What to Expect If Charges Are Approved

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect If Charges Are Approved

When Police Complete Their Investigation

Once the police complete their investigation and Crown Counsel decides to proceed with charges, the court process begins. This can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the legal system. The process can take time, and it's important to be prepared for what to expect.

The Process Takes Time

It’s completely normal for police investigations and court proceedings to move slowly, sometimes taking several months or longer. While this can be frustrating, it’s a standard part of the legal process. There may be long periods without updates, but please know that this doesn’t mean the case isn’t progressing.

For more details on what to expect, see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

    • If the accused pleads not guilty: The court process will continue, and the case will move toward trial.

    • If the accused pleads guilty: The case may proceed directly to sentencing, and you may not be required to appear in court.

    In most cases, you won’t be contacted immediately. The early stages of the legal process are typically managed by Crown and defense lawyers.

  • You are not required to attend most court dates unless:

    • You are subpoenaed, meaning you are legally required to testify, or

    • Crown or Victim Services contacts you with a specific request.

    This typically happens much later in the process, often months after the charges are approved.

  • Yes, once a court file number is assigned, you can sign up to receive notifications about upcoming court dates. An E Fry Victim Services worker can assist you with filling out the application to receive these updates. If you would like to access this support, please contact us here.

  • If the accused pleads not guilty, there will likely be multiple court appearances before the case goes to trial. These early court dates are usually administrative and help move the case forward. Common types of appearances include:

    • First Appearance: The accused hears the charges.

    • FXD (Fix Date): Used to schedule future court dates.

    • CLC (Consult Legal Counsel): The accused is instructed to speak to a lawyer, given time for legal consultations, or meetings between lawyers about the case or trial planning.

    • Check-ins: Other court appearances are simple updates to the court.

    It’s normal for these types of hearings to happen multiple times. This doesn’t mean anything is going wrong with the case.

  • No, you do not need a lawyer unless you choose to hire one. As the person impacted by the crime (often called the complainant or witness), you are not on trial. Crown Counsel (the government lawyer) is responsible for presenting the case.

    You can hire a lawyer if you want legal advice about your rights or safety. If you are asked to testify, both Crown and Victim Services will assist you in preparing for court.

  • After charges are approved, you may receive a package called a Victim Impact Statement (VIS).

    ·       Completing a VIS is completely optional. You are not required to fill one out.

    ·       A VIS is only used if the case goes to sentencing (i.e., if the accused is found guilty or pleads guilty).

    ·       It gives you the opportunity to tell the court how the crime has affected you emotionally, physically, financially, or in other ways.

    There are different ways to complete a VIS, and a Victim Services worker can guide you through the process. If you would like to access this support, please contact us here.

    Important: When you receive the package, try not to worry — you will have plenty of time to complete it, and there is no rush.