Ontario paralegal resources

Criminal offences paralegals can defend in Ontario

Sam Pazzano provides this reference to help you identify a Criminal Code section and the conditions attached to paralegal representation in Ontario. Browse the Law Society of Ontario list, or search for the offence named on your court documents.

The exact section, subsection and type of proceeding matter. For hybrid offences and the listed criminal driving offences, the Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction. Check the permitted scope under Law Society of Ontario By-Law 4 and confirm your particular charge before retaining a representative.

Summary conviction offences

Summary conviction references from the LSO list, including the summary-only branch of section 263(3). The pre-September 19, 2019 six-month limit is the scope test, not a statement of today’s maximum sentence.

  • s. 54

    Assisting deserter

  • s. 56

    Offences in relation to members of RCMP

  • s. 66(1)

    Unlawful assembly

  • s. 83(1)

    Engaging in prize fight

  • s. 89(2)

    Carrying weapon while attending public meeting

  • s. 134(1)

    Perjury (where not required to make oath, etc)

  • s. 174(1)

    Nudity

  • s. 175(1)

    Causing disturbance, indecent exhibition, loitering, etc

  • s. 176(2)-(3)

    Disturbing religious worship or certain meetings

  • s. 177

    Trespassing at night

  • s. 201(2)

    Person found in or owner permitting use (gaming or betting house)

  • s. 206(4)

    Offence (buying ticket for unlawful lottery or game of chance)

  • s. 207(3)(b)

    Offence, participation in lottery scheme (permitted lotteries)

  • s. 207.1(3)(b)

    Offence, participation in lottery scheme (permitted lotteries, international cruise ship)

  • s. 213(1)-(1.1)

    Stopping or impeding traffic / Communication (relating to offering, providing or obtaining sexual services for consideration)

    Reference note: Paragraph 213(1)(a) is repealed. The source citation covers the surviving provisions only; use the current statutory text.

  • s. 320.19(2)

    Operation while impaired – low blood drug concentration

    Reference note: This is the low blood-drug concentration offence under subsection 320.14(4). It is not a general authorization to defend all impaired-driving charges.

  • s. 320.36(4)

    Unauthorized use of bodily substance / Unauthorized use or disclosure of results

  • s. 335(1)

    Taking motor vehicle or vessel or found therein without consent

  • s. 339(2)

    Dealer in second-hand goods (lumbering equipment without owner’s consent)

  • s. 353(3)-(4)

    Fail to keep record of transaction, sale of automobile master key

  • s. 364(1)

    Fraudulently obtaining food, beverage or accommodation

  • s. 393(3)

    Fraudulently obtaining transportation

  • s. 398

    Falsifying employment record

  • s. 401(1)

    Obtaining carriage by false billing

  • s. 419

    Unlawful use of military uniforms or certificates

  • s. 425

    Offences by employers

  • s. 438(2)

    Interfering with saving of wreck

  • s. 439(1)

    Interfering with marine signal (making fast vessel or boat)

  • s. 442

    Interfering with boundary lines

  • s. 447.1(2)

    Breach of order (cruelty to animals)

  • s. 454

    Slugs and tokens

  • s. 456

    Defacing current coins

  • s. 457(3)

    Likeness of bank-notes

  • s. 463(c)

    Attempts, accessories – summary offences

  • s. 464(b)

    Counselling offence that is not committed – summary offences

  • s. 465(1)(d)

    Conspiracy – summary offences

  • s. 486.6(1)

    Offence (fail to comply with orders restricting publication: sexual offences, victims and witnesses)

  • s. 487.0197

    Contravene preservation demand

  • s. 487.0198

    Contravene preservation or production order

  • s. 487.0199

    Destruction of preserved data

  • s. 487.08(3)

    Use of bodily substances

  • s. 487.2

    Contravene restriction on publication (warrant)

  • s. 490.0312

    Offence (obligation to advise police service, NCR outside of Canada)

  • s. 517(2)

    Failure to comply with order (Order directing matters not to be published for specified period)

  • s. 539(3)

    Failure to comply with order (Order restricting publication of evidence taken at preliminary inquiry)

  • s. 542(2)

    Restriction of publication of reports of preliminary inquiry (fail to comply re confession or admission of accused)

  • s. 648(2)

    Restriction on publication (fail to comply re portion of trial where jury absent)

  • s. 649

    Disclosure of jury proceedings

  • s. 672.37(3)

    Authorizing application for federal employment requiring applicant to disclose an NCR verdict where applicant discharged absolutely or not subject to disposition

  • s. 672.501(11)

    Failure to comply (Order restricting publication – sexual offences, NCR)

  • s. 732.11(4)

    Prohibition on use of bodily substance (contravene, re probation)

  • s. 742.31(4)

    Prohibition on use of bodily substance (contravene, re conditional sentence)

  • s. 810.4(4)

    Prohibition on use of bodily substance (contravene, re recognizance)

  • s. 263(3)

    Duty to safeguard opening in ice / guard excavation on land

    Condition: Only paragraph 263(3)(c): the summary conviction offence.

