Folks, My alleged offence is rather simple - speeding 134km/h in a 100km/h zone (quoted from the ticket). Offence took place in Nov 2015. First appearance in May 2016. Asked for disclosure, and 2.5 weeks before 1st appearance got a few pages from the radar manual, and a photocopy of the officer's notes. At the first appearance I've stated that sending me disclosure 2.5 weeks before the trial doesn't work, blah blah. Case was adjourned until this coming Thursday (13/10). Between 1st appearance (May) and now (October), I sent 5 disclosure requests, asking for a typed version of the officer's notes, and an explanation of his shorthand. Obviously I got nothing. What would be the right strategy for Thursday? Push for a dismissal/withdrawal, or forget about it, try to get another adjournment, and then file a charter application, under 7, 11 and 24? If I'm asking for it to be dismissed, I intend to rely mostly on Stinchcombe (i.e. I'm entitled to it, but I'm here for a second time, and it wasn't provided), however thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated. The ticket itself has a fatal flaw, however I won't be playing that game (no HTA subsection quoted).
Folks,
My alleged offence is rather simple - speeding 134km/h in a 100km/h zone (quoted from the ticket).
Offence took place in Nov 2015. First appearance in May 2016.
Asked for disclosure, and 2.5 weeks before 1st appearance got a few pages from the radar manual, and a photocopy of the officer's notes.
At the first appearance I've stated that sending me disclosure 2.5 weeks before the trial doesn't work, blah blah.
Case was adjourned until this coming Thursday (13/10).
Between 1st appearance (May) and now (October), I sent 5 disclosure requests, asking for a typed version of the officer's notes, and an explanation of his shorthand.
Obviously I got nothing.
What would be the right strategy for Thursday? Push for a dismissal/withdrawal, or forget about it, try to get another adjournment, and then file a charter application, under 7, 11 and 24?
If I'm asking for it to be dismissed, I intend to rely mostly on Stinchcombe (i.e. I'm entitled to it, but I'm here for a second time, and it wasn't provided), however thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated. The ticket itself has a fatal flaw, however I won't be playing that game (no HTA subsection quoted).
You received disclosure weeks before your first court date. Did the fact that the notes aren't legible ever come up while the officer was there in the same courtroom as you?
You received disclosure weeks before your first court date. Did the fact that the notes aren't legible ever come up while the officer was there in the same courtroom as you?
Its unlikely your case will be dismissed simply based upon you asking for it at your next trial date. After all, you'd have to file a section 7 Charter application (citing the lack of disclosure) to request a stay. The court simply cannot dismiss a case based on a constitutional breach on its own motion or verbal arguments----without both the federal and provincial governments getting their proper statutory notice! After all, both levels of government have the right to make submissions on Charter issues---and attempt to 'justify' any possible breaches under section 1 of the Charter. So, if a JP ever does that, its grounds for appeal by the prosecutor (if they choose to proceed with the appeal). Therefore, since you no longer have time to file and serve the proper paper work to argue a section 7 breach, you SHOULD put your objections on the record and bring proof of your numerous disclosure requests. Then, they'll likely adjourn your matter. On your next appearance, you can file for an 11b Charter application (trial within a reasonable time) and argue that all the delays thus far were due to the prosecutor not giving timely disclosure. Its a lot of waiting and paper work, but that's the proper procedure.
Its unlikely your case will be dismissed simply based upon you asking for it at your next trial date. After all, you'd have to file a section 7 Charter application (citing the lack of disclosure) to request a stay. The court simply cannot dismiss a case based on a constitutional breach on its own motion or verbal arguments----without both the federal and provincial governments getting their proper statutory notice! After all, both levels of government have the right to make submissions on Charter issues---and attempt to 'justify' any possible breaches under section 1 of the Charter. So, if a JP ever does that, its grounds for appeal by the prosecutor (if they choose to proceed with the appeal).
Therefore, since you no longer have time to file and serve the proper paper work to argue a section 7 breach, you SHOULD put your objections on the record and bring proof of your numerous disclosure requests. Then, they'll likely adjourn your matter. On your next appearance, you can file for an 11b Charter application (trial within a reasonable time) and argue that all the delays thus far were due to the prosecutor not giving timely disclosure.
Its a lot of waiting and paper work, but that's the proper procedure.
@bend - the JP has agreed, on record, with me being entitled to a typed version and an explanation of the shorthand. @highwaystar - thank you. @screeech - this was discussed in another thread I've started 6 months ago, specifically relating to that particular fatal flaw. At the end, it comes down to the school of thought to which the JP subscribes, thus potentially resulting in a need for an appeal. The issue was addressed in Khoshael years ago, the city of London case subsequently, and most recently by the Ontario Court of Appeal in Farah and Mirza.
