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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Stunt driving and racing is an extremely serious offense that could have lasting repercussions for both your license and car insurance rates. A fine of up to $10,000 could result, while it’s likely that premiums will skyrocket.
If you have been charged, it is essential that you understand how best to defend against it and what defenses may be available to you. This article will assist with effectively navigating the legal landscape.
1. If You Have Been Charged
Stunt driving is a serious offense with serious penalties, such as fines of up to $10,000 and license suspension. A conviction will remain on your record for three years, increasing insurance rates substantially.
Hiring a paralegal who understands court proceedings and evidence requirements necessary for conviction is vitally important. Engaging someone who regularly attends court and can use their knowledge against the Crown’s evidence could make a big difference when fighting your charges or trying to reduce or dismiss them altogether.
Stunt driving convictions can have far-reaching repercussions for new drivers or G2s who rely on their vehicles for work and family needs. A serious conviction could mean license suspension, fines of up to $10,000, 14 days car seizure, 6 demerit points and the requirement of attending a driver improvement course.
2. If You Have Been Arrested
Stunt driving can be dangerous work with high stakes. Stunt drivers put their lives on the line every day as part of their job to bring action sequences alive in movies and TV shows; unfortunately, sometimes these professionals face charges related to stunt driving offenses.
If you have been charged with stunt driving in Ontario, immediately reach out to a Toronto stunt driving lawyer or paralegal to create an effective defense strategy in your case. Failure to act quickly could result in your license being suspended as well as expensive fines, vehicle impoundment fees, demerit points and insurance hikes for years after.
The Highway Traffic Act defines “stunt driving” as any significant deviation from the normal rate of speed on a highway, for instance driving more than 50 km/h over the speed limit will result in a stunt driving offense, which will remain on your record permanently.
3. If You Have Been Charged with a More Serious Offence
Stunt driving is an offense that will have serious repercussions if caught, including making insurance premiums more expensive and making employment with government institutions (where having a clean record is mandatory). If caught, stunt driving convictions could drastically restrict or revoked.
If you receive a summons for stunt driving or racing, it is necessary to appear at the location, date, and time specified on your court summons. Your lawyer can assist with this either remotely via Zoom, or in person so you can continue working or traveling while contesting your ticket.
An effective Toronto stunt driving paralegal who understands how court processes operate and progress, what evidence requirements need to be met and the threshold that prosecutors need to meet in order to secure a conviction is key to having your charges reduced or dropped altogether.
4. If You Have Been Charged with a Misdemeanour
Stunt driving is an extremely serious offense that may result in jail time, licence revocation for one year, severe insurance complications (your policy could be cancelled or doubled), and permanent record. Therefore, hiring an attorney specialized in stunt driving defense is extremely essential.
Doing it alone, however, may prove futile as an experienced stunt driving lawyer can assist with cross-examination police officers, court processes and procedures, and how to present evidence properly.
Once issued a summons for stunt driving, it is wise to seek legal advice immediately. A licensed paralegal will provide advice about your options and fees before preparing all documents and letters necessary on your behalf, appearing at court hearings on your behalf and fighting on your behalf for reduced charges or an outright dismissal – saving both time and money in the long run. A Toronto stunt driving lawyer could save both.
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