What does disclosure mean in Canadian Criminal Law?

At your first appearance, the Crown will confirm whether or not your disclosure is available. Disclosure is the information in the possession of the Crown that may be relied upon in the prosecution. This allows you to know the case against you and to assist you in deciding whether you would like to resolve your matter or go to trial.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you have the right to receive your “disclosure.” The right to disclosure is founded in the right to give you a full answer and defense.

Learn About The Case Against You

The Crown must disclose all materials and information that is in its possession or control that is not clearly relevant, regardless of if the evidence that is to be called at trial or is inculpatory (showing guilt) or exculpatory (showing no guilt).

The Crown must disclose all materials and information that is in its possession or control that is not clearly relevant, regardless of if the evidence that is to be called at trial or is inculpatory – showing guilt – or exculpatory – showing no guilt.

Access the Information – Get a Disclosure Package

To obtain a disclosure package, a request must be made to the Crown’s office of the courthouse where your matter is being heard. The package usually includes the charge sheet, police notes, witness statements, and other information gathered by police during their investigation.

You got it! Now it’s our turn to help

Once in possession of your disclosure it is advisable to contact a lawyer who will review the entirety of it. Once the disclosure review is complete, the lawyer would request any missing disclosure, if any. The natural next step would be a meeting with the client to discuss the disclosure followed by a meeting with Crown on the matter.