Melvin's Case — Dangerous Driving — Plea to Speeding

Client:  Melvin, Accused
Complainant:  York Regional Police Force, 5 District
Charge:  Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Background:  Melvin loved being on his motorcycle. The police said he loved it too much. They found him in a 80 km/hr zone with the air whizzing by him at 130 km/hr. They alleged he was driving like a maniac. They charged him with dangerous driving. Melvin had a criminal record for drinking and driving. If he were now convicted of dangerous driving, his licence would be suspended for 3 years.

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Goals:  Since he was employed as a transport truck driver, Melvin wanted to beat the charge at trial or to resolve the matter without losing his licence.

Strategy:  The first Crown I met with had little sympathy for Melvin. We agreed the matter would proceed to trial. Melvin's case then required a meeting before a Judge — a judicial pre-trial meeting.

Results:  At this judicial pre-trial, I convinced the Crown to accept a guilty plea to a speeding offence under the Highway Traffic Act. Melvin avoided a criminal conviction and a licence suspension. He received only a fine.

READ THE SENTENCING TRANSCRIPT