Traffic Ticket Lawyer Toronto
Receiving a careless driving charge or speeding ticket in Toronto is not insignificant. It can lead to a conviction under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, which adds a mark on your permanent driving record.
A conviction for a traffic ticket might mean a number of demerit points on your driving record as well, impacting your insurance rates and driver’s license status. Understanding your legal options for what to do with a traffic ticket charge is crucial. Many people are unsure how to proceed when faced with these charges, but we can help.
OTD Legal offers a free consultation for any traffic ticket case to discuss the details and help you make an informed decision on how to move forward.
With decades of experience in traffic ticket legal work, our team is equipped to support you in successfully challenging your ticket. Having skilled legal representation can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Fight A Traffic Ticket In Toronto
We recommend always fighting any traffic ticket you receive, the consultation at OTD Legal is free and carries with it no obligation to hire. Paying the fine for a traffic ticket in Toronto and accepting it as a part of your driving record without fighting it could be a mistake. The same can be said for ignoring a ticket. It is your legal right to challenge a ticket, and in most cases, we recommend you do.
When you fight a traffic ticket with OTD Legal, here is what’s possible if you successfully dispute a charge.
- Receive fewer or no demerit points.
- Reduce the fine you pay or eliminate it altogether.
- Protect your license from a potential suspension.
- Prevent your car insurance premiums from rising.
- Maintain a clean driving record.
- Potentially dismiss your ticket altogether.
Driving in Toronto
Driving in Toronto, Ontario, presents unique challenges. There are traffic tickets issued every day in Toronto that require legal assistance to resolve. The city is bustling with traffic, pedestrians, and stakeholders whose responsibility is to ensure there is strict enforcement of traffic laws. With so much activity, it’s understandable that police would be issuing numerous tickets daily, ranging from speeding to careless driving and more.
It’s crucial to understand how these tickets can affect your driving record and insurance rates.
If you receive a ticket, seeking assistance from professionals like OTD Legal can be beneficial. Our experienced traffic ticket paralegals provide excellent representation, striving to protect your driving record.
By working with us, you can minimize demerit points and assist in preventing insurance hikes, which can be costly.
Toronto’s traffic courts handle a significant number of cases due to the city’s size and busy nature. Having knowledgeable professionals who understand the court procedures and local traffic laws can make a noticeable difference. Whether you’re dealing with a careless driving charge or a more minor offence, relying on an experienced legal team offers peace of mind and a strong defence against your ticket, potentially saving you from long-term consequences.
Common Traffic Violations In Toronto
Speeding Tickets
There are tens of thousands of speeding tickets issued every year in Toronto. Accompanying these tickets are fines and demerit points that increase based on how much over the limit a vehicle is traveling. A conviction on a speeding ticket can significantly impact your insurance premiums.
It may be a mistake to pay the fine and then move forward assuming there are no further consequences. Speak to a traffic ticket paralegal at OTD Legal first.
The results of accepting a speeding ticket can be long-lasting and impactful, especially if this isn’t your first offence.
Careless Driving
Careless driving is defined as driving without due care or attention to other road users. There are many examples of careless driving, including:
- Driving too fast in conditions that warrant more caution.
- Following the vehicle in front of you too closely.
- Failing to yield to pedestrians.
- Unsafe passing or unsafe lane changes.
Careless driving is a serious charge that can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to $2,000, 6 demerit points added to your driving record, and a possible license suspension. The penalties are worse if you were found to be guilty of careless driving in a construction area or community safety zone.
Stunt Driving and Racing
Stunt driving is a serious traffic offence. There are many ways to define stunt driving, however, it’s viewed legally as driving at excessive speeds.
Typically, stunt driving in Toronto refers to driving 40 km/h or more over the speed limit on a road with a limit of less than 80 km/hour, or driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit on a road with a limit of 80 km/h or more. That said, it can also refer to any instance of street racing, contests, tires squealing or burnouts, driving while performing a stunt, or driving while betting or wagering.
If you are charged with stunt driving, you will receive an automatic 14-day vehicle impoundment, a 30 day license suspension, and a mandatory court appearance. If convicted of stunt driving, you face 6 demerit points, a mandatory minimum license suspension of at least one year, up to a $10,000 fine, and potential jail time, depending on the circumstances.
Failure To Stop
A failure to stop refers to driving through an intersection when the traffic signal is red or failing to stop at a stop sign. This may put you and other motorists at risk, could potentially result in a motor vehicle collision, and can lead to other charges depending on the actions of the driver.
If you are found to be disobeying traffic signals, this can result in a fine of up to $325 and 3 demerit points upon conviction.
Driving Without Insurance
If you are driving a vehicle in Ontario, you are required by law to have valid insurance on your vehicle and to be carrying proof of this insurance while driving.
