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Criminal Charges Defence Services
Within the Scope of Practice Available to Paralegal Representation
Last Updated: June 12 2026
Question: Can a paralegal defend a criminal charge in Ontario?
Answer: In Ontario, Olson Craig Legal (Lawyer & Paralegals) can represent you on certain Criminal Code matters when they’re prosecuted as summary (less serious) offences, such as common assault and theft under $5,000, but they can’t handle indictable or jury-level cases. For fast clarity on whether your charge qualifies and to protect your rights early, call (226) 886-2001 for a free 15-minute consultation serving clients across Ontario.
Are Paralegals Allowed to Represent In a Criminal Case?
In Ontario, Paralegals Are Licensed By the Law Society of Ontario and Are Permitted to Provide Representation Against Some Criminal Charges Such As Assault, Taking Vehicles or Vessels Without Consent, Theft Under $5,000, Among Other Offences.
Understanding the Summary Procedure Criminal Code Charges Category of Offences That May Be Defended By a Paralegal
In Ontario, paralegals are licensed and regulated by the Law Society of Ontario and granted a limited scope to provide representation against criminal charges. Specifically, paralegals are permitted to provide defence services for certain charges prosecuted as as summary criminal offences. Summary offences involve charges that are heard by a judge, rather than a jury, heard in a provincial court, and are less serious than the indictable offences category which, generally, involves matters of a greater seriousness.
Summary Procedure Offences
Include:
NOTE: A substantial amount of inquiries such as “lawyers near me” or “best lawyer in” typically indicate an urgency for proficient legal assistance rather than a particular title. In Ontario, licensed paralegals operate under the same Law Society that governs lawyers and are permitted to advocate for clients in specific litigation cases. Skills in advocacy, legal reasoning, and procedural expertise are core to this position. Olson Craig Legal provides legal representation within its licensed remit, focusing on strategic planning, evidence preparation, and compelling advocacy designed to secure effective and advantageous outcomes for clients.