Appearance by Counsel

Another important distinction between summary and indictable offences is that an accused does not have to appear in person in a summary case. He or she may appear through a lawyer or an agent to set a date for the trial, to enter a plea, and for the trial itself. However, the provincial court judge may require the accused to appear in person. In the case of indictable offences, the accused must appear in person, unless he or she signs a designation of counsel allowing counsel to appear on behalf of the accused.