Experienced Lawyers and Paralegals for Traffic Tickets – Scarborough, ON

If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket in Scarborough, Ontario, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do.

OTD Legal is here to help you navigate the complexities of traffic law and defend your rights. With extensive experience in defending traffic tickets and filing appeals, our legal team is dedicated to providing support and resources, and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

We understand the importance of addressing traffic tickets promptly and effectively. Our team of qualified legal professionals is committed to offering personalized and knowledgeable guidance, ensuring that you don’t have to face the legal system alone.

We offer a free initial case review, so if you’re facing a traffic violation, don’t hesitate to reach out for a no-cost consultation.

Understanding Traffic Tickets in Scarborough

Traffic violations in Scarborough can have serious consequences, ranging from fines to demerit points that could impact your driving record and insurance rates.

Common traffic violations in Scarborough include careless driving, speeding, and distracted driving. Each of these offences carries specific penalties, and without proper legal representation, you could face significant repercussions.

Even one ticket can have extremely negative effects on a person’s driving record. When you consult with one of our legal professionals at OTD Legal, we will be clear in telling you that you must defend your rights. We can help.

Your driving record is a permanent recount of charges and tickets that have been issued against you. If there’s a way to avoid a conviction, we will find it. Do not let a traffic ticket follow you around in perpetuity when it could have been avoided with the right Scarborough traffic ticket lawyer or paralegal at your side. There is no reason to sacrifice demerit points or to pay a traffic ticket fine without challenging the charge against you.

Benefits Of Hiring OTD Legal

• Experience In Traffic Law: Our team has defended tens of thousands of clients and understands the intricacies of traffic regulations in Scarborough.
• Effective Defence Strategies: Be provided with a customized defence approach based on the specific details of your case.
• Save Time And Risk: Our legal team will handle all legal procedures relating to your traffic ticket. Focus on your daily responsibilities in everyday life while we handle the heavy lifting pertaining to court appearances and dealing with legal stakeholders.

Common Traffic Violations

Careless Driving

This charge can arise from a variety of driving behaviors deemed unsafe or negligent. Actions classified under careless driving include making unsafe lane changes and failing to yield.

Careless driving can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines of up to $2,000, 6 demerit points added to your license, license suspension, and even jail time. Mitigate these consequences by speaking to an experienced traffic ticket paralegal in Scarborough.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit is one of the most common traffic offences in Scarborough. Depending on the severity, a speeding ticket can result in hefty fines up to $10,000 in extreme cases and demerit points added to your driving record.

Even a few kilometres over the speed limit is a traffic violation that can result in a ticket and a permanent mark on your record if you opt not to fight your ticket.

Distracted Driving

With the rise of mobile device usage while driving, distracted driving has become a significant concern. Ontario law prohibits texting or holding a smartphone while driving and, if caught, the consequences are serious.

A distracted driving offence can result in a fine of up to $1,000, multiple demerit points added to your license, and a mandatory license suspension. It will also dramatically affect your insurance rates.

More Common Traffic Offences

• Stunt Driving: When speed reaches an excessive level, instead of speeding, you may be charged with stunt driving, which carries more serious repercussions.
• Driving Without Insurance: If you have skipped paying your insurance premiums and do not have an active insurance policy while driving, if caught, the fines and legal troubles are significant.
• Driving With A Suspended License: If you drive with a suspended license for unpaid fines or whatever the circumstances may be, you may be faced with heavy fines, an additional mandatory driving suspension, and the possibility of jail time.
• Failure To Surrender Documents: This occurs frequently when a driver refuses or is unable to provide their driver’s license, insurance card, or other documents law enforcement may request during a routine stop.
• School Bus Violations: A driver who does not stop for a school bus when required is a serious offence due to the increased risk it poses to children. There is a significant fine, insurance rate increase and demerit points upon conviction.
• Seatbelt Violations: Failing to wear a seatbelt is a common offence issued when law enforcement runs blitzes in spring and fall across the province. The driver may even be issued a ticket for passengers that are not buckled up.

