A Crown Pre-Trial (CPT) meeting is a private negotiation between your defence lawyer and the Crown prosecutor in Alberta. Its main purpose is to discuss the evidence, explore dropping or reducing charges, or negotiate a potential plea agreement. These meetings typically last 15 to 30 minutes and are held out of court, meaning no judge is present.
When you are charged with an indictable offence or a summary conviction in Alberta, your case rarely goes straight to trial. Instead, the Canadian justice system encourages early resolution to save court time and public resources. One of the most important steps in this process is the Crown Pre-Trial meeting, often simply called a CPT. Understanding what happens during this crucial stage can help demystify the criminal defence process in Edmonton.
A CPT is not a formal hearing where you testify or where a judge makes a final ruling. Rather, it is a focused, professional discussion between the opposing lawyers. During this meeting, your defence lawyer will point out flaws in the police investigation and advocate strongly for your best interests. This is often the exact moment where weak cases are entirely dismantled and charges are ultimately withdrawn.
Step-by-Step Process for a Crown Pre-Trial in Edmonton
The CPT is a strategic event that requires careful preparation. Your lawyer will never walk into this meeting blindly. Whether you are dealing with a standard impaired driving charge or a more complex assault allegation, the process generally follows these structured steps.
Step 1: Receiving and Reviewing Disclosure
Before a CPT can be scheduled, your lawyer must receive and review your complete disclosure file from the Edmonton Police Service. This includes police notes, breathalyzer results, CCTV video, and witness statements. Your lawyer will analyze this package to identify violations of your Charter rights or missing pieces of evidence.
Step 2: Scheduling the CPT
Once the evidence is reviewed, your lawyer will formally request a meeting with the assigned Crown prosecutor. In Edmonton, these meetings are frequently conducted over the telephone or via video conference, though some complex cases may require an in-person meeting at the Crown’s office near the Edmonton Law Courts.
Step 3: The Negotiation Meeting
During the CPT, your lawyer and the Crown will have a frank discussion about the reality of the case. Your lawyer may propose alternatives to a criminal trial, such as a Section 810 peace bond, admission into the Alternative Measures Program (AMP), or pleading guilty to a lesser traffic offence under the Traffic Safety Act instead of a Criminal Code conviction.
How Much Does it Cost in Edmonton?
You do not pay a direct government or court fee to have a Crown Pre-Trial meeting. However, preparing for and conducting the CPT is a significant part of your defence lawyer’s workload. Most criminal law firms in Edmonton use a block fee structure rather than hourly billing, meaning you pay a flat rate for specific stages of your defence.
| Legal Service Phase | Estimated Lawyer Fee (CAD) | What is Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Retainer & Review | $1,500 – $3,500 | Reviewing initial police disclosure and attending first docket court appearances. |
| Pre-Trial Resolution Phase | $1,000 – $3,000 | Preparing strategy, conducting the CPT with the Crown, and negotiating plea deals. |
| Proceeding to Full Trial | $3,000 – $10,000+ | If the CPT fails to resolve the case, this covers trial preparation and court days. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The actual CPT meeting is usually quite brief, typically lasting only 15 to 30 minutes. Experienced lawyers on both sides know the law well and can quickly get to the heart of the legal issues. However, reaching the stage where a CPT can actually occur takes time.
Generally, a CPT happens about 6 to 12 weeks after your very first court appearance in Edmonton. This delay exists because it takes time for the police to process and securely deliver the disclosure package to the Crown’s office, who then forwards it to your defence counsel. If the case is complex, multiple CPT meetings may be required over several months to finalize an agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to attend the Crown pre-trial meeting?
No, you generally do not attend the CPT. It is a private, confidential negotiation strictly between the Crown prosecutor and your defence lawyer. This ensures that legal arguments can be discussed openly without you accidentally saying something that could harm your case.
Can the Crown use what my lawyer says at the CPT against me at trial?
No. Crown pre-trial meetings are conducted on a “without prejudice” basis. This means that any settlement offers or admissions made by your lawyer during negotiations cannot be introduced as evidence of guilt if your case eventually goes to trial.
What happens if my lawyer and the Crown cannot agree during the CPT?
If an early resolution cannot be reached, the next step is usually to schedule a trial date at the Edmonton Law Courts. Sometimes, a judge may be asked to intervene in a Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) meeting to help break the deadlock before trial.
Does the Crown prosecutor have to drop my charges if my lawyer asks?
No. The Crown has the ultimate authority to decide whether to proceed with charges. They evaluate cases based on two main criteria: whether there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction, and whether prosecuting the case is in the public interest.
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