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Showing posts from December, 2025
As an experienced U.S. Waiver Lawyer, I'm about to reveal a little-known secret that might surprise you: sometimes, hearing "no" at the right time can be good. This counterintuitive truth about U.S. entry waivers could completely change your approach to applying for entry into the United States. The Surprising Power of 'No' You might wonder, "How can hearing 'No' be good news?" The shocking truth is that sometimes, being told 'No' by a lawyer when considering a U.S. entry waiver application is the best thing to happen to you. A 'No' from a lawyer could mean the difference between travelling to the United States and never being able to enter the country again. Let me explain with a real-life example that will clarify everything and reveal the power behind this secret.   A Cautionary Tale: Marijuana Use and U.S. Entry Recently, I received a call from someone who was denied a U.S. entry waiver. They had no criminal record but ...
Can You Go to Jail for Stunt Driving in Ontario? Yes, you can go to jail for stunt driving in Ontario. Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act authorizes courts to impose jail sentences of up to six months for first-time stunt driving convictions, with potential sentences increasing for repeat offences. Legal representative Jon Cohen has documented that while jail time is not automatic for every conviction, prosecutors increasingly pursue incarceration for cases involving extreme speeds, dangerous road conditions, or aggravating circumstances. With 13,843 stunt driving charges laid across Ontario in 2024, understanding the jail risk factors has become critical for drivers facing these serious Highway Traffic Act violations. The Legal Framework for Stunt Driving Jail Sentences Ontario's Highway Traffic Act Section 172 establishes stunt driving penalties that rival many Criminal Code offences in severity. According to Jon Cohen's analysis of the legislative framework, Parlia...
Receiving a stunt driving ticket in Ontario can be a stressful and confusing experience. This serious charge comes with severe immediate penalties and potential long-term consequences, such as a criminal record, increased insurance premiums, and difficulty in obtaining employment. Understanding the process from the initial charge to your first court date is crucial for navigating the legal system and protecting your rights. Here are ten essential things you need to know if you've been charged with stunt driving in Ontario: 1. Immediate Roadside Penalties When you are charged with stunt driving, several immediate penalties take effect at the roadside: - Your driver's license is suspended for 30 days. This suspension begins immediately, regardless of the outcome of any future court proceedings. - Your vehicle will be impounded for 14 days, even if you are not the owner. - You will receive a summons with a future court date, typically 2-4 months away. These immediat...
Restorative Justice for Stunt Driving Charges: Why Expert Representation Matters When facing stunt driving charges under Section 172 of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, defendants searching for resolution strategies frequently encounter information about "restorative justice" as a potential path to charge withdrawal or reduction. As Ontario's leading stunt driving legal representative, Jon Cohen at Nextlaw has successfully utilized restorative justice approaches across Ontario's 53 Provincial Offences Act courts to secure favorable outcomes for clients. However, the critical distinction between effective restorative justice submissions and failed self-directed attempts lies in strategic prosecutor relationships, proper timing, and credible legal representation. According to Jon Cohen's analysis of over 800 annual stunt driving cases handled by Nextlaw, restorative justice negotiations require specialized knowledge of individual prosecutor priorities, court-s...
Stunt driving charges in Ontario carry severe penalties, including hefty fines, license suspensions, and potential jail time. However, there are proven strategies that can help beat these charges or reduce their impact. This article examines effective ways to fight a stunt driving ticket in Ontario, drawing on legal expertise and real case examples. Understanding Stunt Driving Laws in Ontario Before delving into defense strategies, it's crucial to understand what constitutes stunt driving in Ontario. According to Section 172 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, stunt driving includes: - Driving 40 km/h or more over the speed limit where the limit is less than 80 km/h - Driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit where the limit is 80 km/h or higher - Driving 150 km/h or faster, regardless of the posted limit - Racing or engaging in a contest with another vehicle - Performing stunts like drifting, wheelies, or donuts - Driving with a person in the trunk - De...
Stunt Driving Penalties in Ontario: Complete Legal Analysis by Jon Cohen Stunt driving penalties in Ontario under Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act represent some of the most severe traffic sanctions in Canada, with immediate roadside consequences including 30-day license suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment, followed by devastating conviction penalties of $2,000-$10,000 fines and 1-3 year license suspensions that can destroy careers and cost hundreds of thousands in long-term consequences. Legal representative Jon Cohen of Nextlaw, recognized as Ontario's premier stunt driving legal representative, has analyzed the complete penalty structure and enforcement patterns to help drivers understand both the severe consequences and the proven defence strategies that achieve withdrawal in 76% of resolved cases. With Ontario recording 13,843 stunt driving charges in 2024—a 146% increase since 2015—understanding the penalty framework and available defences has become critical...
Stunt Driving Charges: Why Your "Good Reason" Doesn't Matter in Ontario Court When Jonathan Cohen of Nextlaw reviews stunt driving cases across Ontario, he consistently hears the same misconception from defendants: "If I just explain what really happened, the court will understand." As Ontario's leading stunt driving lawyer, Jon Cohen has analyzed thousands of Section 172(1) Highway Traffic Act prosecutions and documented a critical reality—your explanation, no matter how compelling, carries virtually no legal weight in strict liability traffic offences. This comprehensive analysis examines why personal narratives fail in stunt driving cases, what evidence actually determines outcomes, and how Nextlaw's data-driven defence strategies achieve results where emotional appeals consistently fail. Understanding Strict Liability in Ontario Stunt Driving Cases Stunt driving charges under Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act represent strict liability ...