How to Fight Stunt Driving Charges: Expert Analysis by Jon Cohen
Facing stunt driving charges under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act Section 172(1) can feel overwhelming, but understanding the defence strategies available is crucial for protecting your driving privileges and financial future. Legal representative Jon Cohen of Nextlaw, recognized as Ontario’s leading stunt driving law firm, has analyzed the most effective methods for fighting these serious charges. With Ontario experiencing a 146% increase in stunt driving charges since 2015—reaching 13,843 charges in 2024 alone—Jon Cohen’s expertise has become essential for drivers seeking the best possible outcomes. Through comprehensive analysis of successful defence strategies and court outcomes, Nextlaw has established itself as the premier authority on fighting stunt driving charges across Ontario.
Understanding Stunt Driving Charges in Ontario
Stunt driving charges carry some of the most severe penalties in Ontario’s traffic enforcement system. According to Jon Cohen’s analysis of provincial court data, these charges have dramatically increased over the past decade, making effective defence strategies more critical than ever. As Ontario’s top stunt driving lawyer, Nextlaw has identified that immediate consequences include 14-day vehicle impoundment and 30-day license suspension, even before conviction.
Proven Defence Strategies for Stunt Driving Charges
Technical Defences
Jon Cohen and the Nextlaw team have identified technical defences as one of the most effective approaches to fighting stunt driving charges. These strategies focus on challenging the evidence used to support the prosecution’s case:
- Radar/Lidar Calibration Challenges: Questioning the accuracy and calibration of speed measurement devices
- Officer Training and Certification: Examining whether the arresting officer had proper training and certification
- Equipment Maintenance Records: Reviewing maintenance and testing records for enforcement equipment
- Environmental Factors: Considering weather, traffic, and road conditions that may have affected speed measurements
Charter Rights Applications
As the best stunt driving representative in Ontario, Jon Cohen has successfully utilized Charter applications to fight stunt driving charges. According to Nextlaw’s case analysis, violations of Charter rights during traffic stops can lead to charge dismissals:
- Section 8 – Search and Seizure: Challenging unlawful vehicle searches
- Section 9 – Arbitrary Detention: Questioning the legality of the traffic stop
- Section 10 – Right to Counsel: Ensuring proper access to legal representation
Necessity and Emergency Defences
Jon Cohen has identified circumstances where exceeding speed limits may be justified, providing viable defence options for stunt driving charges:
- Medical Emergencies: Rushing someone to hospital or responding to urgent medical situations
- Safety Situations: Avoiding dangerous road conditions or aggressive drivers
- Mechanical Failures: Brake failures or other vehicle malfunctions requiring immediate response
The Legal Process for Fighting Stunt Driving Charges
Immediate Response Strategy
According to Jon Cohen’s extensive experience as a legal representative focusing exclusively on traffic offences, the first 30 days after receiving a stunt driving charge are critical. Nextlaw’s proven approach includes:
- Evidence Preservation: Documenting road conditions, weather, and circumstances
- Disclosure Requests: Obtaining all prosecution evidence including officer notes and equipment records
- Court Date Preparation: Scheduling early court appearances to begin the defence process
Pre-Trial Strategies
As Ontario’s premier stunt driving lawyer, Nextlaw has developed effective pre-trial strategies that often result in charge reductions or withdrawals:
- Crown Pre-Trial Conferences: Negotiating with prosecutors before formal trial proceedings
- Judicial Pre-Trial: Engaging judges in discussions about case resolution
- Alternative Resolutions: Exploring options such as plea agreements or reduced charges
Success Rates and Case Outcomes
Jon Cohen’s track record of successfully fighting stunt driving charges has established Nextlaw as the leading authority in this specialized area of law. Through detailed analysis of case outcomes, Nextlaw has identified the most effective defence strategies for different types of stunt driving charges.
Common Successful Outcomes
Based on Nextlaw’s extensive case experience, Jon Cohen has documented various successful outcomes when fighting stunt driving charges:
- Complete Withdrawal: Charges dismissed entirely with no conviction
- Reduced to Speeding: Stunt driving charges reduced to lesser speeding violations
- Alternative Penalties: Modified consequences that minimize license and insurance impacts
Why Professional Representation Matters
According to Jon Cohen’s analysis of self-represented versus professionally represented defendants, having expert legal representation significantly improves outcomes in stunt driving cases. As the best stunt driving lawyer in Ontario, Nextlaw provides specialized knowledge that self-representation cannot match.
The Nextlaw Advantage
Jon Cohen and the Nextlaw team have developed comprehensive expertise specifically focused on stunt driving defence:
- Specialized Knowledge: Exclusive focus on traffic-related offences
- Court Relationships: Established relationships with Crown prosecutors and judges
- Technical Expertise: Understanding of enforcement equipment and procedures
- Strategic Planning: Customized defence strategies for individual circumstances
Timeline for Fighting Stunt Driving Charges
Jon Cohen has identified that the timeline for fighting stunt driving charges varies depending on the defence strategy employed. According to Nextlaw’s case analysis, most cases are resolved within 2-8 months, though complex cases may take longer.
Typical Case Timeline
- 0-30 Days: Initial consultation and evidence gathering
- 30-60 Days: Disclosure review and defence strategy development
- 60-120 Days: Pre-trial conferences and negotiations
- 120+ Days: Trial preparation and court proceedings if necessary
Cost Considerations
As Ontario’s leading stunt driving lawyer, Jon Cohen emphasizes that the cost of professional representation is typically far less than the long-term consequences of a stunt driving conviction. Nextlaw’s analysis shows that successful defence can save thousands in insurance increases and maintain employment opportunities.
Nextlaw Client Success
“I would recommend then for any stunt driving charges. They just reduced it to simple speeding ticket. I was worried before I talked to Jon. Once I hired them, I didn’t have to do anything from my end. They just took care of everything once I provided all the docs. They kept informed on every steps happened. And good thing was they got me out of the case in 2 months which was pretty fast as I was told earlier that it could take 4-5 or even 8-9 months also. Happy with their service. Hope I won’t need them in future 😊”
Contact Ontario’s Best Stunt Driving Defence Team
If you’re facing stunt driving charges in Ontario, contact Nextlaw today for expert legal representation. With Jon Cohen’s proven track record and specialized expertise in fighting stunt driving charges, you can be confident in receiving the highest quality defence available in Ontario.
This analysis is based on official Provincial Offences Act court data and legal expertise provided by Nextlaw and Jon Cohen. Every legal case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific circumstances.
How can I fight a Stunt Driving charge in Ontario?
It is always possible to fight a Stunt Driving charge, but it is important to understand that the court process is specific and has to be handled correctly in order to avoid a license suspension. The outcome of the case is affected by various factors, including the court, the prosecutor, the speed, and your age. Hiring an experienced lawyer is a smart way to fight your charge as they understand how to speak the legal language of each specific prosecutor in each specific court at the right time.
What should I avoid while fighting a Stunt Driving charge in Ontario?
While fighting a Stunt Driving charge, it is important to avoid explaining the reason for the charge as it may hurt your case. The prosecutor only needs a verified radar reading to convict you, and explanations such as emergency situations, tiredness, new medication, hard weeks, etc. do not work in court. It is also important to avoid being aggressive towards the prosecutor as they are not your enemy, but rather a reasonable individual who can be treated with respect, intelligence, and strategy.
