COVID-19 Criminal Adult

UPDATED  JANUARY 5, 2021

As per the Provincial Court response to Recent COVID-19 Restrictions (December 2020): 

  • Edmonton and Calgary low complexity out-of-custody trials (non-domestic violence) scheduled between December 14, 2020 and January 29, 2021 will be adjourned.  There will be no presumptive adjournments — a new trial date will be set on the currently scheduled trial date.  Counsel will obtain new dates before speaking to the matter; and self-represented individuals can appear in person and call the CMO for new dates. 
  • Regional Courts will continue to conduct bail hearings, dispositions (both in and out-of-custody), trials (including domestic violence) and preliminary hearings subject to adjournment applications by counsel.
  • Docket Courts at all court locations will be held virtually.  Personal attendance will only be allowed with leave of the Court.  

For information regarding resumption dates in specific regional courts, please refer to the Practice Notes associated with those court locations.

Existing Covid-19 Procedures: 

All matters currently proceeding remotely will continue to proceed remotely.

Remote Dockets: Case Management Offices (CMO's) reopened remotely on July 6, 2020. No in-person attendance is permitted at most base and circuit locations unless there is prior approval of the Court or the specific Regional Protocol allows it. Counsel and out of custody self-represented litigants must continue to appear remotely for docket appearances at court locations with CMOs and those without CMOs in accordance with the Case Management Office (CMO) and Out of Custody Docket Court Resumption Protocol.

Judicial authorization applications: The Court will continue to hear judicial authorization applications either through the Hearing Office, by attending in Provincial Court Judges’ Chambers at a base location or in Edmonton through the Edmonton Digital Judicial Authorization Rule and Protocol.

Criminal Fines (Adult & Youth): Applications for extension of time to pay for payment on criminal fines will be accepted by the Provincial Court via mail, email, fax or telephone.

Criminal Fine Extension Process

For further information regarding specific court locations, their protocols and practices, see the following links:

Practice Notes

Provincial Court Pandemic Plan - COVID19

Announcements