The Court Process

Below is a PDF document representing the process of a criminal court case with descriptions:

Court-Process-Flow-Chart-1Download

Please be aware that if the accused is not found guilty through the criminal justice system, it is not that the court does not believe what happened to you; there may not have been enough evidence to make a conviction.

The Victim/Witness Assistance Program may provide information and support while assisting you to navigate the court process. The Victim-Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) provides information, assistance, and support to victims and witnesses of crime to increase their understanding of, and participation in, the criminal court process. Services are provided on a priority basis to the most vulnerable victims and witnesses of violent crime, such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, homicide, and hate crime. Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over.

V/WAP staff may provide:

  • Crisis intervention
  • Emotional support
  • Case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
  • Court preparation and orientation information
  • Needs assessment
  • Referrals to community agencies

Staff also work with Crown Attorneys, police, and community partners on issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence. To find the VWAP office nearest you, call the Victim Support Line toll-free at 1-888-579-2888 or 416-314-2447 in the Toronto area.