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Pre-trials in Criminal Proceedings Before the Ontario Court of Justice
Last Updated: July 03 2026
Question: What happens at a Crown pre-trial in Ontario criminal cases?
Answer: DefendCharges.Lawyer can help you understand what to expect at a Crown pre-trial in the Ontario Court of Justice, how the Crown will review the evidence and possible outcomes, and whether there may be an offer to resolve the matter without a trial so you can make an informed decision; a criminal lawyer can also help you prepare for what to say, what documents or disclosure issues to raise, and how to respond if the Crown proposes a resolution. If you are facing a charge in Ontario, call (647) 977-5997 to book a free 1/2-hour consultation with DefendCharges.Lawyer so you can get clear, practical next steps from an Ontario-based lawyer, starting today.
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Pre-trials are an important part of criminal proceedings before the Ontario Court of Justice. Pre-trials are used to assess the strength of the Crown’s case and to provide an opportunity for the accused to make an informed decision about how to proceed. Crown pre-trials and judicial pre-trials are two types of pre-trials that are used in criminal proceedings in Ontario.
What is a Crown Pre-Trial
Crown pre-trials are conducted by Crown prosecutors and are used to assess the strength of the Crown’s case. During a Crown pre-trial, the Crown and defence counsel may discuss the evidence and the possible outcomes of the case. The Crown may also make an offer to resolve the matter without a trial. If the accused accepts the offer, the case may be resolved without a trial.
What is a Judicial Pre-Trial
Judicial pre-trials are conducted by a judge and are used to assess the strength of the Crown’s case and to provide an opportunity for the accused to make an informed decision about how to proceed. During a judicial pre-trial, the judge may discuss the evidence and the possible outcomes of the case with both the Crown and defence counsel. The judge may also make suggestions about how the case might be resolved without a trial.
Summary Comment
Both Crown pre-trials and judicial pre-trials are important steps in criminal proceedings before the Ontario Court of Justice. Pre-trials provide an opportunity for the Crown and defence counsel to assess the strength of the Crown’s case and to explore possible resolutions without a trial. Pre-trials also provide an opportunity for the accused to make an informed decision about how to proceed. Pre-trials are an important part of criminal proceedings in Ontario and should be taken seriously by all parties involved.