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*****NEW*****
Starting August 3rd, 2010 we will be open during the lunch hour (8:00 to 16:00).
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
PROVINCIAL OFFENCES OFFICE
Provincial Offences Office
The United Counties of Prescott and Russell are responsible for collecting all fines issued on their territory by the different governments of Ontario.
The Provincial Offences Office also collects most certificates of offence issued by the Ontario Provincial Police and some municipal tickets.
The amounts collected are used to pay administration expenses, judges and prosecutor fees, as well as victims’ fine surcharges paid to the government of Ontario. The difference is distributed among the eight municipalities of Prescott and Russell.
What is a provincial offence?
A provincial offence is a failure to follow certain provincial or municipal laws and by-laws under the Provincial Offences Act.
Most provincial offences are settled with the payment of a fine. Provincial offences are not under the control of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Examples of laws and by-laws under provincial offences
- Highway Traffic Act - such as higher speeds, careless driving or failing to wear seatbelt.
- Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act- such as failing to surrender an insurance card, or being in possession of a counterfeit or invalid insurance card.
- Liquor License Act - such as being intoxicated in a public place, or selling alcohol to a minor.
- Trespass to Property Act - such as entering premises when entry is prohibited or failing to leave the premises after being directed to do so.
- Municipal by-laws - such as infractions under the parking or noise by-law in one of the eight municipalities of Prescott and Russell.
Who can issue a certificate of offence?
Several organizations are in charge of the administration of the laws on the United Counties of Prescott and Russell territory. These organizations have the power to issue fines under the Provincial Offences Act:
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Municipal Law Enforcement Officers
- Ministry of Transportation
- Ministry of the Environment
- Ministry of Labour
- Ministry of Natural Resources
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board