Quote:
Originally Posted by Jayems
They won't completely take the demerits off anymore. However, you can plead guilty to a lesser offense which usually comes with less demerits. IE: Plead guilty to 10km/h over rather than 20km/hr over. Most of mine I've argued resulted in one or two demerits knocked off, but not completely.
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You can still get the demerits reduced to zero, actually.
It just takes more work. It used to be automatic that they'd accept a plea to a no demerit offense in place of the one you were charged with. Now, you have to show that you're actually serious about contesting the charge on its merits.
Make the prosecutor's office work hard.... demand detailed disclosure, not just the officer's notes... ie., if you've been charged with speeding, demand the operating manual for the radar device, and details about the calibration tests, together with any records that exist regarding the officer's training with the device.
Edit: And to it as soon as you get your ticket. Send a letter to prosecutor's office quoting the number of the offense ticket requesting that disclosure. When your first appearance comes, show that you still don't have disclosure (because they won't have done it by then). Be firm about getting the disclosure and send a second letter.
There are other methods for getting the Crown to be easier to negotiate with, but they all involve you asserting an actual defense.