    Reference note: Only paragraph 263(3)(c), the summary offence, is covered by this entry. Cases involving death under paragraph (a) or bodily harm under paragraph (b) are excluded. The LSO groups section 263(3) with hybrid references; this page separates its summary-only branch.

Hybrid offences: Crown summary election required

A paralegal may provide legal services for these listed hybrid offences only after the Crown elects to proceed by summary conviction. Check the exact subsection and applicable scope before retaining representation.

  • s. 56.1(4)

    Identity Documents

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 57(2)

    False statement in relation to passport

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 66(2)

    Unlawful assembly with concealment of identity

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 73

    Forcible entry, forcible detainer

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 83.231(2)

    Hoax – terrorist activity

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 86(3)

    Careless use of firearm / Contravention of storage regulations

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 87(2)

    Pointing a firearm

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 88(2)

    Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 90(2)

    Carrying concealed weapon

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 91(3)

    Unauthorized possession of firearm / prohibited weapon or restricted weapon

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 93(2)

    Possession at unauthorized place (firearm /weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 94(2)

    Unauthorized possession in motor vehicle (firearm /weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 101(2)

    Transfer without authority (firearm / weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 104(2)

    Unauthorized importing or exporting (firearm /weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 105(2)

    Losing or finding without reporting (firearm / weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 106(2)

    Destroying without reporting (firearm / weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 107(2)

    Making false statements (in relation to ss. 105-6)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 108(2)

    Tampering with serial number (firearm / weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 117.01(3)

    Possession contrary to order / Failure to surrender authorization (firearm / weapon)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 121.1(4)(b)

    Selling, etc, of tobacco products and raw leaf tobacco

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 127(1)

    Disobeying order of court

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 129

    Offences relating to public or peace officer

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 130(2)

    Personating peace officer

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 139(1)

    Obstructing justice

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 140(2)

    Public mischief

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 145(1)-(5.1)

    Escape and being at large without excuse

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

    Reference note: The LSO citation is historical: subsection 145(5.1) has been repealed and section 145 has been reorganized. Match the actual charge to the current provision; this row does not extend scope to every current subsection.

  • s. 160(1)-(2)

    Bestiality / Compelling commission of bestiality

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 162(5)

    Voyeurism

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 162.1(1)

    Publication, etc, of an intimate image without consent

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 169

    Obscene material / Immoral theatrical performance / Mailing obscene matter

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 173(1)-(2)

    Indecent act / Exposure

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 204(10)

    Contravention (regulatory offences related to horse racing / betting)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 207(3)(a)

    Offence, conduct, management, operation of lottery scheme (permitted lotteries)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 207.1(3)(a)

    Offence, conduct, management, operation of lottery scheme (permitted lotteries, international cruise ship)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 241.31(4)-(5)

    Offence, filing information / contravene regulations (medical practitioner / nurse practitioner / pharmacist in relation to medical assistance in dying)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 264(3)

    Criminal harassment

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 264.1(3)

    Uttering threats

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

    Reference note: This is the penalty provision for threats under paragraphs 264.1(1)(b) and (c). It does not include threats to cause death or bodily harm under paragraph 264.1(1)(a).

  • s. 266

    Assault

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 270(2)

    Assaulting a peace officer

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 273.3(2)

    Removal of child from Canada

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 282(1)

    Abduction in contravention of custody order

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 283(1)

    Abduction

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 319(1)-(2)

    Public incitement of hatred / Wilful promotion of hatred

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 327(1)

    Possession of device to obtain use of telecommunication facility or service

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 334(b)

    Punishment for theft (under $5000)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

    Reference note: The statutory value threshold includes property worth exactly $5,000: $5,000 or less. The LSO source uses shorthand wording.

  • s. 342(1), (3)

    Theft, forgery, etc of credit card / Unauthorized use of credit card data

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 342.01(1)

    Instruments for copying credit card data or forging or falsifying credit cards

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 342.1(1)

    Unauthorized use of computer

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 342.2(1)

    Possession of device to obtain unauthorized use of computer system or to commit mischief

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 347(1)

    Criminal interest rate

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 348(1)(e)

    Breaking and entering with intent, committing offence or breaking out (place other than dwelling-house)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 349(1)

    Being unlawfully in dwelling-house

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 351(1)

    Possession of break-in instrument

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 353.1(4)

    Tampering with VIN

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 355(b)

    Possession of property obtained by crime (under $5000)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

    Reference note: The statutory value threshold includes property worth exactly $5,000: $5,000 or less. The LSO source uses shorthand wording.

  • s. 355.5(b)

    Trafficking in property obtained by crime (under $5000)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

    Reference note: The statutory value threshold includes property worth exactly $5,000: $5,000 or less. The LSO source uses shorthand wording.

