Not every Criminal Court appearance requires you to physically attend the courthouse. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Ontario Courts have continued to offer virtual appearances for many types of criminal matters. While this can save time, reduce stress, and eliminate parking and travel concerns, it also comes with its own set of rules that must be followed carefully.
If you have been informed that your upcoming appearance will be conducted virtually, this article explains how to find your Zoom links, what is expected of you during the hearing, and how to avoid common mistakes that could create problems for your case.
Which Appearances Are Typically Held Virtually?
Virtual appearances are usually an option for first appearances, case management appearances also have the option to be performed virtually, which could entail any scheduling or procedural issues. Some pre-trial conference judicial appearances may also be able to be conducted virtually, along with bail matters, based on the circumstances of the case.
Contested hearings, trials and the presentation of witness testimony often require an in-person appearance because the court must evaluate credibility and/or review evidence directly. If you don’t know whether your appearance will be in person or virtually, confirm with your criminal defence lawyer and/or the court before the date of your appearance.
It is important to note, the Criminal Code states that persons engaged in criminal proceedings must appear in person, subject to provisions under the Code allowing the Court to permit or order a virtual appearance depending on the stage of your case. Further, it is important to note local practice directions of the particular court house you are to appear in, to determine when remote attendance is allowed and when it is not.
How to Find Your Zoom Link
Ontario’s Criminal Court Zoom links are available through ontariocourts.ca, however, it is worth noting, not all of the zoom links for all of the courtrooms are listed. To acquire additional Zoom links you will need to contact:
● Your Defence Counsel
● The Ontario Court of Justice’s (trial coordinator) office
● Crown Attorney’s Office or the Duty Counsel
If you don’t have a legal counsel, then you should reach out directly to the Ontario Court of Justice that is hearing your court case to obtain your link. In order for them to provide you with a zoom link, you will need to provide them with your name, and/or your court file number to ensure that you have the appropriate link to attend the court hearing. Do not ever use a link that is obtained from an unofficial source. The courtroom zoom links are often contain a passcode and an incorrect link will not connect you to the correct court room.
What You Need Before Your Virtual Appearance
Appearing in the Courtroom via Zoom must be treated in the same manner as a physical appearance, meaning you must be prepared. Before your scheduled appearance, confirm these criteria are met:
● You need an adequate internet connection. Court delays due to technical issues happen frequently, and if you have a poor internet connection, you may miss directions from the judge or miss your appearance entirely.
● Choose a quiet, private location to make your appearance. Avoid places with background noise and distractions; such as, on the road in your car, at work or in public.
● Ensure there is sufficient lighting, so that your face is visible.
● Always ensure that your electronic device is charged before your appearance. Many times, appearances take longer than scheduled.
How to Present Yourself During a Virtual Court Appearance
Many people make the mistake of presuming that when they appear from home, they won’t be subject to the same standards of conduct and presentation as if appearing in person. This is false. The virtual courtrooms will treat remote appearances in the same way as they would if the appearance was made in person, and therefore there is a required amount of respect that is expected from persons who appear before a judge or justice of the peace.
Individuals appearing in court are encouraged to be dressed in business casual attire, it would not be appropriate to wear a tank top or pajamas to court, when appearing virtually. The wearing of hats, caps, or hoods, is not permitted in Ontario courts, with the exception of the head covering being worn as part of an individual’s religious or spiritual beliefs, for example, a turban, hijab, or kippah.
You must be seated upright in front of the camera throughout the entire appearance and your face and upper body must be distinguished. You cannot be lying down, walking around, or outside of the camera lens. Your microphone must be muted when you are not speaking and it must only be unmuted when you are speaking or being addressed directly, as background noise will disrupt court proceedings.
Just like in a physical courtroom, it is not permissible to eat or smoke or use vape in the courtroom. You are also not permitted to record, take pictures or screenshot any portion of the proceeding per the practice directions of Ontario Courts. Unless your lawyer has advised you otherwise, it is encouraged to attend alone and in a private location.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Technical and conduct-related complications can lead to various types of difficulties during virtual appearances. Some common examples of instances include:
● Not connecting to the zoom call on time or missing it altogether due to an expired or incorrect link.
● Not using a Zoom name that is your legal name causing confusion for the court appointed clerk and staff.
● Attending from a location with many distractions.
● Not dressing appropriately, having inappropriate head wear, or having weak internet service disconnecting you from the call.
What Happens If You Miss a Virtual Appearance?
If you miss a court appearance virtually, it will be treated the same way as a missed court appearance in person. A missed link, technical failure, or any other reason that causes a failure to attend court may lead to a bench warrant, additional criminal charges for failure to appear, and an adverse impact on your bail conditions or release status.
The court will generally treat a failure to attend due to a technical issue beyond your control in the same manner as if you had chosen not to attend; therefore, it is important for you to act as quickly as possible. If you experience a technical issue which prevents you from attending court, you should immediately contact your attorney, and when possible, the courthouse directly, in order to explain the issue.
