Driving-under-suspension charges are very serious in terms of the fine that is given as well as the other repercussions that come with a conviction. A driver’s license can be suspended for any number of reasons in Ontario including the following:

• Accumulation of demerit points
• Failing to pay tickets or fines
• Stunt driving or racing
• Impaired driving
• Medical suspension
• Failure to pay child support

If your license is suspended for any reason, it is illegal to operate a vehicle under any circumstances. The reasons for the license suspension however will have a huge impact on the penalties that accompany the charge.

 

 

If your license is suspended for violations of the Highway Traffic Act or for non-criminal acts such as speeding tickets or violations of either the G1 or G2 license, the fine for driving under suspension is a minimum of $1,000 with a maximum of $5,000 for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense will carry a minimum fine of $2,000. It is mandatory that an additional six months be added to the current suspension length. A conviction can also carry up to a six-month jail term at the court’s discretion.

 

If your license was suspended for a criminal code offense such as impaired driving, failing to remain at the scene of an accident or dangerous driving, the penalties are much more severe. A first offense for driving under suspension brings a fine of between $5,000-25,000. Subsequent offenses carry fines of $10,000-50,000. There is an additional year added to the suspension length and up to a two-year prison term.

 

 

Driving under suspension is a serious offense. Just like any other type of serious offense, it is always best to avoid doing it if at all possible. In the case that you are charged with driving under suspension, you should always consult with experienced legal professionals as soon as possible to discuss the situation, understand the implications of a conviction and discover what options are available to help you protect yourself.

 

Discussing your unique situation with experienced professionals is vital to finding the best course of action to deal with a driving-under-suspension charge. It is always advisable to fight the charge and attempt to have the charges dropped.

 

 

Fighting a major charge (or even lesser charges like speeding) is an important endeavor and you should take every precaution to ensure you find the best representation.

 

Ensure that the representation you choose takes the time to completely look into the circumstances surrounding the charge and every significant aspect of the situation. This often includes accessing and analyzing the police officer notes and other evidence that has been collected. It will also include filing any legal notions that are necessary on your behalf.

 

There are experienced professionals who have been providing sound advice and effective representation for clients for over 20 years in Ontario. The experience is vital for helping clients dismiss every type of traffic ticket and successfully representing clients in court against major charges.

 

Consult with experienced professionals and obtain effective representation to fight your driving-under-suspension charges today.