Summons to Defendant

Summons to Defendants are issued for more serious offences such as failing to remain at the scene of an accident, stunt driving, driving while under suspension, driving without insurance.

If you receive a Summons to Defendant, you MUST appear in court on the date that is indicated on the bottom of the summons.

A supplemental sheet is provided with the summons to provide information on how to attend your first appearance date and how to contact the Crown and request a copy of the officer’s notes, disclosure.   

It is important that you keep the Summons to Defendant on hand, as it contains important information regarding your court date. If you lose the Summons, please contact the Provincial Offences Office immediately to confirm your appearance date, or visit www.ontario.ca/ticketsandfines to check if your matter has a scheduled court date.  

What happens if I do not attend my court date?

If you are unable to attend your scheduled summonsed court date, you can send someone else on your behalf.

If you or a representative do not attend the court date indicated on your summons, there may be a trial held in your absence and a conviction may be entered against you, which may result in a fine, driver’s licence suspension, and/or incarceration. For more information on how to attend court, visit the Attend Court section.