Below you will find a few helpful Ontario impaired driving links to court addresses and more info about the Liquor Licence Act, Criminal Code, & Highway Traffic Act.
Legal Aid Ontario
For certain individuals who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, Legal Aid Ontario can provide assistance. Please check the official website to see if you qualify financially and if your legal issue is covered. Applications to Legal Aid Ontario can be done in several ways, including online through their website or by calling 416‑979‑1446.
Ontario Court Addresses
There are many courts in Ontario. You can find specific court addresses using the link above, and even filter by division (i.e. civil, criminal, small claims, etc.).
Liquor Licence Act
This is an Ontario statute that regulates the distribution (such as sales), licensing, and responsible use of alcohol.
Highway Traffic Act
This is an Ontario statute that sets out the rules for operating motor vehicles and other conveyances on Ontario highways. Driving is a privilege, and the Act defines who is allowed to drive and in what vehicles, when and where they are allowed to drive, and what constitutes a driving offence (what will get you a ticket). It is important to note that the offences listed here are non-criminal in nature, given that the Act is a provincial statute.
Criminal Code of Canada
Generally speaking, the Criminal Code outlines what constitutes a ‘crime’ in Canada. They provide general descriptions of each offence as well as the corresponding penalty if the accused is found guilty. Some offences that are found in the Code include assault, theft, trafficking, mischief, and possession of firearms. The Code does not include provincial offences such as those under the Highway Traffic Act (i.e. speeding, careless driving, etc.).
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Charter includes numerous provisions pertaining to the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Canadians. These include your fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression and freedom of conscience/religion (Section 2), as well as your right to be protected from unreasonable search and seizure (Section 8), and your right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned (Section 9).
Ontario Court of Justice – Remote Court Appearances Guide for Participants
Many court appearances can now be conducted virtually through software such as Zoom. The Ontario Court of Justice provides its own set of guidelines for remote appearances in the link above. Other protocols for public observers and those who are self-represented litigants can also be found on the Court website.
