If you’ve been charged with a driving offence in Toronto, the consequences can be daunting. They might include fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Navigating the legal system on your own can be intimidating, especially when your livelihood, freedom, or reputation is at risk. That’s why Stastny Law is ready to provide you with experienced and compassionate legal support, no matter what charges you’re facing.
Our dedicated team of driving offence lawyers has extensive knowledge of Ontario’s traffic and criminal laws. This means we’re ready to work on your behalf to provide you with the best defence possible. To schedule a consultation with our team, call our Toronto office at 416-303-5164 or email us at info@stastnylaw.com.
Driving Offences in Ontario
There is a wide range of driving offences you can be charged for in Toronto and Ontario. Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and the Criminal Code, penalties can vary widely based on the nature and severity of the offence. From minor traffic tickets to criminal charges like drunk driving, driving offences can have a serious impact on your driving record, employment, or ability to drive in the future.
There are often minimum sentences associated with driving offence charges in Ontario, even if you have no previous criminal record. For this reason, defence during your case will need to be technical and will likely benefit from an experienced lawyer with a thorough knowledge of the law. At Stastny Law, we’re equipped to represent clients facing all types of driving offence charges in Toronto and beyond.
Types of Driving Offences We Can Handle
Our firm has experience defending a variety of driving offences. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common charges we’ve assisted clients in the past with:
Impaired Driving (DUI)
One of the most serious driving offences, impaired driving (commonly referred to as “driving under the influence/DUI” or “drunk driving”) involves operating a vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Penalties you may face include:
- License suspension
- Hefty fines
- Mandatory education programs
- Imprisonment
- And more
Our team will analyze the evidence available in your case, thoroughly question the procedures utilized during your arrest, and strive to minimize or dismiss the charges you’re facing in whatever way we can.
Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving involves operating a vehicle in a way that causes danger to the general public. This might include:
- Aggressive driving
- Excessive speeding
- Reckless actions
- Driving in areas prohibited for motor vehicle use (such as sidewalks, the wrong side of the road, etc.)
- Driving in a way that causes bodily harm or death of another person
- And more
Depending on the type of dangerous driving you are charged with, you can face fines, license suspension, or imprisonment. We understand the impact of these accusations and will work to gather evidence that can mitigate your charges. For example, we can attempt to prove that any unsafe driving you have been accused of was unintentional or circumstantial.
Stunt Driving and Street Racing
Ontario has strict penalties for drivers involved in stunt driving and street racing. These include immediate license suspensions, impoundment of your vehicle, or large fines. A stunt driving charge can also impact your insurance premium or long-term driving privileges. At Stastny Law, we’ll examine the circumstances of your arrest to challenge the charges you’ve been dealt.
Careless or Distracted Driving
Careless driving charges are often associated with distracted driving or other minor traffic infractions. Generally, careless driving involves any action that could potentially harm other drivers or pedestrians on the road. While it is not a criminal offence, careless driving charges can result in:
- Substantial fines
- Demerit points on your license
- Increased insurance premiums
- And more
Our driving offence lawyers in Toronto can attempt to demonstrate that any errors you are accused of making were unintentional in order to defend you.
Driving Without a License or Insurance
When you’re caught driving without a valid license or insurance, it can be considered a serious offence. Convictions from these charges in Ontario may result in expensive fines, license suspensions, and jail time. Our lawyers will work with you to understand your situation. We can attempt to have your charges reduced or dismissed based on your specific circumstances or administrative errors.
Driving With a Suspended License
If you’re found driving with a license that has been suspended, penalties can be quite harsh. They might include serving time in jail or an extension to your suspension. Whether your original suspension occurred due to unpaid fines or a previous charge, we can help argue for leniency. This is especially the case if you had a valid reason for being on the road, like an emergency.
Although the offences outlined above are some of the most frequent cases we take on for our clients, the list is not exhaustive. If you have been charged with any type of driving offence in Ontario, no matter how small or large, our team may be able to help you. Our Toronto driving offence lawyers also have experience handling:
- Speeding tickets
- Cell phone use tickets
- Fail to remain
- Prohibited turn tickets
- Red light tickets
- Seat belts
- Stop sign tickets
- Commercial vehicle tickets
- G1 & G2 offences
- Demerit points
- And more
How Our Toronto Driving Offence Lawyers Can Help You
When you work with Stastny Law, you’ll receive a personalized defence strategy. Our team understands the intricacies of driving offence laws in Ontario and the avenues we can pursue to reach desirable outcomes.
Here’s how we can assist you:
Thorough Case Assessments
Our lawyers will conduct a comprehensive review of your case to understand what evidence is available, and from what angles we may be able to defend you. From questioning the validity of a traffic stop to examining errors committed by the police, we will leave no stone unturned while we try to strengthen your case.
Building a Solid Defence
Depending on the details of your situation, we can attempt to argue that:
- Evidence being presented against you is insufficient or was gathered improperly
- Your actions were not intentional or did not directly endanger others
- Your rights were violated during your arrest or the investigation process
- And more
With these strategies in mind, you can feel confident that our lawyers will employ every means possible to help challenge your charge(s).
Negotiating Smaller Penalties
For certain offences, it is sometimes possible to negotiate reduced charges or smaller penalties in court. Our team has experience working with prosecutors to reach a fair agreement. This can allow you to potentially avoid a criminal record, jail time, or harsh fines. It is important to remember your outcome or sentence is dependent on your circumstances and cannot be predicted prior to judgment.
Supporting You Through the Legal Process
Being charged with a driving offence can be overwhelming. Our team offers clients support throughout every stage of the legal process. We strive to help you understand your rights and are fully prepared for any legal proceedings you’ll need to face.
Why Choose Stastny Law for Your Driving Offence Case?
At Stastny Law, we’re committed to providing reliable and compassionate representation. We know that every case is different and might have happened for a variety of reasons. That’s why we strive to help each and every client we can, no matter what charge they’re facing.
Here are some reasons clients across Toronto work with us during their driving offence cases:
- Experienced Lawyers: Our team of driving offence lawyers has extensive experience representing clients when it comes to both minor and serious cases.
- We Put Our Clients First: We offer honest advice and realistic expectations for your case, depending on the circumstances you are facing.
- Confidentiality: We understand the sensitive nature of driving offence cases and are dedicated to navigating your situation with discretion. This way, we can help you return to normal life, faster.
Contact Our Toronto Driving Offence Lawyers Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been charged with a driving offence in Toronto, you don’t need to face it by yourself. Taking a driving offence charge seriously is essential, and Stastny Law is here to provide you with the legal defence you need.
Call us today at 416-303-5164 or send an email to info@stastnylaw.com to book a consultation at a time that’s convenient for you. Let our experienced lawyers protect your rights and future.
