I had a fairly substantial ticket ($780! Plus 4 demerits.) for failing to yield to a pedestrian. Which is hilarious because I'm somewhat of a pedestrian advocate, even when I'm the driver.
When I was issued the ticket, I was sure that I had done nothing wrong. I requested disclosure from the Crown (legal speak for getting to view the dashcam video). If it arrived, I would have the evidence to exonerate me. If it didn't arrive in time, I was going to go to my court date and argue that the charge should be tossed because the Crown didn't provide the evidence.
Of course, two days before my court date the package arrived. And to my horror, the flashing lights were pressed early enough for me to see them. Sure, there were other factors (the button was around a corner on the far right side, and I was turning left, so there wasn't much of a chance to see the pedestrian. And they had barely entered the road, and were not even in the opposite lane, let alone mine. And I was probably going about 15 kph. But still - I should have seen the overhead flashing lights.
I thought that my plan of action would be to go in and see the justice of the peace and just own it. He was a really nice guy, and everyone seemed to be leaving his office with a look of relief on their face. When I was called, I basically said: "I requested disclosure, and yes, I should have seen the flashing lights. I am quite embarrassed that I didn't. I do feel that the penalty is quite harsh given the circumstances, however, based on the location, my driving record, and the speed I was travelling."
He looked up and said - "I agree. How does $230 and no demerits sound?" I said "deal!" and he wished me a nice day. Technically he had lowered the charge to something more generic, so I still got to learn my lesson, but spared somewhat financially. He even asked about my ability to pay, etc. and I assured him that $230 I could swallow as a lesson learned, and it sure beats $780! But they actually seemed... human. I went to the payment window and paid up, and then I was on my way to Simons where they had a crazy dress shirt sale on and I got 5 for about $100. On balance, a really productive day.
So Jimmy Stangs not-legal advice:
- Request disclosure. You have a right to see the evidence against you so you can make an informed plea.
- Even if the disclosure doesn't help your case, consider attending on your date in person. The penalty on your ticket is a voluntary payment option - black or white. A justice of the peace has the ability to consider all of the other factors, including your driving record, the severity of the infraction, and even your financial situation. You can still be "guilty" but to a lesser charge and/or a lesser penalty.
Of course, $310 is a lot different that $780, but still a good chunk of change. My trip downtown was worth the day off, parking or train fare, hassle, time, etc. Not having much experience with the legal system, it was actually kind of interesting and not intimidating.
The only wild card is that it was a CP ticket, but I assume that if they get all of the powers of city cops, then you get all of the rights of being ticketed by a city cop.
Feel free to PM if you would like any more details about my experience, with the massive caveat that I am not a lawyer and very much a regular citizen who got a big ticket once.