@bend - the JP has agreed, on record, with me being entitled to a typed version and an explanation of the shorthand.
@highwaystar - thank you.
@screeech - this was discussed in another thread I've started 6 months ago, specifically relating to that particular fatal flaw. At the end, it comes down to the school of thought to which the JP subscribes, thus potentially resulting in a need for an appeal. The issue was addressed in Khoshael years ago, the city of London case subsequently, and most recently by the Ontario Court of Appeal in Farah and Mirza.
The reason I bring it up is because usually they'll just have the officer pull you aside go through it with you right then and there. It's a lot easier than the alternative for both parties. I'm not sure why it wasn't offered. If it's something that wasn't mentioned until after that first court date, they'd probably have you explain why it wasn't brought up while the officer was available in the same room. But as long as you've already brought it up, then I guess you shouldn't have much to worry about.
avialaw wrote:
@bend - the JP has agreed, on record, with me being entitled to a typed version and an explanation of the shorthand.
The reason I bring it up is because usually they'll just have the officer pull you aside go through it with you right then and there. It's a lot easier than the alternative for both parties. I'm not sure why it wasn't offered. If it's something that wasn't mentioned until after that first court date, they'd probably have you explain why it wasn't brought up while the officer was available in the same room. But as long as you've already brought it up, then I guess you shouldn't have much to worry about.
The reason I bring it up is because usually they'll just have the officer pull you aside go through it with you right then and there. It's a lot easier than the alternative for both parties. I'm not sure why it wasn't offered. If it's something that wasn't mentioned until after that first court date, they'd probably have you explain why it wasn't brought up while the officer was available in the same room. But as long as you've already brought it up, then I guess you shouldn't have much to worry about. Well, this is exactly what has happened today - my disclosure argument didn't fly, and they've sent me outside with the officer, to go over his notes. Appeal, here we come....
bend wrote:
avialaw wrote:
@bend - the JP has agreed, on record, with me being entitled to a typed version and an explanation of the shorthand.
The reason I bring it up is because usually they'll just have the officer pull you aside go through it with you right then and there. It's a lot easier than the alternative for both parties. I'm not sure why it wasn't offered. If it's something that wasn't mentioned until after that first court date, they'd probably have you explain why it wasn't brought up while the officer was available in the same room. But as long as you've already brought it up, then I guess you shouldn't have much to worry about.
Well, this is exactly what has happened today - my disclosure argument didn't fly, and they've sent me outside with the officer, to go over his notes.
The no section "flaw" has taken the appeal route: Hargan, Billinger, Goodman, Wong and in 2014 Martinez...Can't quash a ticket for no section number...
The no section "flaw" has taken the appeal route: Hargan, Billinger, Goodman, Wong and in 2014 Martinez...Can't quash a ticket for no section number...
I followed the procedures mentioned in the previous threads regarding the disclosure and received it today. My court date is November 5 2009 in Whitby. After going through the notes I realized 2 things:
1- the notes are horribly illegible and difficult to read
2- I have notes from two different officers.
Now I am not sure if this means that both the officers will be at court for the hearing or…
I hope I can paint the picture with the accuracy that the truth deserves. I have no intention of just beating a ticket.. but more like beating a really unfair ticket. You decide!
I had entered Canada after a short trip downsouth through Detroit on my way to Toronto. Not being equipped with a GPS unit I had to rely on the printable poorman's version from Mapquest. I followed Huron Church Rd.,…
Need an expert advice here. 10 days ago I got a speeding ticket. Ticket has a fatal error on its face-offense not known to law. It says speeding 75km/hr in posted 60km/hr zone. What is the best way to proceed?
1. Should I completely ignore this ticket and let the JP to quash it?
2. Should I go with option 3 - request a trial and force the fatal error by not showing up at court?
My name is Brian. I am in my late 20s and live in Toronto. I do not own a car but half a dozen times a year I rent one with my Visa. (To get out of the city and go to a beach or ski for example.)
I have never drunk and drive but I face a problem and Im wondering if anyone can tell me what to do. Several months ago I was at a weekend party and had quit a bit to consume. When I stopped…
I was travelling east bound on ellesmere road and approached markham road attempting to make a right turn. All signal lights were red and cars traveling down markham road south were given the green arrow. I slowed down and attempted to make the right turn. I got ticketed by a cop who was parked in a gas station facing the intersection in a (no parking zone). I…
Crested a hill, officer coming at me, pulled a u turn and pulled me over.
I will go back and look again but I thought I was in an 80 not a 70 and I am positive I wasn't doing more than 120. My speedo read 110-115. I have aftermarket tires and rims so I assume this would be the difference.
It was around 7pm, already dark, nobody on the road but myself,…
I am looking for the case law that is commonly used when the prosecution says they only need to disclose the testing pages of a radar manual or laser manual.