Demerit Points and Insurance Rates

Demerit points are added to your driving record when you are convicted of certain traffic offences. These points indicate to third-parties that you may be engaging in unsafe driving behaviour. Accumulating too many points can result in penalties such as license suspension. Even a few demerit points can be significant.

Additionally, insurance companies will increase your premiums based on your driving record, which could lead to higher costs over time. You may be deemed a high-risk driver, resulting in you potentially having to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars more every year. In extreme cases, an insurer may refuse to renew your policy.

Understanding the impact of demerit points and how to mitigate them is crucial for maintaining a clean driving record.

How demerit points work is simple. Each traffic offence carries its own penalty.

• 2 points: You will receive 2 demerit points for a conviction of a minor charge, such as an improper turn or failing to obey traffic signs.
• 3 points: You will receive 3 points for offences such as exceeding the speed limit by 16-29 km/hour or for disobeying a stop sign.
• 6 points: You will receive 6 points for serious violations, such as careless driving, stunt driving, or failing to stop for a school bus.

Demerit points are removed from a person’s driving record two years after the conviction date. However, if a driver accumulates 9-14 points within a 2 year period, they are issued a written warning to improve their driving behavior and are usually commanded to attend an interview at the Ministry of Transportation. If you are a new driver, accumulating 9 or more demerit points will result in a license suspension. After an experienced driver reaches 15 points or more, it results in an immediate 30-day license suspension. If demerit points increase from there, you will be subject to a longer suspension, and could be required to complete mandatory re-testing for your driver’s license.

For all these reasons, we strongly advise anyone charged with a traffic ticket in Scarborough to contact a paralegal and fight the charge.

The Role of Scarborough Traffic Courts

Navigating the legal system in Scarborough can be challenging, especially when dealing with traffic violations.

When you fight a speeding ticket or another type of traffic ticket, most of these cases are issued under the Highway Traffic Act. Thousands of traffic ticket cases are processed in local courts each year. The court proceedings are often complex. A trial can involve presenting direct evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments. As tempting as it can seem to pay the fine and avoid this process, we do not recommend this. Consult with an OTD Legal paralegal first. Paying a ticket may result in demerit points and long-term financial consequences that you don’t want attached to your name.

Don’t let the police or the courts intimidate you. Having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At OTD Legal, our team is well-versed in the procedures and practices of Scarborough’s traffic courts, ensuring that your case is handled with tact and precision.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, here is where the traffic ticket paralegals at OTD Legal can help.

• Negotiate reduced penalties.
• Seek a dismissal of charges.
• Mount a full defence at trial.
• Protect your driving record and insurance rates.

There may be issues with your traffic ticket you are not aware of. There may have been errors in evidence or a rights violation that could be grounds for dismissal.

Every Ontario resident has a legal right to fight a traffic ticket. A consultation with a paralegal at OTD Legal is free and without obligation. Take full advantage of the opportunity to speak to a legal representative who has worked on cases not dissimilar to yours.

We are committed to helping our clients understand local court schedules, legal precedents, and explore what the best defence is to move forward.

Lawyer vs. Paralegal: What’s the Difference?

When facing a traffic ticket, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to hire a lawyer or a paralegal. Understanding the roles of each can help you make an informed choice, potentially saving time, money, and conviction.

The Roles of Lawyers and Paralegals

Lawyers are licensed professionals who can represent clients in a wide range of legal matters, including criminal, civil, and traffic law. They have broad and extensive training. Most lawyers do not have a deep understanding of traffic ticket procedural complexities or how to employ specific legal strategies to overcome charges.

Paralegals, on the other hand, are also licensed professionals but specialize in specific areas, such as traffic ticket defense. In Ontario, paralegals are authorized to represent clients in traffic court, providing a strong defense at a lower cost than lawyers. Paralegals are often seen providing legal representation in small claims court, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic ticket defenses. They are fully trained and licensed through the Law Society of Ontario, equipped with the knowledge you need to ensure you are receiving the best defense possible.

Benefits of Using a Paralegal

One of the primary advantages of hiring a paralegal to fight a traffic ticket is cost-effectiveness. Paralegals in Scarborough often have specialized experience in traffic law, which allows them to provide focused and knowledgeable representation. Additionally, because they charge lower fees than lawyers, paralegals offer an affordable option for those looking to defend against traffic violations without compromising on quality.

