Early Resolution Guide
Early Resolution Guide
Got a ticket and requested a meeting? Here's exactly what happens, what to say, and what outcomes you can expect — step by step.
Your ticket shows the offence, fine, and a 15-day deadline to respond. On the back you'll see three options: pay the fine, request early resolution, or request a trial.
Select option 2 on the back of your ticket and mail it to the courthouse — or request online through the Ontario Court of Justice website if your court offers it.
You'll receive a notice in the mail with your meeting date. Toronto courts can take 6–12 months. Outside the GTA, often 2–4 months. This delay can work in your favour.
You are meeting with a prosecutor — not a judge. This is informal, not a trial. The prosecutor has discretion to reduce or withdraw charges.
Bring: a printed copy of your MTO driving record, the original ticket, and any notes about the stop. A long clean record is your best asset.
You'll meet briefly with a prosecutor — usually 5–15 minutes. Arrive early, dress professionally, be polite and brief. You are not under oath and this is not a court proceeding.
The prosecutor may offer a resolution. You can accept on the spot or request a trial date. You are never obligated to accept.
Withdrawn / dismissed — charge dropped entirely. No fine, no points, no conviction. Best possible outcome.
Reduced charge — offered a lesser offence, e.g. speeding reduced to a no-points tier. Accept if the reduction is meaningful.
Fine reduction only — same charge, lower fine. Demerit points unchanged. The fine is rarely the real problem.
No resolution / trial scheduled — if no acceptable offer is made, request a trial. This keeps all options open.
In most Ontario courts yes — though some offer remote options post-COVID. A paralegal can attend on your behalf in most cases, meaning you don't need to take time off work.
Toronto courts can take 6–12 months. Outside the GTA, often 2–4 months. The delay can work in your favour — witnesses' memories fade and procedural issues sometimes emerge over time.
Missing your meeting without rescheduling can result in a conviction registered against you. Contact the court immediately and ask to reschedule.
No. The officer is not present at early resolution. You're meeting with a prosecutor who reviews the case file. Issues with the officer's notes typically only emerge at trial after disclosure is reviewed.
Yes — it happens regularly. Prosecutors have full discretion to withdraw charges. A clean record, technical issues with the ticket, or the circumstances of the stop can all support withdrawal.
For minor tickets with no demerit points, going yourself is reasonable if you're prepared. For anything carrying 3+ points, a serious charge, or if you already have points on your record — yes. A paralegal attends on your behalf, knows what to ask for, and consistently achieves better outcomes than self-represented drivers.
TTC fines — for fare evasion or prohibited conduct on transit — go through the same Ontario Provincial Offences process as traffic tickets. You can request early resolution the same way.
Our licensed paralegals attend early resolution on your behalf — no time off work, no courthouse stress.
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