When you drive without insurance, it’s charged as a violation of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.
Operating a vehicle without valid insurance is considered a serious traffic violation in Toronto. A conviction can result in a fine of $5,000 to $25,000 for a first offence. Your license could also be suspended.
In addition, while driving without insurance, you are personally responsible for any damages incurred if you are in an accident or cause harm to another driver, passenger, or pedestrian while driving.
Consequences Of Traffic Violations In Toronto
Even a single traffic ticket can have a far-reaching impact on your finances, career, and present-day lifestyle.
Here are some reasons to fight a traffic ticket:
- Increased Insurance Premiums: High-risk offences, such as excessive speeding, and/or multiple traffic tickets can cause your insurance premiums double or triple.
- Employment Challenges: Not having a clean driving abstract may hurt your chances of being able to secure certain forms of employment, especially professional and casual driving positions
- Travel Restrictions: Countries, including the United States, sometimes look at your driving record when you’re trying to cross the border and enter. Certain violations may result in a denial of your entry into the US and impose travel restrictions around the world.
- Repeat Violations: One or more traffic tickets start to establish a pattern that can be used to impose stricter punishments for future infractions.
- Interruptions To Daily Living: A temporary license suspension or vehicle impoundment is embarrassing, costly, and inconvenient, requiring you to make alternative arrangements to continue living your life.
- Mandatory Programs: Some serious violations required you to attend a driver education program to be allowed to continue driving.
Have You Received Toronto Speeding Tickets or Other Traffic Violations?
Facing traffic tickets in Toronto can be stressful, especially with charges like speeding, stunt driving, or distracted driving.
These violations can lead to driver’s license suspension and hefty fines. Here is what you should do if you have just received a traffic ticket.
1. Stay Calm And Cooperate
If you are pulled over for speeding, remain calm and respectful. It is only combative if you try to argue with the police officer and it won’t help your case. In fact, trying to argue with law enforcement could make the situation worse. Accept your traffic ticket as politely as you can but do not admit guilt. Do not say anything that could be used against you and only answer the officer’s questions you are legally required to answer.
2. Review Your Traffic Ticket
Carefully analyze your traffic ticket. Take a few minutes to look it over for errors, such as incorrect details about the offence. Certain mistakes on a traffic ticket are grounds to have it quashed. Make note of the charge and speed recorded, the officer’s badge number and signature, and the deadline to respond.
3. Decide How To Respond
- Plead guilty and pay the ticket. This will result in a conviction on your driving record and in all the associated penalties being applied. Strongly consider consulting an OTD Legal traffic ticket paralegal first.
- Request a meeting with the prosecutor to negotiate a reduced fine or lesser charge.
- Fight the ticket in court if you believe you were unfairly charged, see procedural errors, or believe you can successfully contest the ticket.
No matter how you decide to respond, we recommend you consult a traffic ticket paralegal in Toronto first to confirm you’re on the right path.
4. Seek Legal Advice
A legal professional understands the nuances of traffic law. If you aren’t sure where to begin with challenging your traffic ticket, a paralegal can provide a clear path forward. This includes preparing all relevant evidence to support your case and defining what your most likely successful defence should be. Ensure your case is presented professionally by a legal professional who has handled hundreds of cases similar to yours.
5. Receive Your Day In Court
Our paralegals at OTD Legal, licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, will represent you in court. This means you may be able to avoid the hassle of attending court for offenses like careless driving, failing to stop, or driving without a license. By hiring an experienced paralegal, you save valuable time and resources. Let us fight your traffic ticket issues with strategy and dedication.
What To Expect With A Toronto Traffic Ticket Paralegal Consultation At OTD Legal
Every client at OTD Legal starts the process with a free consultation. Consultations are necessary because we need to hear from you. Ask us your questions and tell us your concerns surrounding your traffic ticket case. Advise us on the details as you know them to be. From there, potential strategies can be evaluated.
A thorough review of your case is necessary in building a defence. This includes reviewing the physical document of your ticket as well as the police report. Before this occurs, during a consultation, a paralegal will ask you about the incident, when and where it happened, the violation alleged, and mitigating factors that may be relevant.
Most importantly, during a free consultation, you will get your legal rights explained to you in plain, transparent speech. Our legal team is highly experienced in fighting traffic tickets in Toronto. We’ll explain the charges, potential penalties you may face, and your rights under Ontario law. We spare no detail and want to ensure you are fully informed about what to expect in the weeks ahead.
A traffic ticket legal professional will also analyze potential defences and give you an honest assessment of what’s possible or what isn’t. What defence is best depends on the facts of the case.
