Our Advocacy

Defending Against Highway Traffic Act Offences

At Truscello Nair LLP, a leading criminal defence law firm in Toronto, we understand the significant impact that Highway Traffic Act offences can have on your life. Charges such as speeding tickets, failing to stop, stunt driving, and other traffic violations can lead to hefty fines, increased insurance premiums, demerit points, and even licence suspensions or criminal charges. Navigating these charges requires a strategic and knowledgeable defence approach to protect your driving record and mitigate the consequences. Our team of experienced defence lawyers is dedicated to providing the expert guidance and robust legal representation you need to effectively challenge these types of offences. 

Types of Related Highway Traffic Act Offences

At Truscello Nair LLP, we have extensive experience defending clients against these charges in Ontario. Common types of related offences include:

• Ontario Demerit Points System: This system assigns points for various traffic violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to licence suspensions and increased insurance premiums. Points range from 2 for minor offences like failing to signal, to 7 for serious offences like failing to remain at the scene of a collision.
• Traffic Tickets: General traffic tickets cover a variety of infractions, including minor violations such as improper lane changes or failure to yield. While often resulting in fines, these tickets can also affect your driving record and insurance rates.
• Speeding Tickets: Issued when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. Penalties vary based on how much over the speed limit you were driving, ranging from fines to licence suspensions and demerit points.
• Careless Driving: This charge is issued when a driver operates a vehicle without due care and attention, endangering others. Penalties can include hefty fines, licence suspensions, demerit points, and even jail time in severe cases.
• Driving Over 80: Refers to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. This serious offence can lead to criminal charges, licence suspensions, fines, and mandatory education programs.
• Failing to Stop: Charges arise from failing to stop at stop signs, red lights, or for school buses. These infractions can result in fines, demerit points, and increased insurance rates.
• Operate a Vehicle Without Insurance:Driving without valid insurance is an offence that can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential licence suspensions.
• Driving While Under Suspension: This charge involves operating a vehicle while your driver's licence is suspended. Penalties can include hefty fines, extended suspension periods, and even imprisonment for repeat offenders.
• Stunt Driving: Includes dangerous driving behaviours such as excessive speeding, street racing, or performing stunts. Penalties are severe, including immediate vehicle impoundment, licence suspensions, hefty fines, and potential jail time.
• Traffic Ticket Reopening: This process involves reopening a traffic ticket case, typically to address a default conviction or if new evidence emerges. Reopening a ticket can potentially lead to reduced penalties or dismissal of charges.
• Traffic Ticket Motions & Appeals: If you believe a traffic ticket was issued unfairly, you can file a motion to have the ticket reviewed or appeal a conviction. This process requires a detailed understanding of legal procedures and can result in a change of the initial ruling.
• Traffic Tickets Extensions: Drivers can request an extension on the deadline to pay a traffic ticket or to appear in court. Extensions can provide additional time to prepare a defence or arrange payment.
• Major Traffic Tickets: These include severe infractions such as DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run offences. Major traffic tickets carry significant penalties, including criminal charges, extensive fines, lengthy licence suspensions, and potential imprisonment.

What You Should Do At A Traffic Stop

If you are pulled over at a traffic stop, it is important to remain calm and follow steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. First, safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as you can, using your turn signal to indicate your intentions. Turn off your engine, roll down your window, and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. Be polite and cooperative with the police officer, providing your driver's licence, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when requested. You can choose to remain silent beyond providing necessary information as you are not obligated to answer questions about your activities or destination. Avoid arguing or admitting guilt, as anything you say can be used against you. If you receive a ticket, accept it calmly and consider your options for disputing it later. Remember, your behaviour during the stop can influence the situation, so maintaining composure and courtesy is key. If you believe your rights have been violated or you need legal assistance, contact Truscello Nair LLP for expert guidance and representation.

How a Defence Lawyer like Carmelo Truscello and Maneesha Nair Can Help

Navigating the complexities of Highway Traffic Act offences can be confusing, but an experienced lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in fighting these charges. At Truscello Nair LLP, our dedicated defence lawyers bring a deep understanding of traffic laws and legal procedures to your case. They can thoroughly review the evidence against you, identify any procedural errors or rights violations, and develop a strategic defence tailored to your situation. Whether negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges, representing you in court, or filing motions and appeals, our lawyers work tirelessly to protect your driving record, minimize fines, and avoid licence suspensions. Their expertise not only increases the likelihood of a favourable outcome but also ensures that your rights are vigorously defended throughout the legal process.

Call Truscello Nair LLP Today and Start Building A Strong Defence

If you’re facing Highway Traffic Act offences, don’t do it alone. The experienced defence lawyers at Truscello Nair LLP are here to provide the skilled representation you need to protect your driving record and your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a robust defence. Reach out to Carmelo Truscello at (647) 919-4260 or Maneesha Nair at (416) 835-6414 and let us help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.