  • s. 356(3)

    Theft from mail

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 362(2)(b)

    False pretence or false statement

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

    Reference note: Applies to the false-pretence offence under paragraph 362(1)(a) where the property value is not more than $5,000. It does not cover every false statement offence in section 362.

  • s. 367

    Punishment for forgery

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 368(1.1)

    Use, trafficking or possession of forged document

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 368.1

    Forgery instruments

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 372(4)

    False information / Indecent communications / Harassing communications

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 380(1)(b)

    Fraud (less than five thousand dollars)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

    Reference note: The statutory value threshold includes property worth exactly $5,000: $5,000 or less. The LSO source uses shorthand wording.

  • s. 380.2(4)

    Prohibition order (not comply, in relation to fraud)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 382.1(2)

    Tipping (insider trading)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 402.2(5)

    Identity theft / Trafficking in identity information

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 403(3)

    Identity fraud

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 412(1)

    Punishment: ss. 407, 408, 409, 410, 411 (Forgery of Trademarks and Trade descriptions)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 415(g)

    Offences in relation to wreck

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 417(2)

    Unlawful transactions in public stores

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 420(1)

    Military stores

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 422(1)(g)

    Criminal breach of contract

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 423(1)

    Intimidation

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 425.1(2)

    Threats and retaliation against employees

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 430(3)

    Mischief (testamentary instrument  / property exceeding $5000)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 430(4)

    Mischief (other property)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 430(4.2)

    Mischief in relation to cultural property

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 430(5)

    Mischief in relation to computer data

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 430(5.1)

    Commission or omission of act required by duty if likely to constitute mischief

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 432(1)-(2)

    Unauthorized recording of a movie / Unauthorized recording for purpose of sale, etc

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 437

    False alarm of fire

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 446(2)

    Causing damage or injury (captive animals conveyed or abandoned)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 462.31(2)

    Laundering proceeds of crime

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 462.33(11)

    Restraint order (not comply)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 463(d)

    Attempts, accessories – hybrid offences

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 487.0552(1)

    Failure to comply with order or summons

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 487.08(4)

    Use of bodily substances

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 490.031(1)

    Offence (fail to comply with order, National Defence Act, International Transfer of Offenders Act)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 490.0311

    Offence (knowingly provide false information, Sex Offender Information Registration Act)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 490.8(9)

    Offence (contravene restraint order, offence related property)

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

Criminal driving offences: Crown summary election required

These four provisions are expressly included in By-Law 4 for proceedings in a summary conviction court. Other subsections, including those concerning bodily harm or death, are not included by these references.

  • s. 320.13(1)

    Dangerous operation

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 320.16(1)

    Failure to stop after accident

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 320.17

    Flight from a peace officer

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

  • s. 320.18(1)

    Operation while prohibited

    Condition: Crown must elect to proceed by summary conviction.

Related hearings: non-offence proceedings

These are examples of proceedings rather than criminal charges. A peace bond application is not itself a criminal prosecution.

  • s. 810

    Sureties to keep the peace (peace bond hearings)

    Related hearing, not a criminal offence

  • s. 111

    Application for prohibition order (firearm prohibition hearings)

    Related hearing, not a criminal offence

    Condition: Non-offence proceeding.

    Reference note: Included in the LSO source; this is a hearing rather than a criminal charge.

Historical references in the LSO list

The LSO source includes the following provisions, which the linked Criminal Code consolidation marks as repealed. They are retained for reference and are not presented as current offences.

  • s. 210(2)

    Landlord, inmate, etc (common bawdy-house)

    Repealed provision: historical reference

    Condition: Historical reference only.

    Reference note: Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 73. Historical LSO reference; not a current offence.

  • s. 211

    Transporting person to bawdy-house

    Repealed provision: historical reference

    Condition: Historical reference only.

    Reference note: Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 73. Historical LSO reference; not a current offence.

  • s. 278.9(2)

    Publication prohibited (in relation to production order)

    Repealed provision: historical reference

    Condition: Historical reference only.

    Reference note: Repealed, 2026, c. 19, s. 34. Historical LSO reference; not a current offence.

  • s. 278.95(2)

    Publication prohibited (hearing to determine admissibility of evidence of complainant’s sexual activity)

    Repealed provision: historical reference

    Condition: Historical reference only.

    Reference note: Repealed, 2026, c. 19, s. 34. Historical LSO reference; not a current offence.

Confirm the scope for your charge

Sam can review the section on your paperwork and explain whether the matter is within his permitted scope. Contact Sam to discuss the exact charge and whether representation is available. This reference is general information, not legal advice.

Licensed Paralegal — Not a Law Firm. Sam Pazzano is regulated by the Law Society of Ontario. Services are limited to the authorized scope of paralegal practice. Nothing on this site is legal advice.