Most people charged in Kitchener are released by police on an appearance notice or an undertaking, with a date to appear at the Waterloo Region Courthouse. If police hold you instead, your bail hearing happens at the same courthouse, often the next day. A bail hearing is the single most important hearing to have a lawyer at.

Usually in Courtroom 101 at 9:00 a.m., by Zoom. Nothing is decided at this appearance; the Crown typically provides initial disclosure and the case is adjourned. If you've retained counsel, you generally don't need to attend: Andrew Bigioni appears on behalf of his clients. If you haven't, you must attend yourself.

Your lawyer's first real look at the Crown's case against you: Waterloo Regional Police reports, witness statements, video, and more. The Crown must hand over its relevant evidence, whether it helps or hurts their case. We review every file for Charter breaches and evidentiary weaknesses.

A meeting between your lawyer and the Waterloo Region Crown to discuss your case. This is where many charges are withdrawn, diverted, or reduced. Bigioni Law prepares for this meeting as seriously as for trial, because a strong position here can end a case without an extended public trial.

If your case is heading toward trial, a judge-led conference known as a judicial pre-trial comes first, to narrow the issues and set the trial time. Even at this stage, your case may still be resolved on terms you accept, before any trial begins. Bigioni Law advises clients of all available options throughout the process.

Most criminal cases in Kitchener end without a trial, through withdrawn charges, a peace bond, diversion, or a negotiated plea. If yours doesn't, it proceeds to a trial, where the Crown must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Either way, your defence counsel will be there to support you.