Summary Offences
Summary offences in Ontario are the least serious type of criminal offences under the Criminal Code of Canada.
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These offences typically involve minor criminal conduct, such as petty theft, mischief, or causing a disturbance.
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They are subject to a more straightforward legal process compared to indictable offences, and are generally punishable by less severe penalties, such as fines or short-term imprisonment.
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Summary offences are tried in the Ontario Court of Justice without a jury, and the maximum penalties typically involve shorter sentences (up to six months in jail) or monetary fines.
Causing A Disturbance
Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c. C-46, Section 175
Causing a Disturbance:
"Everyone who, without lawful excuse,​​
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Causing disturbances in public by fighting, yelling, swearing, singing, using offensive language, being drunk, or harassing others.
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Exposing indecent exhibitions in public.
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Loitering and obstructing others in a public place.
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Disrupting the peace of residents by discharging firearms or engaging in disorderly conduct, either in public spaces or in areas shared by multiple residents in a building.
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is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both."
Trespassing At Night
Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c. C-46, Section 177
Trespassing at Night:
"Every person who, without lawful excuse, loiters or prowls at night on the property of another person near a dwelling-house situated on that property is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to both."