Jami Sanftleben, Paralegal
SHORTCUTS – What You Need To Know Now
Received A Traffic Ticket in Brooklin, Ontario?
If you live in Brooklin, Ontario, you have probably experienced some interesting looks when asked where you live. Your response was perhaps met with a questionable stare when you said “Brooklin.” A retort of, “You live where?” tailed by a raised eyebrow was likely the question that followed.
You probably responded, and clarified, “Brooklin, Ontario.” Their response was perhaps one filled with awe and other expressions of how they didn’t know and assumed you meant Brooklyn, New York hence their surprise. For those in Brooklin, Ontario, this is a normal experience.
Believe it or not, a few Ontarians are unaware of Brooklin and its existence in Ontario. However, people have a valid reason to think of New York.
How Did Brooklin Acquire Its Name?
How Did Brooklin Acquire Its Name?Brooklin is a village located in the Durham Region. Many people who hear of Brooklin often wonder how it acquired its name. It was formerly named Winchester, Ontario.
According to Wikipedia, its name was changed to Brooklin in 1847. After the establishment of a post office, it was changed to avoid confusion with a village called Winchester, located in Northern Ontario. The residents requested that the name be changed to Brooklin.
Though there is uncertainty on why this name was chosen, there are many speculations. Many assume it is because many residents living here came from Brooklyn, New York and Brooklin, Maine. So, choosing a name like Brooklin seemed fitting based on their background and former place of residence.
What Is A Great Spot to Visit Here?
One of the most predominant places in Brooklin, Ontario is Rotary Sunrise Lake Park. Many residents praise it for its amazing view of the water, outdoor playground, and picturesque views.
This park is admired for its awesome trails, which are great for strolls and long walks. It offers exciting activities during the summer and almost every season.
What Is Currently Happening in Brooklin, Ontario?
In 2017, Brooklin had a population of about 20,000 people. As of 2020, this number has presumably increased, as it is developing reasonably quickly. The farmlands that used to envelope Brooklin, Ontario, are becoming developed residential areas.
As time progresses, more residential homes are taking over these farmlands. These spaces are transforming to accommodate the families venturing from the GTA to escape higher home prices and a break from the high activity in the inner cities.
Traffic Violations in Brooklin, Ontario
As more individuals venture to this town, additional vehicles will appear on the road. As a result of more people being behind the wheel, congestion and further traffic offences increase – especially for those spending extended time in their car commuting to Toronto.
The HTA provides specified rulings that govern motorists and roadways. Traffic offences violate laws stated within this legislation. Failing to abide by these laws can lead to harsh consequences. These include fines, imprisonment, and licence suspensions.
Have you received a traffic ticket in Brooklin, Ontario? Continue reading below for information on how you can fight the charges.TM
Driving with A Hand-Held
Distracted driving continues to be a significant cause of collisions on the road. As smartphones and other tech devices become a staple, more individuals are getting caught with their phones in their hands.
Unfortunately, it is a hazard for everyone on the road. The consequences of driving with a hand-held in Brooklin are unforgiving. Very high insurance rates, fines starting at $615 and the suspension of your licence is automatic if convicted.
Careless Driving
Under the HTA, careless driving is defined as operating “a vehicle or streetcar on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway.”
However, there are a variety of scenarios that can be classified as careless driving. In Brooklin, these can include rear-ending a vehicle, applying mascara while driving or other circumstances. Typically, the ticket’s discretion is left to the issuing officer, as long as the act demonstrates carelessness and irresponsibility.
The consequences of committing this act include astronomical fines, a licence suspension for up to 2 years and jail time for 6 months (depending on the circumstances).
Speeding & Stunt Driving
One of the most common traffic offences performed is speeding. In Brooklin and surrounding Durham towns, this violation occurs relatively often. However, although it happens frequently, this does not imply that it is acceptable.
Driving up to 49km over the speed limit is considered speeding. Driving over 50km is stunt driving. If you are caught speeding, your vehicle could be seized. You will be expected to pay fines, as well as any fees for your impounded car. Licence suspension increased insurance rates, and other consequences will also follow.
Driving Without Insurance
As in other parts of Ontario, driving without insurance in Brooklin is strongly prohibited. Under the HTA, you are expected to operate your vehicle safely and responsibly, which involves having insurance. If you are convicted of this offence, the consequences are unforgiving. You could face fines starting at $5,000 and a suspended licence for three months.
Driving While Suspended
It is illegal to drive while suspended in Brooklin or any other place in Ontario. Driving while disqualified, which bans individuals from driving based on an existing offence under the Criminal Code. Both of these violations have their penalties. These can involve high fines and jail time.
Minor Traffic Violations
Speeding through an amber light, rolling through a stop sign, improper use of brakes and wrong turns are considered minor violations under the HTA. However, although classified as such, they have their costs. Demerit points on your driving record, fines, and higher insurance rates are some of the outcomes.
NO SURPRISE Fee Quote Guarantee
We understand that when you face a traffic charge or another provincial offence, it is a time of great uncertainty. You face options, important decisions, and possible real changes in your life. At Aitken Robertson we are proud to offer you something that you can count on; our NO SURPRISE fixed quote guarantee. We have been doing this a long time, and know what goes into an effective defence at each stage of the process. We don’t bill by the hour or for travel, which makes the overall cost very predictable and ensures cost-certainty for you. So count on this—if we quote you a price, you will not pay more!
Convictions and Insurance
Traffic convictions can have a very negative effect on your insurance premiums, and even your ability to remain insured. Insurance companies are free to set their own policies on such things, but most of them use a scale that increases the premium multiplier with the severity of the conviction. This scale rates convictions as: “minor,” ”major,” and “serious.” Some minor convictions will have a little to no effect on your insurance, while the major and serious convictions will have a large effect for sure.
All types of convictions will be considered by your insurer for several years, so a minor conviction now and a minor conviction later may cause a pain in your pocket. Although other factors must be considered, at Aitken Robertson we will listen to you and take your goals into account when planning your defence. And then when we break it down, we might find that you may not be in as much trouble as you think!
Demerit Points
When speaking to many valued clients, we have come to realize that some have a misconception about demerit points and their effect on insurance and the ability to drive. Insurance companies don’t really look at demerit points when they funnel you into either the mutual or the high-risk market (i.e. low-cost vs. high-cost market). It is the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) that cares very much about demerit points, and if you accumulate too many in a given period, you could end up getting your licence suspended. Some violations come with zero demerit points, and some come with as many as seven. Also, your level of licence (G or G2 for example) will dictate how many demerit points you can accumulate before entering the danger zone in which your licence is at risk.
Call us today to learn more about the difference between minor, major, and serious convictions, as well as the effect of demerit points on your ability to drive.
The Benefits of Hiring Aitken Robertson
At Aitken Robertson, what matters to you matter to us, and we are committed to helping you fight the charges.TM We understand the impact these offences can have on your life and livelihood. Convictions can cost a lot, and not just money.
Of course, you have options, and you have rights. For a conviction to be registered, it has to be proven. We have experience and a proven track record in evidence analysis, pre-trial negotiations with prosecutors, skilled legal research, and fierce advocacy. With our team of licensed traffic court paralegals, lawyers and assistants, we can help you when you need it.
We provide free 30-minute consultations, where we will explain the repercussions of your charge. Also, we will detail the potential expenses and affordability of our services. If you are interested in speaking with us, do not hesitate to call. We look forward to assisting you.
