A common concern about when you were pulled over for Stunt – “How does the way that I interacted with the officer affect my case?”
It can actually have a big impact on your case. The way in which you interact with the officer is recorded in the officer’s notes at the roadside, and then submitted later to the courts in the form of “disclosure” or evidence. The evidence has all the information about your roadside charge
- The radar reading
- the radar calibration
- officer interaction
- all other details of the charge
I didn’t believe the officer caught me at the rate of speed. Something was wrong.
Arguing with the officer at the roadside as ZERO benefit. Once the officer determines that you were Stunt Driving, they have authority to charge you, impound your car, and suspend your license. Arguing does not change this. Also, the officer generally does not even have to show you the radar or speed reading. They simply issue the ticket, and then will have to submit all this information later to the courts in the form of disclosure. So arguing does not make the charge go away. In fact, it makes the charge worse. The prosecutor, who will later see your disclosure and the officer’s notes, is the person that will be dealing with your case in court. If they see that you had a bad interaction, it may make your case harder to settle. Remember, the prosecutor has a lot of power, and once they have disclosure, they assess your case based on a number of factors, including this interaction with the Police
Tips for interaction with the officer at the roadside
As frustrating a this charge may be – and it is quite devastating in the moment – with an immediate suspension and impound – there are a few rules to follow with Police that may benefit, or at least, not hurt, your case once you get to court:
- Do not get angry with the officer
- Follow the directions of the officer
- Ask any questions in a calm tone
- Do not question the motives or results of the officer or radar – save that for a later date
So what are my next steps after my 30-day suspension and 14-day car impound?
Just because you’ve been charged with Stunt Driving, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be found guilty. The charge is only the start of the legal process, which can be a tough beginning, as it results in a 14-day car impoundment and a 30-day license suspension before you even reach your court date.
It’s important to seek legal advice and handle the situation carefully. Stunt Driving may seem like a minor “traffic” charge, but consider the consequences if your license is suspended for a minimum of one year. This can lead to losing your job, missing job interviews, being unable to care for your family, not having a car for emergencies, and countless other problems.
This is why it’s crucial to take Stunt Driving charges seriously and seek proper legal counsel. A law firm specializing in Stunt Driving may have a strategy to prevent the license suspension, and the best part is that this consultation is free. Don’t hesitate to reach out for free legal advice.
You can scroll down below and book a free meeting with Dan Joffe or myself, Jon Cohen. There is no obligation, but the call could change everything.
What are the new stunt driving laws in Ontario?
The new stunt driving laws in Ontario were implemented to increase road safety and to crack down on dangerous driving behaviour such as excessive speed, burnouts, and other forms of reckless driving. The laws increase the fines and penalties for stunt driving, including impounding the vehicle for seven days and the license suspension for up to two years.
What is the process for police interaction during a stunt driving stop in Ontario?
During a stunt driving stop in Ontario, the police officer must follow a set of procedures to ensure the accuracy of the charges and the preservation of evidence. This includes making a visual observation of the vehicle, measuring the speed of the vehicle, and providing a written explanation of the evidence and the reason for the stop. The police officer must also follow the proper protocols for issuing a summons and providing disclosure to the court. Legal representation may be beneficial to ensure the rights of the accused are protected during this process.
