If you are charged with a crime in Ontario, your release paperwork (such as a Form 10 or Undertaking) will give you a strict mandatory date to visit a Toronto Police station for fingerprinting and photographs. Failing to attend this appointment is a separate criminal offence that can result in an immediate warrant for your arrest.
Being released from police custody after a stressful arrest is a massive relief, but the legal process is just beginning. Before you ever step foot inside a Toronto courtroom, you are legally required to complete the administrative booking process. For many individuals facing an indictable offence or a hybrid offence in Canada, this strictly means submitting to police fingerprinting and having your mugshot taken.
Many people mistakenly assume that because they have not been proven guilty yet, they do not have to provide their fingerprints. 🚫 Unfortunately, under Canada’s Identification of Criminals Act, the police possess the absolute legal authority to demand this identifying information. If you are frightened or confused about your upcoming criminal charges, we strongly recommend using our directory to find a skilled local defence lawyer to guide you.
Step-by-Step Process for Your Fingerprinting Appointment in Toronto
Attending your police appointment can feel intimidating, but knowing exactly what to expect can help ease your severe anxiety. Here is the standard procedure when you arrive at a Toronto Police Service division.
Step 1: Reviewing Your Release Documents
Before leaving custody, the police or the court provided you with an official release document, usually an “Undertaking” or a “Release Order” (formerly known as a Promise to Appear). 📝 Look closely at this paperwork. It will explicitly list the exact date, the specific time window (e.g., between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM), and the exact police division address in Toronto where you must physically present yourself.
Step 2: Arriving at the Toronto Police Division
On the scheduled date, go to the front desk of the specified police station (such as 14 Division or 52 Division). You must bring your original release paperwork and a valid piece of government-issued photo ID, such as your Ontario Driver’s Licence or Canadian Passport. Tell the front desk officer that you are there strictly to comply with your fingerprinting conditions.
Step 3: The Identification Procedures
You will be taken to a secure processing room. 📷 Under the Identification of Criminals Act, the booking officer will digitally scan your fingerprints using an electronic machine. They will also take official front and profile photographs (your mugshots) and note any highly visible identifying marks, such as large tattoos or distinct scars. You will not be interrogated about your specific criminal charges during this brief administrative process.
Step 4: Leaving and Preparing for Court
Once the digital prints and photos are fully processed, the officer will sign or stamp your release paperwork as official proof of your attendance. Keep this stamped document safe. You are then free to leave the police station. Your next crucial step is ensuring your defence lawyer is fully prepared for your highly important first appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice.
How Much Does a Criminal Defence Lawyer Cost in Toronto?
Hiring a lawyer as early as possible—even before your fingerprinting date—is the best way to protect your legal future. 💵 Criminal lawyers in Ontario generally operate using flat “block fees” rather than hourly billing for standard criminal charges.
| Initial Legal Strategy Consultation | $0 (Typically Free) |
| Reviewing Bail & Release Conditions | Included in the initial retainer |
| Defending a Summary Conviction (e.g., Shoplifting) | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
| Defending an Indictable Offence (e.g., Aggravated Assault) | $7,500 – $20,000+ |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The actual fingerprinting appointment at the Toronto police station is usually quite fast, taking only about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how busy the specific division is that day. ⏳ However, the overarching criminal court process will typically take between 6 to 18 months to reach a final resolution or trial at a Toronto courthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly happens if I miss my fingerprinting date in Toronto?
Failing to attend your scheduled fingerprinting appointment without a valid, legally recognized emergency is a completely separate criminal offence called “Failure to Comply.” The police will immediately issue a warrant for your arrest, and you could face new charges and potentially be held in jail for a strict bail hearing.
Can I bring my defence lawyer with me to the police station?
While you technically can, it is highly uncommon and usually unnecessary. The fingerprinting process is strictly administrative, and the police are generally not permitted to question you about your pending criminal charges during this brief appointment. Your lawyer’s time is better spent aggressively preparing your defence strategy.
Will the police keep my fingerprints forever if my charges are dropped?
If your charges are ultimately withdrawn by the Crown, or if you are completely acquitted at trial, you or your lawyer can formally apply to the Toronto Police Service to have your fingerprints and photographs permanently destroyed. This highly important process ensures your record stays totally clean.
Can I refuse to give my fingerprints because I am innocent?
No. Under the Identification of Criminals Act, the police have strict legal authority to take your fingerprints if you are charged with a hybrid or indictable offence. Refusing to cooperate or physically resisting the booking officer can result in additional serious criminal charges for obstructing police.
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