Welcome to our new website

We’ve redesigned niagararegion.ca to make it easier to find what you need. We’re still putting on the finishing touches, so over the next few weeks you may notice:

  • Search is still learning. Some results may be incomplete or out of date. Try browsing by topic from the main menu.
  • Some links may not work. Old bookmarks and links may lead to pages that have moved.
  • Pages are still being updated. We’re reviewing content across the site and improving it as we go.

Early resolution and trials

Resolve your provincial offence notice by meeting with a prosecutor or requesting a trial.

Early resolution

Meet with a prosecutor to discuss your offence notice without going to trial. 

Request early resolution

Request a trial

If you believe you're not guilty of the offence, you can request a trial.

Request a trial

Prepare for your court matter

Review steps to take before your court date.

You have the right to obtain disclosure to help you prepare for your trial. Disclosure is all the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on at your trial.

Request disclosure early to give yourself adequate time to review the evidence and prepare your case.

Submit a request for disclosure

If you plan to present evidence at your trial, you need to prepare it properly and ensure you have the right equipment.

You can present digital and video evidence during your trial from the defendant table, from the witness box or via Zoom screen sharing.

In-person trials: You must provide your own working equipment (laptop or tablet) and the appropriate cables (HDMI or VGA and audio) to connect to our video equipment.

Online trials: Evidence must be emailed to the courthouse before your trial. For more information, email provincial offences information or call 905-687-6590, option 3.

Important

The court will keep and store any digital or video evidence used during your trial that is marked as an exhibit. Make sure the evidence is on a detachable memory stick or USB drive that you can leave with the court.

Evidence will be returned to you after the retention period.

Review the Ontario Court of Justice Guide for Defendants in Provincial Offences Cases to understand what to expect during your court proceeding.

If you have been charged with speeding and the officer used a radar or laser device to obtain the speed reading, you can review the relevant operating and testing sections of the manual for the device used. The officer’s notes will indicate what device the officer used.

Device manuals for charges by Niagara Regional Police Service or Niagara Parks Police Service

Device manuals for charges by Ontario Provincial Police

Attend your court matter

In-person attendance

In-person court appearances are held at:

Provincial Offences Court
445 East Main St.
Welland

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring a copy of your offence notice and any relevant documents.

Online attendance with Zoom

Technical preparation

Submit evidence in advance

Your evidence (exhibit) must be emailed to the courthouse before your trial.

For more information, email provincial offences information or call 905-687-6590, option 3.

For scheduled matters, use the link or Meeting ID on your notice or select your courtroom:

Alternate dial-in option: 1-647-558-0588 (Toronto)

If you have questions or need to speak to staff about online court, email Provincial Offences Court.

Although your court matter is online, expectations and requirements on conduct and professional behaviour in the courtroom are the same as if you were attending in person.

Before and during your online court matter

  • Sign into the Zoom meeting 15 minutes before your court matter to ensure you're ready when called
  • Use your legal first and last name as your Zoom screen name
  • Be prepared for a waiting period—multiple matters are scheduled for the same timeframe
  • State your name clearly for the record before speaking
  • Address the judiciary the same way as in a physical courtroom
  • Turn on your camera before speaking during a Zoom trial
  • Join from a well-lit space and avoid using filters or backgrounds
  • Dress appropriately for the formal court environment
  • Water is permitted, but no food, beverages, gum chewing, or smoking
  • Join from a quiet and private area to ensure privacy and avoid distractions
  • Mute your microphone until your matter is called (press *6 if joining by telephone)
  • Use a headset with a microphone to reduce background noise and improve clarity
  • Mute cell phone ring volume
  • Do not carry on conversations while court is in session
  • Close all other applications to avoid distractions or interruptions
  • Ensure portable devices are fully charged or plugged in

Technical difficulties

  • Use the "virtual hand" on Zoom if you experience issues (press *9 if joining by telephone)
  • If disconnected, immediately try to rejoin. If unable to rejoin, call 905-687-6590, option 3.

Legal notice

In accordance with Section 136 of the Courts of Justice Act, it's an offence for members of the public to copy, record, publish, broadcast or disseminate any court matter or any portion of it, including a matter that is conducted over videoconference or teleconference without leave of the court.

All persons must comply with the Protocol on the Use of Electronic Devices in the Courtroom.

Forms and resources

Court proceedings

For media inquiries, call 905-687-6590 ext. 1631 or email the Provincial Offences Court.