“Stunt Driving: My Experience”

I was charged with stunt driving: driving 170 on a 100 kmh road (QEW). Here's what I went through:

- Roadside suspension: The impoundment cost nearly $900. Also, you need to reapply for a new license after 7 days, so you need to find a friend to drive the car away from the impound lot.

- Research on cases: Anecdotal evidence suggests plea bargains are common (at least in the 50-59 kmh range, to 49+). Apply for disclosure asap.

- Decide on course of action: If you wish to plead guilty to a lesser charge/ fine, aim for a plea bargain. If you wish to buy yourself time (e.g. if insurance renews soon), seek an adjournment on first appearance. Unless you seek a verdict of not guilty (perhaps for insurance reasons), it is not necessary to pay more for a paralegal. I also had to resolve everything on my first appearance, as I don't live in Canada and flew back specifically for the appearance.

- First appearance: Went to Hamilton courthouse early. After the prosecutor came in, I joined the line of paralegals who queued to talked to him. When my turn came, he asked me what I wanted. I said 49+, was firmly declined and counter-offered a charge of speeding at 70 kmh (s 128 HTA). This meant a fine of $682.5 (+cost, surcharge) and 6 points. As I don't live in Canada, I didn't have to worry about insurance premiums and gladly accepted the offer. Pled guilty in front of the justice an hour later, and the matter was resolved.

Lesson:

- This was a really costly experience for me, and I spent many hours in angst and panic and regret. Don't speed over 50 kmh.

- If you're dirt poor like me, it is possible to DIY.

- It's not the end of the world even at this speed. Be calm and deal with the consequences. You can do it.

depending on where you live you may have to worry about premiums. I just saw an article and 43 out of 50 states have agreements with Ontario that convictions are reported back to home state. Plus a few actually impose the same penalty points and suspensions on their home state DL's.

I cannot find the article right off.

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