Alberta Court Of Justice:

Summary Criminal & Provincial Offences

01

Summary Criminal Offences

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is crucial to seek legal counsel promptly. Consulting an attorney/legal agent without delay will ensure your rights are protected and prevent emotions from compromising your defense. Securing competent legal representation is imperative when facing criminal charges to navigate the complexities of the judicial system effectively.

Authorized to represent clients for Summary Conviction under Sections 800(2) and Section 802.1 of The Criminal Code of Canada.

  • Section 801 (2) Appearance by Counsel or Agent (Paralegal)

    A defendant may appear personally or by counsel or agent, but the summary conviction court may require the defendant to appear personally and may, if it thinks fit, issue a warrant in Form 7 for the arrest of the defendant and adjourn the trial to await his appearance pursuant thereto.


    Section 802(1) Limitation of Representation

    Section 802.1 Despite subsections 800(2) and 802(2), a defendant may not appear or examine or cross-examine witnesses by agent if he or she is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term of more than six months, unless:


    (a) the defendant is an organization;


    (b) the defendant is appearing to request an adjournment of the proceedings; or


    (c) the agent is authorized to do so under a program approved — or criteria established — by the lieutenant governor in council of the province

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Offences under the Criminal Code of Canada include:

  • Fail to Remain at Scene of Accident
  • Fail to Report Accident
  • Assault, Theft Under $5,000.00
  • Contempt of Court
  • Harassment and/or Stocking
  • All other offences laid under the Summary Conviction provisions

02

Navigating Provincial Offences in Alberta

The Provincial Offenses Procedure Act (POPA) in Alberta governs a wide array of provincial statutes that impose fines for various contraventions. These offenses encompass non-criminal violations such as public intoxication, selling alcohol to minors, unauthorized entry or remaining on premises, smoking in enclosed areas, and breaches related to Occupational Health and Safety, Labor, and Finance regulations. Additionally, POPA oversees the enforcement of municipal bylaws in Alberta, including those pertaining to noise disturbances, zoning regulations, and parking violations. Our firm specializes in providing comprehensive legal guidance to individuals facing charges under POPA, ensuring a thorough understanding of the applicable laws and facilitating the resolution of these provincial offenses.

Provincial Offences Procedure Act CONTACT US

03

Youth Criminal Justice

Youth Crimes Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)


The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) provides legal defense for any youth charged under the Criminal Code for a hybrid offense elected as a summary criminal offense or a summary criminal offense itself. These offenses carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail or a fine of up to $5,000.


Under the YCJA, a youth is defined as a person who is or, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, appears to be twelve years old or older but less than eighteen years old. The term "youth" also includes any person charged under this Act with having committed an offense while they were a young person or found guilty of an offense under this Act during their youth. 


While youth can be charged similarly to adults, they are protected by a publication ban and serve their sentences in youth facilities or receive lesser sentences until they reach the age of twenty.

Youth Criminal Justice Act (S.C. 2002, c. 1) The Youth Criminal Justice Act CONTACT US