Our Toronto traffic ticket paralegals will discuss potential outcomes that are most realistic, including if there’s a likelihood of your charge being dismissed, reduced, or if entering a plea agreement is best. In this, we will also break down costs and fees, providing a full perspective on the financial implications of pursuing a legal challenge.
After your consultation, if you decide to move forward, we’ll outline what next steps to pursue. This often includes filing the paperwork to schedule a court date at the earliest convenience, accumulating evidence for your defence, making a request to disclose evidence from the prosecution, and preparing for a negotiation,early resolution meeting, or trial.
There is no reason to go it alone. Don’t let a Toronto traffic ticket intimidate or overwhelm you. Legal help is here.
Possible Defences: Fight Traffic Tickets in Toronto With Confidence
To effectively fight traffic tickets in Toronto, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation.
A traffic ticket paralegal at OTD Legal will review your case and in doing so, will be able to evaluate several potential defences.
Mistake Of Fact
You have a very strong defence when a police officer makes a mistake about what happened in your situation and issues a ticket that is incorrect and does not fit the facts. Our team can make an argument before or during a trial to prove this error and potentially get the charge withdrawn or dismissed.
Faulty Equipment
A paralegal may look at whether the police officer’s equipment was operating properly or if there could have been a malfunction.
Improper Police Procedure
A police officer is required to follow strict procedures during a traffic stop or when issuing a ticket. If an officer has not followed proper procedure, this can be enough to have a charge withdrawn, especially when a driver’s Charter Rights were infringed upon – intentionally or not.
Incorrect Signage
Let us evaluate the roadway to determine if the road signs were unclear or misleading in some way.
Mechanical Failure
A paralegal can review your vehicle’s condition to determine if there could have been a sudden mechanical issue that caused the traffic violation.
Emergency Situation
A driver may have been operating in an emergency situation, such as rushing someone to the hospital for medical care. This alone is not necessarily the strongest defence, however, can prove a factor in determining if a conviction is warranted.
Medical Condition
In some cases, a medical condition may have caused you to momentarily lose control of your vehicle.
Lack Of Evidence
A paralegal may also suggest the officer does not have sufficient evidence to prove the violation occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence that is collected may not be as strong as the courts require to convict.
Professional traffic ticket paralegals offer guidance and support throughout the process of navigating the Provincial Offences Act (POA) court system. By engaging a specialist, you can optimize your chances of achieving a positive outcome.
Toronto Courthouse Locations
The city of Toronto is home to three Provincial Offences courthouses. Knowing the right location for your court appearance is crucial. Here’s a quick look at where you’ll be going depending on your case’s jurisdiction:
Toronto East
Located at 1530 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1B 3G4
Phone: (416) 338-7320
Toronto South
Located at Old City Hall, 60 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 2M3
Phone: (416) 326-0111
Toronto West
Located at 2700 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M6M 1V1
Phone: (416) 338-7320
Contact Us To Discuss Your Ticket
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Toronto, getting prompt legal assistance is key. Start with a free consultation to explore your options. Send us a text with a photo of your ticket to 226-240-2480, or email it along with your phone number to help@otdlegal.ca. During the consultation, expect clear explanations about potential penalties and available defences, along with a transparent quote for our services.
Upon hiring us, here’s what we offer:
- Immediate response to your ticket, notifying the court of your intention to dispute.
- Thorough review of the evidence against you.
- Strategic meetings with the prosecutor to negotiate charge withdrawals or reductions.
- Representation at all court appearances.
We’ll guide you through each phase of the legal process with professional advice tailored to your situation. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means penalties reduced, charges dismissed, or the most favourable plea deal. Engage our experienced traffic ticket specialists for reliable and effective advocacy throughout Toronto.
Speeding Ticket FAQs
Do Insurance Companies Consider Demerit Points?
Insurance companies do not directly assess demerit points but categorize offences based on their severity into minor, major, and serious categories. These classifications help insurers determine your driving conduct and risk level. While demerit points remain on your record for two years from the offence date, convictions stay for three years, influencing your insurance premiums based on the offence rather than the points.
Can Pleading Guilty Save My Demerit Points?
The court cannot influence demerit points as they are determined by the Ministry of Transportation. Police officers, prosecutors, and justices cannot alter demerit points. Nonetheless, negotiating a plea to a lesser offence can help preserve your demerit points.
What Happens If the Police Officer Does Not Show Up to Court?
The absence of the police officer at your trial does not guarantee a dismissal. The prosecutor may request an adjournment, similar to any defendant needing more time for various reasons.
What Can I Do If I Disagree With the Court's Decision?
If you believe the court’s decision was incorrect, you have the option to appeal. Consulting with a qualified legal representative from OTD Legal can help you understand the grounds for an appeal and the next steps.
