My name is misspelled on the ticket. Can I get off?
This occurs more often than you think and is known
as a 'non-fatal' error. The test in this
instance is whether, in reading the misspelled name,
you would say 'this is not me' or '‘this
is me but there is a mistake in the spelling of my
name'. In almost all instances the court will
amend the ticket to correct the mistake and continue
with the proceedings.
What are 'non-fatal' errors?
These are mistakes made on the charging document/ticket,
almost always amended by the court.
What are 'fatal' errors?
These are mistakes on a charging document for which
amendments have been refused or which will render
the document a nullity, such as; no name for the
defendant or no date of offence.
If you suspect you have one or both of the above on
your speeding ticket or traffic ticket and you have
questions, call Ottawa Traffic Tickets and speak to
a former police officer who will answer your questions
free of charge. Remember, we’ve spent years writing
traffic and speeding tickets.
Do I have to go to court?
In most cases you do not. As your agent, Ottawa Traffic
Tickets will appear on your behalf.
When I got a speeding ticket the officer refused
to show me the radar reading. Can I win?
This is a common misconception. The officer is under
no legal obligation to show you the speed registered
on the radar device.
Are there insurance implications if I plead guilty?
There are indeed. Guilty pleas and convictions are
what insurance companies take note of. Remember,
insurance companies are in business to make money
therefore even minor convictions will be used to
increase your rates. For instance, a Careless Driving
conviction (6 points) may result in a 200% increase
in your insurance rates over the next five to six
years costing thousands of dollars. If for no other
reason than the insurance implications, you should
have a former police officer from Ottawa Traffic
Tickets represent you at court.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by
fighting your traffic ticket. Doing so could save you
thousands of dollars in insurance premiums alone. Call
or email Ottawa Traffic Tickets and speak with a former
officer for a free, no obligation consultation.
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