Professional Traffic Ticket Representation:

Question: What should I do right away if I’m facing a major traffic charge in Ontario and my licence and insurance could be affected?

Answer: If you’re facing a major traffic charge in Ontario, the next step is to request a prompt, thorough review of the disclosure so a paralegal at Defend-it Legal Services can assess potential penalties like demerit points, licence suspension risk, and higher insurance premiums, then map out evidence-based defence steps such as questioning witnesses, challenging paperwork issues, and building clear court submissions.  Acting early helps preserve time-sensitive options and reduces the chance of avoidable mistakes that can worsen outcomes, especially if you have prior convictions or demerits piling up.  For a practical defence intake in Ontario, call (289) 275-3513 to discuss your situation and next best action.

Providing Strategic Defence Advocacy

A major offence, especially when combined with minor infractions or other major charges, can lead to steep increases in insurance rates and, when accompanied by prior convictions or multiple infractions, the possibility of licence suspension due to demerit points as well as large fines. It is important to have a professional review of the potential consequences as well as the case specific facts and the applicable defence theory options, upon receiving a charge for any major driving offence.

Protecting Against Significant Consequences

Generally, upon conviction for a major traffic offence, a driver is subjected to significant fines and surcharges as well as the likelihood of significantly increased insurance rates for three years.  Depending upon the prior conviction history for the driver, there is also a potential for a licence suspension, among other consequences.

Factors Tending to Aggravate Penalties

The affects of conviction for a major driving offence can be significantly further aggravated:

• When a driver was previously convicted within the past three years on another charge;
• When a driver is on the cusp of having accumulated too many demerit points and this latest major charge now puts the driver at risk of a licence suspension, among other penalties; and
• When a driver is required to maintain a good driving record as a condition of employment.

Conclusion

Traffic tickets of the major charges type pose serious consequences involving substantial fines plus victim surcharges as well as demerit points that may be the straw that breaks the camel's back resulting in a license suspension.  Additionally, a major charge may result in substantially increased insurance rates including the potential for loss of access to standard insurance market and substitute placement into the highly priced Facility Association.

Accordingly, when charged with a major traffic ticket offence, hiring a professional who knows how to question witnesses, especially which questions to ask and which questions to avoid, and who knows the law, knows the paperwork processes and courtroom procedures, and knows how to make judicially persuasive arguments on the applicable legal principles, is highly important.