Here is my Newmarket OCJ update for April 16, 2020.  

In Custody Matters

While in custody matters are being dealt with in a largely efficient and smooth manner, issues have arisen on exceptionally heavy or unusual days.   Issues have arisen particularly with respect to dealing with new arrests particularly where matters are complex or are "project" matters.   Delays and inefficiencies arise as occasionally files are not being delivered to the vetting crowns early and in a timely fashion, as vetting crowns need to provide positions on release as early as possible. 

In addition, some police districts have been unable to facilitate addressing more than one person at a time in court, and therefore, more than one courtroom at a time, given the lack of audio facilities.  The result is a delay and inefficiency of addressing  new arrests in court.

Court time for new arrests remains as valuable and limited as that given to Central East Corrections matters.  Police districts will therefore attempt to add additional audio capability to more timely and efficiently address new arrests in court and in particular,  facilitate calling into more that one courtroom at a time.   The goal is and has been to deal with as many people in custody as quickly as possible 

Bail Vettors

To deal with the additional and fluctuating volume of new arrests and more complex or serious matters, their will be two bail vettors going forward.  Files will be divided between both vettors.  They are:

LeeAnne McCallum:  

LeeAnne.mccallum@ontario.ca

Elissa Kuipers: 

Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Surety Declarations

The use of surety Declarations can be dispensed with where the crown consents or the jurist has made inquiries of the surety.  While the requirement of a declaration remains flexible,  there is consideration of removing this requirement entirely and on a universal basis.  A position on this issue is anticipated shortly. 

Missed Fingerprint Dates

Fingerprint dates which had been set to be taken at the Newmarket courthouse on or prior to a first appearance are not being taken by police at this time.  York Regional Police have advised that there will be no warrants for failing to attend any fingerprint date that was scheduled to be taken at the courthouse.  The manner of taking fingerprints for those matters will be addressed later.  

Fingerprints For New Matters

The taking of fingerprints for new matters are now scheduled to be taken at a police station and so indicated on the promise to appear.

Sincerely, 

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association