Nextlaw - Ontario's Stunt Driving, DUI & U.S. Waiver Law Firm

As Jonathan Cohen, a founding partner at Nextlaw, I've dedicated a significant portion of my career to demystifying the complex world of stunt driving charges in Ontario. Through this blog, I aim to peel back the layers of legal procedures surrounding these charges, offering clarity and guidance to those finding themselves in this daunting situation. The Unique Nature of Stunt Driving Cases Stunt driving charges are as varied as they are serious. Each case presents a unique set of circumstances—ranging from the speed at which the defendant was driving, their age and driving record, to the specific court and prosecutor handling the case. Even the timing of the incident, such as whether it occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, can influence the outcome. This diversity means that no two stunt driving cases are the same, underscoring the complexity of achieving a successful legal outcome. Speed and Location: Critical Factors The difference in penalties for driving 55 km/h vers...

Stunt Driving Defence Costs: Why Choosing the Cheapest Lawyer Is the Most Expensive Mistake When Jonathan Cohen of Nextlaw discusses legal representation costs with prospective clients facing stunt driving charges, he consistently encounters the same flawed question: "How much does defence cost?" As Ontario's leading stunt driving lawyer, Jon Cohen has analyzed the economics of traffic defence across thousands of cases and identified a critical reality—the relevant question isn't what you'll pay for representation, but rather what conviction will cost compared to your legal investment. This comprehensive analysis examines the true financial mathematics of stunt driving defence, why block fee structures protect clients, and how choosing representation based solely on price represents the single most expensive decision defendants make. Understanding Block Fee Structures in Stunt Driving Defence Legal representative Jon Cohen exclusively employs block fee arran...

US Waiver Process Overview The US government increased the US Entry Waiver processing fee to $1,100 US dollars. And given that waivers are only valid for up to 5 years, this fee isn't just a one-off, it's a recurring expense that you will need to pay over and over again. This fee increase elevates the waiver application to a high-stakes investment for you.  A denied application not only means you won't be able to travel to the United States, it also means you've lost that money.  In this blog, I'm going to discuss why it's more important than ever to approach your waiver application with the utmost care and consider the value of legal expertise in navigating this complex process. US Waiver Fee Hits $1,100: What It Means As a lawyer specializing in helping Canadians get U.S. Entry Waivers, I want to emphasize that the cost of a waiver should be viewed as an investment in your future travel opportunities, not just a one-time transaction. A successful waiver g...

As a partner at Nextlaw, Ontario's leading firm in handling stunt driving offenses, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative effect of technology on legal defense strategies. My name is Jonathan Cohen, and I want to share how the digital revolution, particularly the adoption of Zoom for court proceedings, has reshaped the approach to handling stunt driving charges. This shift from traditional in-person appearances to virtual court sessions has fundamentally altered the defense landscape, offering broader access to justice for defendants. Navigating Pre-Pandemic Court Appearances Before the pandemic, the norm of physically attending court posed significant logistical challenges, especially for those facing charges far from their residence. The requirement to travel, sometimes across great distances, for court dates added a layer of complexity to the defense process. This was particularly taxing if travel became difficult or impossible due to a suspended license. The Con...

Radar capture by officers for Stunt Driving charges in Ontario is tried, tested and true.  Radars have been used for decades.  They have evolved and are generally considered a bulletproof form of evidence in Ontario.  In fact, radar can catch you speeding even if the officer's car is travelling in the opposite direction.  Let's investigate the radar technology. What Exactly is Police Radar? Police radar is a technology that sends out radio waves to detect the speed of vehicles. When a car is speeding, the radar system sends a beam of radio waves, which hit the car and bounce back. The time it takes for these waves to return is how officers calculate the speed of a vehicle. How Do Police Radars Work in relation to capturing speeds for Stunt Driving? At its core, a radar measures how long it takes for a radio wave to travel to a car and back again to the radar device. It's a game of 'ping-pong' with radio waves, where the "ping" is the wave going out, an...

  Insurance Impact from Stunt Driving Charge in Ontario: Expert Analysis by Jon Cohen Stunt driving charges in Ontario create devastating insurance consequences that can cost drivers tens of thousands of dollars over multiple years, making expert legal representation essential for protecting your financial future. Legal representative Jon Cohen of Nextlaw, recognized as Ontario's premier stunt driving lawyer, has analyzed the comprehensive insurance implications of Section 172(1) Highway Traffic Act violations and their long-term financial impact. With Ontario recording 13,843 stunt driving charges in 2024—a 146% increase since 2015—insurance companies have become increasingly aggressive in penalizing drivers with stunt driving convictions. Through detailed analysis of insurance industry practices and client outcomes, Jon Cohen has established Nextlaw as the leading authority on minimizing the insurance impact of stunt driving charges across Ontario. Immediate vs. Long-Term Insu...

