In Vancouver, if you are found to be driving while prohibited, or if you drive with a suspended licence, it is critical to understand that this is a criminal offence that can result in a range of penalties. Under the Motor Vehicle Act, you can lose your licence and face a monetary penalty, but you could also be sentenced to jail time.
When you are facing a driving while prohibited offence, there are certain steps you should take in order to do everything you can to avoid jail time and other serious penalties. You should know that you do have options, and one of those options is to hire an experienced Vancouver criminal defence lawyer who can assist you with your case.
Understand Driving While Prohibited and the Consequences You Could Face
In order to understand your options after getting caught driving while prohibited, it is important to have clear knowledge of the law and the potential consequences. Under the Motor Vehicle Act, driving while prohibited is defined as a situation in which “a person who drives a motor vehicle on a highway or industrial road knowing that . . . he or she is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle under section 91, 92, 93, 94.2, 215, 215.43, or 251(4).”
Those sections identified in the Motor Vehicle Act involve various driving prohibitions related to being guilty of particular types of offences or circumstances, including failure to satisfy a final judgment arising out of a serious motor vehicle collision, or being deemed unfit to drive a motor vehicle, for example. There are other reasons outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act, as well.
A first conviction can result in a fine of $500 to $2,000, an extended driving prohibition, and jail time. Jail time and fines increase with subsequent convictions.
You Have Options in Court for Your Defence
You will have options when it comes to your defence, including defending yourself in court or hiring a lawyer to handle your defence. You will receive an Appearance Notice. You can go to court yourself and handle your own defence, or you can work with a lawyer. It is often important to have a lawyer handle your defence since your lawyer will have handled similar cases and will have experience handling defences in driving prohibition cases.
With Your Lawyer’s Help, You May Have Options for Resolving Your Case without Jail Time
With help from your lawyer, you also may have options for resolving your case without risking jail time. If your lawyer believes the prosecutor does not have sufficient evidence against you, your lawyer might recommend moving forward with a trial to avoid a conviction. In many circumstances, your lawyer can attempt to resolve your case through a discussion with the prosecutor, reaching a resolution that allows you to avoid jail time.
Contact a Driving Prohibition Defence Lawyer in Vancouver Today
Driving prohibitions in British Columbia can be extremely complicated, and it is critical to have an experienced defence lawyer on your side when you are facing potential driving while prohibited penalties. It is important to do everything you can to avoid having a criminal record and having to serve a jail sentence. Accordingly, you should seek advice from one of our Vancouver driving offence lawyers today who can defend you. Contact N.J. Preovolos Law Corporation today for assistance.