Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions on criminial charges and traffic tickets answered.

Criminal Charges

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I have a criminal charge, do I need to speak to a Lawyer?

A: Yes, you absolutely should. It is impossible to properly counsel someone on how to deal with a Criminal charge without providing legal advice. Many charges, such as Impaired/Over 80 have very complicated technical defences that require the investigation and legal opinion of a qualified Lawyer. In the Province of Ontario, only Lawyers are permitted to provide legal advice on Impaired Driving charges. Paralegals are not allowed to deal with these charges. Our initial consultation is always free, so you have nothing to lose in at least talking to us.

Q: If I have a criminal charge, do I need to attend Court?

A: Usually yes. While there are provisions for us to make certain appearances without you, you will need to be present for any plea or trial and it is preferable that you attend all Court dates if at all possible.

Q: Is there a danger of going to jail if convicted of a Criminal Driving Offence?

A: Yes, there can be. In fact some Provincial Offence matters can also result in jail. While the vast majority of first time offences are unlikely to result in custody, it is critical that you seek legal advice because many other ramifications flow from a conviction.

Q: I have an Impaired charge, or other Criminal Offence, and intend to plead guilty on my own, is this O.K.?

A: We wish you wouldn’t. We provide a free consultation and would prefer that you at least talked to us first. Many people feel that they wouldn’t have been charged if they weren’t guilty and therefore should own up to the charge. The ramifications of any guilty plea in Criminal Court can be both significant and long lasting and should not be taken lightly. It is a lot easier and a lot less expensive to handle the matter correctly from the beginning rather than trying to undo the damage later. This is one of the most important decisions of your life; if there was ever a time that you needed a Lawyer – this is it.

 

TRAFFIC TICKETS

Q: Why should I hire you?

A: We utilize both Lawyers & Paralegals, and this unique combination provides you with the highest level of professionalism and experience + the cost savings advantage of using a paralegal where suitable. “The Traffic Lawyers”® was founded by a Lawyer with over 20 years of experience both prosecuting and defending Criminal & H.T.A. charges. If you need a Lawyer, we are the right Team – we are composed of Lawyers who spend their professional career defending serious driving offence; if you need a Paralegal, you will find our Team Members to be the best in the business and at fees comparable with any paralegal traffic ticket defence company in the industry. We can’t imagine why you would think of going anywhere else.

Q: Do you always win?

A: No, and don’t believe anyone who tells you that they do. While it is true that the vast majority of charges can either be defended entirely or reduced to a lesser charge, no-one wins all the time. If it sounds like a slick marketing gimmick, rest assured that it is. Training and experience are the most realistic predictors of success. We don’t think that there is anyone out there who is capable of taking better care of you than our Team.

Q: I can’t afford to pay the ticket, can I afford your services?

A: Probably not. Ours fees will likely exceed the fine amount on the face of the ticket. However, the primary reasons cited by clients for utilizing our services are to save demerit points, or a driver’s license, or to seek relief from potentially crippling insurance increases. If there is a way to eliminate the charge we will find it; if the charge cannot be eliminated then we will get you the best deal possible by seeking to reduce your charge to the most minimal charge available. The general expectation is that the long term gains of properly defending the charge will dramatically outweigh the short term expense of our fees.

Q: If I have a traffic ticket, do I need to attend Court?

A: Usually not. Most clients are looking for a withdrawal of the charge or a plea to a lesser charge, either of which can be achieved in the right circumstances without the Defendant appearing. If you choose the “trial only” option then a decision will be made after we have heard whether or not you have evidence to offer that might afford you with a defence, and we will let you know whether your presence is required, or optional.