unlucky123 wrote:Hi
I was having a really bad day and was into my thoughts at 10 pm in hwy 7 and did not realize that I was going at about 70 km/h over the speed limit. The police got me and I honestly am still in shock. I really am sorry. I never had any tickets since I got my license in 2011 (am 26 y/o). I need my car to go to work and to go to school. Am not in a very good financial situation. What is my best course of action?
ANY help would be appreciated!
You have likely been charged under section 172(1) of the HTA:
"172. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway in a race or contest, while performing a stunt or on a bet or wager. 2007, c. 13, s. 21.
Offence
(2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, and in addition his or her drivers licence may be suspended,
(a) on a first conviction under this section, for not more than two years; or
(b) on a subsequent conviction under this section, for not more than 10 years. 2007, c. 13, s. 21."
These charges can be issued at rates of speed 50 km/h or greater over the posted speed limit. I wrote a blog posting on these offences roughly a month ago that may be of assistance to you.
The offence carries a 6 demerit point penalty. If you have a class 1 or class 2 licence, this may trigger further penalties under escalated sanctions for novice drivers. Generally a conviction under this section will result in no longer being insurable under standard insurance coverage given the serious nature of the offence.
Generally these cases will go through approximately 3 to 5 hearings to resolve at court. Given the serious nature of the offence, you may wish to contact a paralegal to seek out legal representation, or at a minimum some basic information.
The content of this post is not legal advice. Legal advice can only be provided after a licenced paralegal has been retained, spoken with you directly, and reviewed the documents related to your case.