Just an update on my charges [I forgot to mention a CAIA 3(1)] with some good news:
I received a Notice of Trial in late December, with a court date set for early March. Over the ensuing months I sent three Disclosure Requests [which I wrote up on my own based on the TicketCombat example]. I did not hear anything from the Prosecutor's office, and arrived early on my scheduled court date with copies of all of Disclosure Requests prepared to face opposition from the Crown to my non-disclosure arguments. I checked in with the Prosecutor, and when she asked me what I'm hoping to get, I told her that all I wanted was Disclosure . She asked when I first requested it and I told her that it was in late December of last year . She noted this and in I went and sat down for a comfy hour before being called up [those courtrooms are really hot].
The Prosecutor, noting two Disclosure Requests dating back to Dec, was approached by the Constable, who mentioned something about receiving the requests only a few days prior. They whispered a bit, and the Prosecutor then withdrew the charges. Just like that. I thanked the Justice, the Prosecutor and the Constable and ran off into the sunset [not exactly].
OBSERVATIONS:
1. A lot of people, about 85%, plead guilty to a lesser charge. Only Paralegals ever mentioned Disclosure issues, and I doubt any civilians on that day were even aware of it. About 50% of Paralegals also plead to a lesser charge. In other words, someone just blew $250.
2. It seems that sending in Disclosure Requests to Old City Hall by registered mail isn't reliable. I was told by a legal advisor that registered mail is usually signed by whomever at the Court House and might not make it to the Prosecutor. Since this was the case with me, I would advise on not spending the money. Fax it in [both fax requests were acknowledged by the Crown] or bring it in person.
3. Adjournments were granted for Disclosure issues only when only one Disclosure Request was made, the Prosecutor withdrew all charges for Disclosure issues where more than one Request was made. I believe this is due to possible Charter motions [section 7, 11d and potentially 11b]. Just speculating though. It worked in my favour, thus no complaints.
4. THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE REPRESENTING THEMSELVES are unfamiliar with the process. Use it to your advantage. A Prosecutor is less willing to battle it out with someone who knows their rights, the Prosecutors' responsibilities, and how to file a Charter Motion. This all considering the severity of the charge, of course, and whether or not the cards play in your favour prior to the trial [ie Disclosure issues].
Thank you to all of the contributors on this site who have guided me along on my first journey of dealing with traffic court. You guys offer a wealth of knowledge on here and have provided me with a concise starting point when it came to educating myself about the legal process in Ontario's POA courts. Essentially, if you are reading this as I would have months ago, your best bet is to start familiarizing yourself with the legal process, your rights, and case law. There's a wealth of information on this forum just a search query away. Good luck and have fun!