One of the most common questions I get asked as a criminal defence attorney is: “How long will my case take?“ I completely understand the concern — facing criminal charges is stressful, and not knowing how long you’ll be in the system only adds to that stress. In this blog, I, as the best criminal lawyer in Brampton, will walk you through the typical timeline of a criminal case based on my own experience in the courtroom. Keep in mind that while no two cases are exactly alike, this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
Step 1: Arrest or Charges – What Happens First?
Everything starts when you’re either arrested or formally charged. Sometimes, you’re arrested on the spot. Other times, you may receive a summons or appearance notice to attend court.
If you’re arrested, the police may:
- Release you from the station
- Hold you for a bail hearing (usually within 24 hours)
As your Brampton criminal lawyer, my primary responsibility is to assist in securing your release and prepare for your initial court appearance.
Step 2: First Court Appearance – Within a Few Weeks
Your first appearance usually happens within two to six weeks of being charged. It is not the trial, and you don’t enter a plea here.
At this stage, I’ll receive the disclosure package from the Crown — this includes all the evidence they plan to use against you. It could include:
- Police notes
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Forensic reports
Step 3: Reviewing Disclosure and Building the Defence (1 to 3 Months)
Once I have the disclosure as a Brampton criminal lawyer, I take the time to go through everything carefully. It is one of the most critical steps in the process. I look for:
- Inconsistencies in witness statements
- Any breaches of your Charter rights
- Weaknesses in the Crown’s case
Sometimes, I’ll request extra disclosure or hire private investigators or expert witnesses to strengthen your defence.
Step 4: Pre-Trial Discussions and Motions (2 to 6 Months)
After reviewing the disclosure, I’ll schedule a Crown pre-trial (CPT) or judicial pre-trial (JPT) to discuss the case. It is where we explore:
- Whether the charges can be dropped or reduced
- If a resolution like a peace bond or diversion is possible
- Setting a trial date if no agreement is reached
If needed, I may also file pre-trial motions — for example, to exclude illegally obtained evidence or challenge unreasonable delays.
Step 5: Trial Scheduling – 6 Months to Over a Year
When the case goes to trial, obtaining a date can take anywhere from six months to a year. It depends on the court’s schedule and the workload of the docket.
In my experience, more severe (indictable) charges take longer to reach trial than less severe (summary) ones. Cases in busy jurisdictions also tend to face more delay.
Step 6: The Trial – From One Day to Several Weeks
The length of the trial depends on the intricacy of the case. A straightforward assault or impaired driving charge might be done in a single day. On the other hand, a complicated fraud or sexual assault case could take weeks.
During the trial, I’ll cross-examine the Crown’s witnesses and present your side of the story. As the best criminal lawyer in Brampton, I will make legal arguments to protect your rights and tell your truth.
Step 7: Verdict and Sentencing – Immediately or Later
After both sides finish, the judge (or jury) will deliver a verdict. Sometimes, that happens right away, and other times, the judge reserves their decision for a later date.
If you’re found guilty, we proceed to sentencing. It may occur on the same day or be scheduled for a later date if I request a pre-sentence report or require gathering materials to argue for a more lenient sentence.
Appeals – A Longer Road If Needed
If there are serious errors in the trial or sentencing, I, as a Brampton criminal lawyer, may recommend an appeal. Appeals take more time and follow a different process, often extending the legal journey by several more months or longer.
A Rough Timeline Summary
Stage/ Estimated Timeframe
Arrest to First Appearance 1–6 weeks
Disclosure Review 1–3 months
Pre-Trial Steps & Motions 2–6 months
Trial Date Scheduling 6–12+ months
Trial Duration: 1 day to several weeks
Sentencing (if guilty) Same day to 2 months later
Final Thoughts: Every Case is Unique
As a criminal attorney, I can tell you with confidence that no two cases are ever the same. Some are resolved quickly through negotiation or withdrawal, while others go all the way to trial and beyond.
What makes the most significant difference is having a lawyer who understands the system and knows how to move your case forward efficiently — without rushing or cutting corners.
I always strive to strike a balance between protecting your rights and minimizing delays so you can move on with your life as soon as possible. If you’ve been charged and would like to know what your specific timeline might look like, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here at Dhindsa Law to help you understand the process — and protect your future. Opt for my legal assistance as I have earned the tag of being the best criminal lawyers Brampton Ontario residents believe in.
