Thanks. I won because I was prepared and had multiple lines of defense. I didnt in fact get to make the argument in regards to the use of an old Offense Notice. However, for your benefit here is my understanding of how to make the argument. First off, confirm that you do have an old notice. Personally Im surprised that they would still be using them more than a year later. Does your 2nd Option read "plead guilty with an explanation"? If so you are good. When you arrive at court, speak to the crown, and consider the deal he offers, it may be worth it not to have to spend a day in "jail" (court) waiting for your turn. If you dont want to take the deal, and he asks what you want to do tell him you would like to speak to the justice, then ask if your case could be dealt with sooner. When its finally your turn, the crown will present the charge to the court, and the justice will ask you how you plead. DO NOT make a plea or you may screw yourself. Your response should be: "Your worship I make a motion to Quash this charge on the grounds that the document sent to me entitled "Offence Notice" was not in fact an "Offence Notice" as per regulation 950 (13.1) at the time it was issued. Therefore the requirements of Reg 950 section 3(2) have not been met and this proceeding cannot commence." Now the crown will probably make some argument that as per section 90(1), the justice can amend the issued notice to deal with any irregularities. Your response to that needs to be: "the proceeding must be commenced before section 90(1) can take effect, since the requirements of section (3)(2) has not been met the proceedings cannot commence thus section 90(1) is not in effect". Makes your head want to spin doesnt it? But hopefully it clarifies the argument presented in this thread. Bottom line, get a copy of the relevant sections, read them and understand them and how they make this argument work. Good Luck! Let us know how it works out for you!
dpreid1981 wrote:
thats good news! would you care to elaborate how you won the case?
Thanks.
I won because I was prepared and had multiple lines of defense. I didnt in fact get to make the argument in regards to the use of an old Offense Notice. However, for your benefit here is my understanding of how to make the argument.
First off, confirm that you do have an old notice. Personally Im surprised that they would still be using them more than a year later. Does your 2nd Option read "plead guilty with an explanation"? If so you are good.
When you arrive at court, speak to the crown, and consider the deal he offers, it may be worth it not to have to spend a day in "jail" (court) waiting for your turn. If you dont want to take the deal, and he asks what you want to do tell him you would like to speak to the justice, then ask if your case could be dealt with sooner.
When its finally your turn, the crown will present the charge to the court, and the justice will ask you how you plead. DO NOT make a plea or you may screw yourself. Your response should be:
"Your worship I make a motion to Quash this charge on the grounds that the document sent to me entitled "Offence Notice" was not in fact an "Offence Notice" as per regulation 950 (13.1) at the time it was issued. Therefore the requirements of Reg 950 section 3(2) have not been met and this proceeding cannot commence."
Now the crown will probably make some argument that as per section 90(1), the justice can amend the issued notice to deal with any irregularities.
Your response to that needs to be: "the proceeding must be commenced before section 90(1) can take effect, since the requirements of section (3)(2) has not been met the proceedings cannot commence thus section 90(1) is not in effect".
Makes your head want to spin doesnt it? But hopefully it clarifies the argument presented in this thread.
Bottom line, get a copy of the relevant sections, read them and understand them and how they make this argument work.
Good Luck! Let us know how it works out for you!