Brampton OCJ Zoom Court Details Zoom Meeting IDs and Passcodes
| Courtroom | Court Type | Zoom ID and Passcode | Zoom Link | QR Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Provincial Bails |
Meeting ID: Passcode: |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69269015394 | |
| 102 | Divisional Bails / WASH Court / Weekends Bail |
Meeting ID: 636 1449 1307 Passcode: 429801 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63614491307 |  |
| 103 | Plea Court |
Meeting ID: 646 8151 8446 Passcode: 592034 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64681518446 |  |
| 104 | Self Represented Case Management |
Meeting ID: 678 0541 8119 Passcode: 109554 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67805418119 |  |
| 105 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 684 8250 2470 Passcode: 526448 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68482502470 |  |
| 106 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 617 0491 0693 Passcode: 661687 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61704910693 |  |
| 107 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 671 3612 1600 Passcode: 632104 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67136121600 |  |
| C108 | Remote Court |
Meeting ID: 673 2614 1025 Passcode: 827214 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67326141025
|
 |
| 109 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 616 6567 4969 Passcode: 597792 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61665674969 | |
| 110 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 615 3632 0302 Passcode: 463882 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61536320302 | |
| 111 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 628 2372 3884 Passcode: 721126 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62823723884 | |
| 112 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 635 4616 7019 Passcode: 317560 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63546167019 | |
| 201 | Family Court/ Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 643 3737 2268 Passcode: 011552 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64337372268 | |
| 202 | Family Court (Mon – Thurs)/ Peace Bond, HTA Resolutions (Fri) |
Meeting ID: 635 8967 1435 Passcode: 016636 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63589671435 | |
| 203 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 658 9314 3525 Passcode: 796097 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/65893143525 | |
| 204 | YCJA/Federal Retained and Federal First Appearance Case Management/ Video Remands |
Meeting ID: 659 3898 2880 Passcode: 804548 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/65938982880 | |
| 206 | Federal Bails/ Provincial Bails Assist |
Meeting ID: 632 7829 7282 Passcode: 739712 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63278297282 | |
| 207 | JPT Resolutions/ Trial Court/ Alternative Resolutions Court |
Meeting ID: 627 3086 9709 Passcode: 415716 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62730869709 |  |
| 208 | Family Court/ Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 685 2560 5891 Passcode: 550655 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68525605891 |  |
| 209 | Family Court/ Trial Court Family First Appearances |
Meeting ID: 695 0062 5514 Passcode: 008298 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69500625514 |  |
| 210 | Family Court/ Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 681 0056 8535 Passcode: 684418 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68100568535 |  |
| 302 | Self Represented Judicial Pre-Trials/ Federal Self Represented Case Management/ Early Intervention Program (EIP) (Wednesday’s only) |
Meeting ID: 611 5522 8565 Passcode: 721336 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61155228565 |  |
| 303 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 649 7179 6716 Passcode: 629724 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64971796716 |  |
| 304 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 635 4800 8899 Passcode: 706298 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63548008899 |  |
| 306 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 688 4017 2766 Passcode: 146826 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68840172766 |  |
| 307 | Provincial Adult Criminal Case Management Court (Retained Counsel) |
Meeting ID: 644 1012 9387 Passcode: 956630 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64410129387 | |
| 309 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 678 0802 3152 Passcode: 333924 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67808023152 |  |
| 312 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 639 6360 9381 Passcode: 957228 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63963609381 |  |
| 403 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 676 1553 6400 Passcode: 687205 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67615536400 |  |
| 405 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 639 8673 4187 Passcode: 382057 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63986734187 |  |
| 409 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 675 6583 3516 Passcode: 086254 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67565833516 |  |
| 411 | Remote Court |
Meeting ID: 681 0474 8270 Passcode: 182207 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68104748270 |  |
| 412 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 660 9430 7334 Passcode: 993163 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/66094307334 |  |
| 413 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 625 7426 6554 Passcode: 956370 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62574266554 |  |
| H9 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 686 1177 3374 Passcode: 634704 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68611773374 |  |
| H15 | Trial Court |
Meeting ID: 661 6776 9592 Passcode: 575891 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/66167769592 |  |
| Judicial Pre-Trial (JPT) Room #3 | Counsel Pre-Trials |
Meeting ID: 694 7695 9962 Passcode: 426195 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69476959962 |  |
| Judicial Pre-Trial (JPT) Room #1 | Counsel Pre-Trials |
Meeting ID: 673 9592 7668 Passcode: 814323 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67395927668 |  |
| Judicial Pre-Trial (JPT) Room #2 | Counsel Pre-Trials |
Meeting ID: 647 4040 3402 Passcode: 722630 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64740403402 |  |
| Brampton OCJ Trial Coordinators Office Zoom Links | ||||
| Trial Coordinator’s Office Trial Scheduling |
Meeting ID: 677 3300 5827 Passcode: 368493 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67733005827 |  |
|
| Trial Coordinator’s JPT Scheduling |
Meeting ID: 687 6125 8640 Passcode: 215327 |
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68761258640 |  |
|
Information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only, it does not constitute legal advice. If you have an upcoming criminal court appearance in Brampton or anywhere in Ontario 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.