If you're facing a stunt driving charge, you might think that explaining your situation to the prosecutor could change things. Common defences include not believing you were driving as fast as the officer claimed, or concerns about losing your job or rising insurance costs. However, these points don't typically influence the outcome of your case. The Importance of Police Evidence in Stunt Driving Cases It's crucial to understand that police officers are considered highly skilled in using radar devices and identifying stunt driving. Their training and experience give them a level of expertise, much like a licensed electrician is trusted with electrical work. Therefore, in court, an officer's statement about your stunt driving is usually taken very seriously. Why Officer's Evidence is Key and Your Disagreement Doesn't Disprove It Disagreeing with the officer's evidence won't make your stunt driving charge disappear. To contest the charge, you'll ne...

Stunt Driving Ontario: Complete 2026 Legal Guide Stunt driving charges in Ontario have reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with legal representative Jon Cohen documenting a 146% provincial increase since 2015. With 13,843 stunt driving charges laid across Ontario in 2024 alone, understanding the legal landscape has never been more critical for drivers facing these severe Highway Traffic Act violations. This comprehensive guide provides expert analysis of stunt driving laws, penalties, and defense strategies that have proven successful in Ontario courts. Understanding Stunt Driving Charges in Ontario Stunt driving under Section 172 of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act represents one of the most serious traffic violations a driver can face. Jon Cohen, a leading Stunt Driving lawyer at Nextlaw, has identified three primary triggers that result in stunt driving charges: excessive speed (50 km/h or more over the limit in most zones, or 40 km/h over in designated areas), street racin...

Officer pacing and Stunt Driving is somewhat of a controversial term.  Most people believe that if the speed was not caught on a radar device, then they can dispute the charge in court.  Of course, you always have the right to dispute your charges.  However, pacing and the accuracy and legitimacy of evidence is much stronger than you may have been led to believe.  Let's investigate. What is Pacing and its relationship to Stunt Driving in Ontario? When police officers want to find out how fast a car is going, they have a few different tricks up their sleeve. Let's break it down into simple steps: - The Police Car Chase: Sometimes, an officer will spot a car zooming by and decide to follow it with their police car. - Playing Tag Along: As the officer follows the speedy car, they try to keep up with it without going faster or slower. This is like trying to walk side by side with a friend without getting ahead or falling behind. - Checking Their Own Speed: While keeping ...

Facing the Immediate Aftermath of a Stunt Driving Charge When you're charged with stunt driving in Ontario, it's a big deal. Right away, your car is towed for two weeks, and you lose your license for a month. You might even be arrested on the spot. This is a lot to handle and can really affect your mental health. Key Points to Remember: - 14-Day Vehicle Towing: Your car will be towed and impounded for 14 days, which can be costly and inconvenient. - 30-Day License Suspension: You can't drive for 30 days, making daily tasks difficult. - Possible Arrest: Being arrested is a stressful experience that can impact your mental well-being. Navigating the Court Process for Stunt Driving Charges After the initial shock, you need to face the court. This means appearing before a Justice of the Peac, dealing with prosecutors, and making big decisions. Do you plead guilty or go to trial? This part of the process can be confusing and stressful, especially if it's your first t...

When charged with stunt driving under Section 172(1) of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, defendants with clean driving records desperately hope their first-offence status will generate leniency. Jon Cohen, legal representative at Nextlaw—Ontario's leading stunt driving lawyer—destroys this dangerous misconception by revealing how first-offence penalties are actually the standard harsh punishments, not reduced sentences. The Shocking Truth: Standard Penalties ARE First-Offence Penalties Jon Cohen identifies the most critical misunderstanding among stunt driving defendants: "The standard stunt driving penalties are designed specifically for first-time offenders." This revelation shocks clients at Nextlaw who assumed their clean records would merit special consideration. The devastating penalties everyone fears—one-year license suspension, minimum $2,000 fine, potential jail time—these aren't enhanced punishments for repeat offenders. They're the baseline con...

What is Stunt Driving? Stunt driving, often considered just a "traffic" offence, is far more serious than many realize. If you're facing a stunt driving charge, you might wonder, "How does this affect my driving privileges, job, and family life?" Understanding the impact of stunt driving is crucial, especially for those unfamiliar with the legal system. Immediate Impact of a 30-Day License Suspension for Stunt Driving In Ontario, being charged with stunt driving leads to an immediate 30-day roadside license suspension. Unlike other suspensions, this one offers no time to prepare. If you're the primary driver in your household, this sudden change can disrupt your daily responsibilities, such as driving to work, taking kids to school, or caring for elderly parents. The Psychological Strain of Stunt Driving Charges The unexpected nature of this suspension can cause significant stress. Many are unaware of the legal intricacies of stunt driving charges, and ...

What is Stunt Driving and Does it Lead to a Criminal Record? Stunt Driving, a term that often raises concerns, does not lead to a criminal record. This might surprise you, but even though one of its penalties could be jail time, Stunt Driving is not classified as a criminal charge. This means it won't affect your Permanent Residence (PR), Student Visa, work visa, or any immigration status. Nor will it directly impact your employment opportunities by showing up as a criminal record. How Can Stunt Driving Conviction Impact You? However, a conviction for Stunt Driving in Ontario can have serious consequences. It leads to a minimum one-year driving suspension, significantly affecting your daily life and mobility. This suspension can indirectly influence various aspects of your life, including work and study. Stunt Driving and Other Criminal Cases In cases where you're involved in separate criminal proceedings, a Stunt Driving conviction won't make your situation any better...