Summary Offences

Summary offences in Ontario are the least serious type of criminal offences under the Criminal Code of Canada.

These offences typically involve minor criminal conduct, such as petty theft, mischief, or causing a disturbance.

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.

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,

Causing disturbances in public by fighting, yelling, swearing, singing, using offensive language, being drunk, or harassing others.
Exposing indecent exhibitions in public.
Loitering and obstructing others in a public place.
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.

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."