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After your charge for Stunt Driving in Ontario, the officer left you with a summons to appear in Provincial Offences court. The summons information has information on how to appear on your court date  Let's investigate.

Appearing for your Stunt Driving charge by ZOOM

Zoom is certainly a more efficient means of appearing for you first appearance in court.  You can appear on the ZOOM app on your cel phone or computer.  You just need a camera and Mic.  The court is very organized by ZOOM and admits you, and you can check in and enter the virtual court room.

There are multiple reasons why ZOOM is optimal for First appearances in Provincial Offences courts:



- Often, your charge does not occur in the area in which you live.  For example, if you got a Stunt Driving charge on a weekend getaway, the court will be a huge distance away from your home

- You can appear in court from the comfort of your home, or wherever you are currently located

- ZOOM gives you better access to appearing even if you are working at an office.  You don't have to take the day off work



Are there rules for ZOOM court appearances?

Absolutely.  Treat a ZOOM court appearance as you would if you appeared in person.  Dress appropriately.  Be respectful.  Stay muted when you are not being addressed.

Does ZOOM help me in any other way?

A Stunt Driving charge carries a 6-demerit point penalty.

One of the reasons why ZOOM is remaining as a great alternative to in-person court appearances is called "access to justice.  This means that you now have greater access to a defence.  In the past, a person may have been forced to hire someone for their Stunt Driving charge simply because that person had an office near the courthouse.  But this may not have been the best person to represent you.

Now, you have greater "access to justice" because you can hire a proper Stunt Driving law firm to give you the best defence, no matter where they are located, because every court is accessible by ZOOM.  Courts no longer require you to be located in proximity.

Can I still attend my court appearance in-person?

Absolutely.  Most courts are now called "hybrid" meaning that they accept both ZOOM and in-person.  If appearing in-person is better for you, check with the court first, and make sure they are accepting in-person attendance.  Perhaps you don't have a cel phone or access to ZOOM.  This may be another reason to attend in-person.



https://youtu.be/_TzwE5RvEhE https://www.nextlaw.ca/2022/09/28/stunt-driving-court-appearances-zoom-or-in-person/

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