Paralegals can provide services to clients charged with a summary offense under the criminal code. These offences are less serious in nature with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both.
Examples of summary convictions are:
Causing a disturbance (s. 175)
Possession of a weapon in public (s. 89)
Disorderly conduct (s.173)
In the province of Ontario, a licensed Paralegal cannot represent clients for indictable charges o super summary offences. Hybrid offences are indictable until the Crown elects to proceed by summary conviction. Provincial Offences are heard in the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act and are less serious than criminal offences. Paralegals can represent clients in a wide variety of offences under the OCJ such as:
Highway Traffic Act
Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
Liquor License Act
Environmental Protection Act
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Municipal By-Laws