Regional Municipal Court

• 24/7 service, thereby eliminating schedule constraints;
• Payment made in full by credit card;
• Information is kept secure and confidential – you will receive a confirmation number and a receipt to print, as well as an email confirmation of your transaction;
• Direct access to your file on the regional municipal court’s database;
• Late fees avoided (ease of making timely payment);
• Instant update of your personal filer.

The docket call is done at the beginning of the session. All cases entered will be named one by one. It is important that those summoned confirm their presence at the moment when they are called.

The prosecutor presents evidence first. It generally consists of the statement of offence that you received and the offence report.

Once the prosecution’s case has been heard, you will then be able to present your case, testify as to the facts relating to the offence and present your witnesses, if any. You will also be allowed to produce documents or any other material to support your defence. If applicable, you must provide three copies of these documents for the judge, the prosecutor and yourself. The prosecutor may, thereafter, cross-examine you and your witnesses.

Once both sides have presented all evidence, the judge will hear conclusions from both parties and then render a decision.

The judge may deliver his or her judgment from the bench (a judgement delivered orally) or will adjourn for deliberation (a judgement delivered in writing). He or she will then schedule a judgment date. In either case, you will receive a notice of judgment by mail. If you are found guilty, additional fees will appear on the notice of judgment, as specified in the Tariff of court costs in penal matters.

Dress code: You are to be decently and respectably dressed when you present yourself in court. As an example, it is forbidden to wear a t-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, a hat or a cap. Behavior: You must always:  

• rise when you are addressing anyone in court and address them in a respectful tone (using the vous form in French);
• use the phrase “Your Honour” (or “Monsieur le juge” or “Madame la juge” in French) when addressing the court.

  Possibility of expulsion: Any person who commits one of the following acts may be subject to expulsion from the courtroom:

• consuming food or beverages;
• speaking, reading or writing;
• adopting a relaxed posture;
• showing disrespect.

  Prohibited devices: Cameras, recording devices, and cell phones that are turned on are not allowed in the courtroom. Recommendation: It is strongly advised not to attend a court session with a child under 12 years of age.