhere in Peel Region are handled in Brampton Criminal Court.
That means someone who was charged in:
-
- Mississauga
- Brampton
- Caledon
- Malton
- Streetsville
- Meadowvale
- Port Credit
can also receive a court date connected to Brampton Courthouse.
Parking at the Brampton Courthouse
Attending court can be stressful enough without having to worry about finding a place to park.
If you have to come to court for an in-court appearance, you’ll want to get here early. There are many instances where parking takes longer than anticipated, especially during heavy morning traffic periods.
Free On-Site Parking
The courthouse offers free parking for visitors at its main parking lot. No Cash and credit cards payment needs to be made.
Availability of parking spaces will differ depending on what day and time you attend your appointment. For example, if you are coming to an early morning appointment, you may have a greater selection of parking spots near the main entrance. Please note that spaces often fill up quickly.
Other Free Parking Options
Alternative parking is often available around the east side of the complex (7765 Hurontario St.) and along County Court Blvd.
If your court appearance is very important, such as a trial, judicial pre-trial hearing, or sentencing hearing, consider arriving 30 to 45 minutes earlier so you will have ample time to find parking and clear the security checkpoint.
Public Transportation Options
The courthouse has a number of ways it can be accessed using public transportation.
Brampton Transit – A variety of Brampton Transit routes travel along Hurontario St. and provide public transit to the courthouse from most areas of Brampton.
MiWay – Travellers from Mississauga may find they are able to get to the courthouse on a MiWay route that connects to one of the Brampton Transit routes.
GO Transit – Transit users who use GO Transit may have the option of connecting to one of the Brampton Transit buses when travelling into the area via a bus stop near their destination.
Before you make your trip, please check the schedule for holidays and winter storms, as service schedules may change.
Security Screening at the Brampton Courthouse
You will need to go through security, as all visitors entering the courthouse are screened.
The process is much like going through security at an airport.
Expect:
- Metal detectors
- Bag searches
- Searches by security personnel
Don’t bring:
- Knives
- Multi-tools
- Pepper spray
- Any weapons
- Items that may be refused by courthouse security
Security has the right to stop you if they believe you have restricted items and may confiscate anything that is not permitted.
Your Cell Phone
Phones are generally permitted, but make sure to turn your cell phone off or turn it to silent mode before entering a courtroom.
Taking pictures or making recordings is prohibited inside the courtrooms.
What Happens After You Are Charged?
Understanding what occurs after an individual is charged with a crime can help alleviate much of the stress and confusion experienced during the criminal court process. Although each criminal case is unique, the majority of criminal cases follow a common pathway.
Step 1 – You Are Charged
Police may choose to:
- Arrest you
- Release you at the scene
- Release you from a local police station
- Hold you for a bail hearing
Issue documents including:
- Appearance Notice
- Undertaking
- Release Order
- Recognizance
These documents typically outline your obligations and upcoming court appearance(s) related to your criminal case.
Step 2 – Your First Court Hearing
The initial hearing is generally administrative. Many individuals incorrectly assume that this is where their criminal case will be settled.
In actuality, the initial hearing tends to consist of:
- Confirming your presence
- Confirming your legal representation
- Reviewing disclosure
- Scheduling subsequent hearings
Trials do not occur at an initial hearing.
Step 3 – Disclosure
Disclosure refers to all of the evidence collected by the police and the Crown. Depending on your specific situation, disclosure may comprise:
- Police officer notee
- Witness statements
- Surveillance video or photographs
- Body-worn camera footage
- Breath test results
- Blood test results
- Photographs
A complete evaluation of all disclosed materials is crucial prior to making any important decisions about your case.
Step 4 – Case Management
Once disclosure has been reviewed, it is likely that your case will enter the case management phase.
During this phase, the courts work to expedite moving cases through the system while allowing defence counsel to deal with procedural concerns.
Step 5 – Discussion Regarding Resolving Your Charges
In many instances, discussion occurs between defence counsel and prosecutors’ offices.
Possible conclusions to these negotiations could include:
- Withdrawn charges
- Peace bonds
- Diversion programs
- Guilty plea to lesser offences
- Scheduling trials
Step 6 – Judicial Pre-Trial
More complex cases tend to advance to a judicial pre-trial (JPT).
A JPT is a meeting between a judge and defence counsel and prosecutors to discuss possible legal issues related to the case, estimated duration of the trial, and possible resolutions.
Step 7 – Trial
If no settlement was achieved, the matter may be referred to trial.
At trial:
- Witnesses provide testimony
- Evidence is submitted
- Legal arguments are submitted
- A judge makes a determination whether the prosecution established “beyond a reasonable doubt” that you committed the offence
Step 8 – Sentencing
If there is a conviction, your case then proceeds to sentencing.
The available sentencing alternatives depend upon the offence being prosecuted and the specific circumstances of the case.
Potential sentencing alternatives could include:
- Discharges
- Fines
- Probation
- Conditional sentences
- Jail time
Why You Need a Criminal Lawyer
While individuals have the right to represent themselves, criminal charges often involve complicated legal issues.
Even seemingly straightforward cases may involve:
- Charter arguments
- Disclosure issues
- Evidentiary challenges
- Sentencing consequences
- Immigration concerns
- Employment implications
Speaking with an experienced criminal defence lawyer early in the process can help you better understand your rights, options, and potential outcomes.
Why Does Understanding the Court Process Matter?
One of the most common causes of errors made by accused persons is a misunderstanding of the expectations placed upon them.
The most frequent types of error are:
- Failing to appear in court
- Failing to review the information disclosed by the Crown
- Violating conditions of release
- Attending the incorrect courtroom
- Missing critical time limits
Understanding the basics of how the courts operate in criminal matters will likely result in fewer unnecessary difficulties and provide you with greater opportunities to achieve a positive outcome.
Key Things to Remember for Your Visit
Preparation can help eliminate some of the anxiety associated with appearing in court and also minimize potential problems arising on your court date.
Here are a number of tips you might want to keep in mind:
- Be on time. Make sure to plan your arrival a minimum of 45 minutes prior to your scheduled court appearance. This will give you sufficient time for parking, security check-in, and finding your courtroom.
- Bring all required documents. Bring your Appearance Notice, Undertaking, Release Order, Recognizance, or any other document related to your case.
- Be dressed properly. Business casual attire or casual attire is good. Hats, sunglasses, and clothing that could be deemed by others to be in violation of proper dress code should be avoided.
- No cell phones. Turn off or silence your cell phone before entering the courtroom.
- What you say could matter. Do not discuss specifics of your case with witnesses, co-accused individuals, etc., within the courthouse. Hallway conversations and waiting areas can usually be heard by many people.
- Comply with all conditions of release. If there is someone you are prohibited from making contact with who may be attending court (and this is likely), please make arrangements through your lawyer prior to arriving at the courthouse.
- Avoid bringing children when possible. The length of time it takes to appear before a judge or justice is unpredictable, delays are common, and courts do not provide child care services.
If you have an upcoming court date at the Brampton courthouse and have questions or need representation, contact us at Nirwal Law for a free consultation. We’re here to help.
Disclaimer: Information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only, it does not constitute legal advice. If you have a case at the Brampton Criminal Court and need legal representation, contact Manbir Nirwal for a free consultation. We’re here to help.
