Skip to main content


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 versus 95 km/h over the speed limit is significant. Such variances not only influence the court's perception but also the severity of the penalties imposed. Additionally, the location of the offense plays a pivotal role. For instance, a road with a speed limit below 80 km/h is legally considered "residential," a classification that can add a layer of severity to the case due to the increased risk to pedestrians.

The Impact of Court and Prosecutor Discretion

With over 70 courts across Ontario, each with its own set of prosecutors, the outcome of a stunt driving charge can vary widely. A prosecutor's discretion, informed by evidence such as calibrated radar readings, is a key factor in the legal process, potentially affecting the degree of leniency or the harshness of the penalty.

Personal Factors in Legal Assessment

Your driving record, age, license status, and even the specific circumstances under which the incident occurred, such as time and weather conditions, are all taken into consideration during the legal assessment of your case. These personal factors can significantly influence the evaluation and eventual outcome of your case.

The Importance of Specialized Legal Advice

While hearing about successful outcomes in similar cases may offer hope, it's crucial to understand the extensive range of variables involved. At Nextlaw, we pride ourselves on understanding the nuances of each court and prosecutor in Ontario. This enables us to provide a realistic assessment of your case and develop a defense strategy that is meticulously tailored to your unique situation.

Our expertise in stunt driving cases is not just about legal knowledge; it's about a deep comprehension of the dynamics at play in each specific case. My goal in sharing these insights is to highlight the critical need for specialized legal advice when facing stunt driving charges. The legal landscape is intricate and navigating it successfully requires more than just a superficial understanding of the law—it demands an in-depth grasp of the myriad factors that can affect the outcome of your case.



https://youtu.be/h8w6ug2oan4 https://www.nextlaw.ca/2024/04/14/unique-stunt-driving-cases-ontario/

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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...
Why Office Location is Irrelevant When Choosing Ontario's Best Stunt Driving Lawyer When facing stunt driving charges under Section 172(1) of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, many defendants make a critical error that could compromise their defence: choosing legal representation based solely on proximity to their courthouse. Jon Cohen, legal representative at Nextlaw—Ontario's leading stunt driving lawyer—explains why this geography-based approach is not only outdated but potentially harmful to your case outcome. The Virtual Court Revolution Changed Everything Since 2021, Ontario's court system has undergone a fundamental transformation that most defendants don't realize. Court appearances for legal representatives are now conducted one hundred percent online across all fifty-two Provincial Offences Courts in Ontario. This shift to virtual proceedings means that whether Nextlaw operates from its Toronto office at 250 University Avenue or any other location in On...
Getting your license back after a DUI can feel overwhelming. As a DUI lawyer, I'll explain the steps required to get you back on the road. Understanding the Suspension Process Immediate Administrative Suspension The moment you're charged with a DUI, you face a 90-day administrative driving license suspension. This occurs before any conviction and operates independently from court penalties. Your vehicle will be towed and impounded immediately. Court-Ordered Suspensions Upon conviction, judges must impose minimum driving prohibitions: - First offense: One-year minimum - Second offense: Two to five years - Third offense: Three years to life The final duration depends on aggravating factors in your case. Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Suspensions The MTO operates parallel to the courts with its own framework: - First offense: One-year suspension - Second offense: Three-year suspension - Third offense: Lifetime suspension (reviewable after 10 yea...