What Are The Stages of a Criminal Case?

If you are wondering what are the stages of a criminal case in Ontario, you’ve come to the right place.  Being arrested and charged with a criminal offence is a unpleasant and stressful experience.  After you have been charged by the police, one will often wonder what happens next and what are the stages of a criminal case.  It is important to note that every case is different with its own unique set of facts.  Some cases are withdrawn early on the criminal court process, some go to trial and some make it to appellate courts if mistakes are made along the way.  Whether a case resolves or proceeds to trial, these same steps apply:

ARREST -> RELEASE -> BAIL HEARING -> FIRST APPEARANCE -> DISCLOSURE -> CROWN PRE-TRIAL -> JUDICIAL PRE-TRIAL -> TRIAL