Hiring A Traffic Ticket Paralegal VS Doing It Yourself

by | Mar 18, 2024 | General Videos

When it comes to dealing with traffic tickets, hiring a paralegal can be a wise choice. Traffic ticket paralegals are trained professionals who specialize in handling traffic violations and charges.

Benefits To Hiring A Paralegal

A licensed paralegal’s expertise in traffic laws and court procedures can be a crucial advantage. They are well-versed in the Highway Traffic Act, which makes them capable of providing accurate and specialized advice. Unlike handling traffic tickets on your own, a paralegal has the necessary experience and education to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Defence Strategy

Paralegals develop effective defence strategies that can lead to the dismissal of charges or a reduction in fines and penalties. They collect and examine evidence, which is essential for building a strong defence. Given their experience, paralegals can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that an untrained eye might miss.

Stress and Time Management

Dealing with traffic tickets can be stressful and time consuming. Hiring a paralegal can alleviate this stress and save you valuable time. Paralegals manage the paperwork and legal procedures, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and submitted on time. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a busy schedule.

Court Appearances

Traffic ticket paralegals have the expertise to represent you in court. They are familiar with court procedures and know how to present a case effectively. This representation can increase the chances of a favourable outcome, such as avoiding demerits points or maintaining your driving privileges.

Cost-Effective Legal Assistance

Hiring a paralegal can be a cost-effective option compared to employing a traffic ticket lawyer. Paralegals often charge lower fees while providing high quality legal assistance. This makes them a more affordable choice for many individuals facing traffic violations.

Avoiding Convictions

One of the significant benefits of hiring a paralegal is avoiding unnecessary convictions. Many people who handle their traffic tickets on their own may end up pleading guilty to charges that could have been dismissed. Paralegals can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process to avoid convictions that could impact your driving record and insurance rates.

Personalized Attention

Paralegals offer personalized attention to each case, ensuring that your specific needs and interests are taken into account. This level of attention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Paralegals work closely with you to develop a tailored defence strategy that addresses your unique situation.

Free Initial Consultation

Many paralegals may offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and provide an overview of the potential consequences and defence options. This consultation can help you make an informed decision about whether to hire a paralegal or handle the traffic ticket yourself.

Case Law and Trial

Paralegals have a deep understanding of case law related to traffic tickets, which can be vital during a trial. They are skilled in presenting evidence and examining witnesses, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. Their knowledge and practice in courtrooms give them the ability to also react promptly to unexpected developments during the trial.

Potential Pitfalls of DIY Defence

Handling traffic tickets yourself may seem straightforward, but the legal system can be complex and unpredictable. Without the expertise of a paralegal, you risk missing crucial details that could affect the outcome of your case. Paralegals help you avoid the pitfalls of self-representation by providing professional legal assistance.

Hiring a traffic ticket paralegal offers numerous benefits, from specialized knowledge of traffic laws to personalized defence strategies and stress reduction. The investment in a paralegal’s services can lead to a more favourable outcome and protect your driving record and your future.

Video Transcription:

Hiring a traffic ticket paralegal versus doing it yourself. It’s kind of an age-old question. I can tell you it’s probably a good idea to investigate the differences. Many people know what the differences would be. I can use an analogy. If in fact you had a tooth and you needed to get it removed, you’d go to a dentist because they’re professionals, they do it every day, they know what they’re doing and they’re trained to do so.

I kind of liken this question to that sort of analogy. We’re practiced this every day. We’re educated, licensed, we update our licenses. We have a large office with colleagues. We kind of work on cases together and bat around ideas and get involved in day to day operations in any one particular court in Ontario, we’re not dealing with any of these cases in a one off scenario. If you’re dealing with it yourself, number one, you’re trying to study an entire system, trying to engulf gross amounts of law, and get a handle on a situation that you really don’t know. That being said, I’ve met many people, doctors, lawyers, bright people who are neither a doctor or a lawyer or they’re fascinated to talk to you because of their intellect.

And What I found is, yes, any one of those people, they’re capable of dealing with this on their own, but the time involved and the practice involved, they don’t, you don’t have that kind of time. Even an engineer, for example. You can’t have that kind of time to sort of study all this and believe that you’re going to go in and defend yourself effectively.

The system itself was designed so that any person should be able to walk in off the street and defend themselves. I can assure you, and you can discover this, outside of this video, that that is anything but an accurate statement. There are very few people who are going to be successful. Even when someone believes they’re successful, for example, you may go into a court, you may talk to a prosecutor, and you may say, hey, I have this particular charge, and this prosecutor says to you, well, I’m going to give you a break.

I’m going to reduce this for you. And now you plead out to something less. Now you go back out and you talk to your friends and family and you tell them, well, how well you did. I avoided paying for a lawyer. I avoided paying for that particular paralegal and looked at the result that I have. The reality in that situation, and these are true situations, that person did not need to plead guilty to anything.

The evidence did not support a conviction for anything. Now you’ve convicted yourself of something you really shouldn’t be convicted of, unbeknownst to you, and I think that’s unfair. So, the answer is, in my mind, if you’re wrestling with that question, do you hire a traffic ticket paralegal or go it on your own?

I say no. I don’t, I’m not saying you need to hire us, but I’m saying you need to consider all of your options and the importance of having someone who is a professional, like a dentist, to do that type of work for you.

<a href="https://www.otdlegal.ca/about-us/ron-harper/" target="_self">Ron Harper</a>

Ron Harper

Author, Owner of OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Services and Licensed Paralegal

Licensed Paralegal & Founder of OTD Ticket Defenders Ron Harper holds a BA in Psychology, a Certificate in Public Administration, and an Honours degree in Political Science, along with a Master’s in Judicial Administration. With over 40 years of experience in traffic law, including years of experience as a Prosecutor, Ron Harper leads one of Ontario's top traffic ticket defence firms.

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