Guide for Remote Hearings

The Clerk of the Court has issued a Notice of Remote Resolution Hearing by mail. The notice contains the date, time and toll-free phone number with an 11 digit meeting number for your hearing.

or

You have received a summons to appear in court from an enforcement agency and have called the POA office to get the remote hearing contact information or have been given a hand out with the remote hearing information at the same time you received your summons.

Find a quiet and private space for your audio hearing. You will need to be able to hear and concentrate on what is being said with limited distractions.

Use a pen and paper

You may want to take notes during the session. Avoid shuffling papers during your hearing as the sound can be distracting.

Join by telephone

Each person in the remote hearing (including each party and legal representative) should join the hearing using their own device.

Using a land line is more reliable than a cell phone. If you don’t have a land line, make sure your cell phone is fully charged or connected to a power source and that you have good reception. Do not use the speaker function.

It is best to use a headset to reduce background noise. Do not call into your remote hearing while driving.

Call in at the time specified on your notice.

When you first connect to the call, the Court will have multiple cases scheduled at the same time. Court staff will do a roll call at the beginning of the hearing to identify each participant. When you hear your name called, please respond.

The Clerk of the Court will maintain the official audio recording of the proceedings. Do not record the proceedings. It is an offence under section 136 of the Court of Justice Act.

Mute your microphone

You will be muted automatically upon entry to the hearing. To mute or unmute while using your phone, press *6.  Unless you are addressing the Justice of the Peace or have been asked to speak, put your phone on mute.

Do not put the call on hold.

Wait for your case to be called

Please be patient and wait until the Court is ready to address your case. Remember to mute when you are finished speaking. To alert the Clerk that you want to speak, press *9 to raise your hand and the Clerk will advise the Justice of the Peace. Once you have finished, press *9 again to lower your hand.

Say your name when speaking

Say your first and last name every time you speak.  (“This is Jo Smith…”). Speak clearly and slowly to be sure everyone can hear you. Do not talk at the same time or interrupt others. Remember to mute (*6) when you are finished speaking.

How to address the Justice of the Peace

The Justice of the Peace should always be addressed as “Your Worship”

Getting disconnected from the hearing

Should you lose connection to the hearing, try to rejoin immediately. Keep the joining instructions (telephone number and meeting number) nearby so that you know where to find them should you be disconnected.

What happens if there is a recess or break in the remote hearing?

If a court recess is announced, the Clerk will move all parties into the virtual waiting room. When court resumes, the Clerk will admit you back into the virtual courtroom.

What happens if I don’t attend my remote hearing?

If you don’t attend your remote guilty plea, a Notice of Trial will be mailed to you at the last known address the Court has on file.

If you don't attend on your summons date, a trial date can be set or a bench warrant or summons can be issued and you can be charged with another offence. You will not get any further notices.

What do I do if a receive a fine?

If you receive a fine ordered by the Court, you are responsible to pay the fine in full, including court costs and the Victim Fine Surcharge within the time period indicated by the Justice of the Peace.

Payments can be made online