What happens if i fight a stunt driving ticket and lose?
Introduction
Dealing with a stunt driving ticket in Ontario can feel overwhelming. Stunt driving isn't just about performing risky maneuvers; it's any action that greatly differs from how we should normally drive on our roads. This can include driving much faster than the speed limit allows. Ontario's laws are strict, and the penalties? They're tough. If you're facing such a ticket, knowing what's at stake is crucial.
Please read our article "How to fight a stunt driving ticket in Ontario" if you are facing such charges.
Losing a fight against a stunt driving ticket can lead to hefty fines, driving licence suspensions, and even jail time. But here's a ray of hope: having a seasoned expert like TTAS by your side can significantly boost your chances of a favorable outcome. With over 20 years of experience fighting stunt driving tickets, TTAS knows how to navigate the complexities of traffic law, turning daunting challenges into manageable hurdles. Let's dive deeper into what stunt driving entails and what happens if you decide to contest your ticket and lose.
Understanding Stunt Driving in Ontario
Stunt driving in Ontario isn't just about pulling off daring stunts on the highway. It's about actions that stray far from how we're expected to drive safely and responsibly. Ontario's laws define stunt driving broadly, encompassing a wide range of behaviors that pose significant risks to public safety.
At its core, stunt driving includes speeding more than 50km/h over the limit, but it's much more than that. It covers actions like racing, doing doughnuts, or even driving in a way that prevents other cars from passing safely. These actions aren't just dangerous; they're against the law as outlined in section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.
Why is this important? Because Ontario takes road safety seriously. The laws are designed to discourage reckless behavior and ensure that everyone on the road can get to their destinations without unnecessary risks. If you're caught stunt driving, you're immediately facing severe penalties. These aren't just fines; we're talking about license suspensions, vehicle impoundment, and potentially even jail time.
But here's where understanding the law and its implications become vital. Knowing what constitutes stunt driving can help you make better choices on the road. And if you find yourself facing a stunt driving charge, it underscores the importance of having knowledgeable support by your side. With expertise in Ontario's traffic laws, a team like TTAS can guide you through the legal maze, helping to mitigate the consequences and work towards a more favorable outcome.
Remember, stunt driving isn't a minor infraction. It's a serious charge with significant consequences. Understanding what it entails is the first step in navigating the challenges it presents.
Consequences of Losing a Stunt Driving Case
If you contest a stunt driving ticket in Ontario and lose, the consequences are severe and far-reaching. These penalties are designed not just as punishment but as deterrents to prevent dangerous driving behaviors. Here's what you could be facing:
- Fines and Demerit Points: Fines for a first offence range from $2,000 to $10,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge. Additionally, you'll receive six demerit points on your driving record.
- License Suspension: Immediately upon being charged, you'll face a 30-day roadside license suspension. If convicted, the suspension can extend from 1 to 3 years for a first offence, and even up to a lifetime suspension for subsequent offences.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle will be impounded for 14 days right from the roadside, regardless of whether it's your first or a subsequent offence.
- Jail Time: There's a possibility of jail time up to six months, highlighting the seriousness with which Ontario treats stunt driving.
- Insurance Impact: Conviction means a significant increase in insurance premiums. Being labeled a high-risk driver, you might have to turn to insurers that specialize in high-risk coverage, costing you potentially 300% more than standard rates.
These consequences underscore the importance of not only understanding what constitutes stunt driving but also the critical need for experienced legal representation if you choose to contest a stunt driving charge. With stakes this high, you don't want your fate to be left to chance. Reach out to us so that we can help you win your stunt driving charge.
Conclusion
When faced with a stunt driving charge, the stakes are high and the consequences serious. But before you consider pleading guilty, remember that you have options. At TTAS, founded by Bob Kutlesa, a former Provincial Prosecutor, we believe that effective representation is key to navigating these challenging situations. Kutlesa's experience has taught us that admitting guilt isn't always the wisest path, especially when it can lead to steep fines, demerit points, and even a suspension of your driver's licence.
Since our inception in 2002, we've dedicated ourselves to providing not just representation, but aggressive and high-quality advocacy for every client. Our approach is straightforward: during your free initial consultation, we assess your case thoroughly and offer an all-inclusive block fee for our services. This means no hidden costs—just transparent, effective legal support designed to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Fighting a stunt driving ticket with TTAS by your side means leveraging decades of traffic court experience to your advantage. We understand the intricacies of the Highway Traffic Act and how to navigate the legal system to our clients' benefit. Let us take the weight off your shoulders and guide you through this process, aiming not only to mitigate the immediate penalties but also to protect your future driving privileges and insurance rates. With TTAS, you're not just getting a legal representative; you're gaining a partner committed to fighting for your rights on the road.