That said, this affordability does not come at the expense of quality of service. In most cases, paralegals demonstrate better results than a lawyer, in large part due to their specialization.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that paralegals are less capable than lawyers when it comes to defending traffic tickets. However, in Scarborough, paralegals are highly trained and experienced in handling these types of cases.

A paralegal is fully equipped to manage your defense, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome. They can navigate complex court processes and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, not dissimilar to a lawyer.

In addition, many clients find paralegals to be more accessible and responsive than the average traffic ticket lawyer.

For traffic violations, hiring a paralegal to fight a simple traffic ticket is cost-effective and practical. Rest assured that this is how you can protect your driving record.

Why You Never Want To Ignore A Traffic Ticket

Traffic tickets do not go away on their own. Ignoring a traffic ticket will result in several severe repercussions.

• Accumulating demerit points could contribute to a suspension of your driver’s license.
• A conviction will go on your driving record, potentially causing insurance premiums to skyrocket.
• Failure to pay a fine tied to a traffic ticket could lead to a license suspension, additional fees, and collections activity, affecting your credit score.

Consult OTD Legal to have your ticket reviewed and challenged. There is no ignoring a ticket.

We have even helped individuals who have been convicted of a traffic offence launch an appeal to challenge the conviction or reduce the penalties involved. The grounds for appeal are often tied to errors in the evidence or procedural errors – two areas that our legal team can assist in identifying for you.

Our Approach to Traffic Ticket Defense

At OTD Legal, we take a comprehensive approach to defending traffic tickets. There is no better legal team in Scarborough providing legal guidance on how to fight a traffic ticket than our paralegals. From the moment you contact us, we will work diligently to ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care and attention.

After we evaluate your case, we can advise on what’s possible with regard to reducing fines, eliminating demerit points, or having charges dismissed.

1. Initial Consultation

We begin with a free consultation, where we assess the specifics of your case. During this discussion, you can share your concerns while we evaluate the charges. Let us evaluate potential defense strategies and provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect with how your Scarborough traffic ticket case will proceed.

2. Responding To Tickets

We handle all communications with the court and prosecution, ensuring that your ticket is addressed in a timely and effective manner. Ensuring a timely response to a traffic violation is crucial to minimizing risk. Our traffic ticket paralegals in Scarborough will ensure deadlines are met and that paperwork is completed accurately.

3. Reviewing Evidence

Our team carefully reviews the evidence against you, identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be used to your advantage. A meticulous analysis of the evidence is required when building a defence, including police reports, radar readings, and witness statements. There may be inconsistencies, errors, or procedural violations that could help get your charges reduced or dismissed.

4. Attending Court

If your case goes to trial, our paralegals will represent you in court, presenting a strong defense on your behalf. You won’t need to attend court and navigate the legal system all alone. We will be ready to present the most compelling argument on your behalf, challenge evidence when appropriate, and be assertive in navigating the legal proceedings ahead.

5. Achieving the Best Outcome

Our goal is to reduce or eliminate fines, demerit points, and other penalties associated with your traffic ticket. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. Hiring a traffic ticket lawyer or paralegal in Scarborough with OTD Legal will ensure consequences of such a charge are minimized or eliminated altogether.

Commitment to Integrity and Client Service

At OTD Legal, our values of experience, integrity, and attention to client needs are at the core of everything we do. We believe in providing honest and transparent legal services, ensuring that you are fully informed and confident in your defense. Our advice is straightforward and our representation diligent. Safeguard your driving record.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you’re facing a traffic ticket in Scarborough, don’t wait. Contact OTD Legal today for a free consultation. We make it easy for you to get the help you need, offering multiple ways to reach us, including email and text.

How to Contact Us

Text a picture of your ticket or summons to (226) 240-2480 for a fast and free evaluation, or click the button below to schedule a consultation. Our transparent pricing with a block-fee system ensures that you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.

Fight A Scarborough Traffic Ticket

Traffic Ticket Resources

To further assist you, we offer a range of resources that provide additional information and guidance: