You should always bring the papers that you received from the police when you were released, or the papers you got from the court when you got out on bail.
Here is a checklist that may help you with your first appearance in court.
Some other items that may be helpful with your first appearance are:
- Reference letters from employers, volunteer organizations, or religious groups, teachers and professors, and/or neighbours and family members.
- School transcripts, copies of degrees/diplomas, proof of employment, social assistance, etc.
If there are special circumstances that affect your case or your next court date, you should bring proof of the circumstances. Examples include:
- Travel itinerary
- A signed letter from your doctor if you can’t attend court on a certain week because you are scheduled to undergo a medical procedure.
If you have hired a lawyer who will not be coming with you to your first appearance, then bring any letter of instruction that your lawyer gave you. You may wish to speak to duty counsel and show duty counsel the letter.