I am only interested in the binding decisions (appeals court or higher?), and not in the non-binding Justice of the Peace decisions.
I was pulled over two nights ago and charged with failing to stop a stop sign. On the ticket, it says 'disobey stop sign - foil to stop' and does not say 'fail' -- something I think may be a fatal flaw? I have been driving for 12 years with no tickets, yet I live in Brampton where insurance prices are high so I do not want to be convicted as my insurance rates will spike significantly and…
A friend of mine (who is from China and with no knowledge of English at all) asked me to interpret for him on court.
He got pulled over by a stealth patrol car last october, got 3 tickets (fail to show insurance card, using cell phones and fail to stop on right for emergency vehicle) , court date is next week. He told me his insurance expired for less than a month and other charges are false…
I understand the severity of my offences, and I can't stress how much I regret it. I know I endangered the lives of myself and more importantly others. I usually do not speed and I know running late for work is an unacceptable excuse. I will be a man and accept the consequences of my actions although I would appreciate any advice for my situation.
Guys back in january i got a speeding ticket on dvp, but i am 90% sure he did not caught me on radar, i asked for disclosure request and i just received today, I have asked for: a full copy of the police officers notes, a copy of both sides of the officers copy of the ticket, witness will say statements, speed gun manual, calibration record, repair history and officer's training certificate but…
I need some help here. So today I was on my way to get my tires changed from my winter tires to my regular summer staggered set of tires. I was driving in mississauga on my way to my destination, I got pulled over by an officer where I was given a ticket for having improper mudguards. For some context, I drive a stock 2013 C63 AMG with winter tires at the time. I was never…
I'd like to start this off by saying for the last two weeks I have been browsing the forums. I'm trying to prepare myself for an early resolution meeting with a prosecutor (in Brampton, if that matters). I have a clean record and as a teacher, I always do my best to follow rules (trying to practice what I preach!)
On December 4, 2014 I was preparing to turn right at a very busy intersection.…
I have question, today I was going to work in my normal route there is a triangle intersection with my side being the only one with a stop sign.
There's a car in front me who stopped at the stop sign, and the third-side there's a incoming car with their hazard-light flashing but they don't have stop sign, yet coming in at a slow speed.
Right after the car in front me went through the stop sign,…
On my way to work this morning I received a ticket for disobey sign. I was on Hwy 10 Mississauga in the right lane. The right lane leads to the 401 and there is a sign saying Right Lane Exits. I Tried to merge left before the on ramp as did 3 other people. We all got a ticket for doing that. Is there anything I can do? I did not realize I was breaking any law it was a dotted line where I tried to…
This is my first post, before I jump right in I would like to thank the forum, members, posters and moderators for all the information posted. I feel like I have been able to learn a lot from others experiences, so thank you all.
This will be a lengthy post. But if you are dealing with a Disobey Sign HTA 182(2) - No Straight Through Intersection you may find this extremely…
Let me start this with saying that this isn't in regards to a ticket, more a discussion surrounding front license plates and learning about the rules behind them. (Most of the quote stuff is using colloquial terms, mostly because I couldn't really find a better way to describe it; it's not meant to be offensive.)
I know Ontario law/HTA mandates having a front license plate unlike some States in…
Hi Guys! I've just had my trial day yesterday. I was not at fault but was convicted anyways.
It is such a travesty! There is no justice at the traffic court. It is just a no mercy machine to part someone with his money, no common sense applies and no reasonable argument being considered. Such a shame! The justice, the policeman and the prosecutor ganged up against me. The justice kept interrupting…
Well first of all ... glad to have found the forum - hoping to find answers to 'alot' of questions
I was unfortunate in July 2010 in that I ended up rolling my 2009 Ranger three times, through a fence and landing on the roof on a rained-out road that was/is in need of proper repair in Eastern Ontario.
I was assisted out of the vehicle by the driver who was behind me.
I was traveling down the 401, noticed a speed trap, and started flashing my lights -- in order to warn oncoming drivers.
Within a 30 seconds, a car slowed, crossed the grass, and approached me from behind. Lights appeared, and I then realised that this was an officer in an undercover car.
The officer pulled me over, and while he was polite, clearly his motivation was to…
Does anyone know the specific law, statute, Charter right to refer to when a prosecutor or justice attempts to change the charge on a ticket after a trial has begun? I assume I'd object immediately (without interrupting anyone, of course) but what would be the specific legal basis of my objection?
I was right behind a school bus that looked like it was pulling over to the side in order to turn down a side street, I saw no lights so decided to go around (wide street). Was still moving as I was passing, then as I did pass I heard horn and looked back and in fact it was pulling over to p/u school kids (was a block away from my son's school, so just assumed it wouldn't be picking up kids...it…