Requesting an Early Resolution meeting in London gives you the opportunity to negotiate with a municipal prosecutor without undergoing a formal trial. This option typically takes 4 to 6 months to schedule and often results in a reduced fine or fewer demerit points on your driving record.
When you are pulled over by the London Police Service and handed a ticket, the stress of looming demerit points and increased insurance rates can be overwhelming. However, fighting a ticket does not always mean you have to face a Justice of the Peace in a full courtroom battle. 🔍 The Provincial Offences Act provides a middle ground designed to save both your time and the court’s resources.
This middle ground is called Early Resolution, which is Option 2 on the back of your traffic ticket. Generally, this option allows you or your hired paralegal to meet directly with the Crown prosecutor to discuss the evidence. Most applicants use this meeting to explain their situation and ask for leniency, which frequently results in a highly favourable plea deal.
Step-by-Step Process in London
All traffic infractions within the city are managed by the London Provincial Offences Court located at 824 Dundas Street. 🏛 The procedure to secure your Early Resolution meeting is strictly time-sensitive. Here is how you can expect the process to unfold.
Step 1: Selecting Option 2 Promptly
From the day the police officer issues the ticket, you have exactly 15 calendar days to make a decision. You must check the box for Option 2 (Early Resolution) on the back of your ticket. You can drop it off in person at the courthouse, mail it, or submit it online through the provincial traffic ticket portal.
Step 2: Receiving Your Meeting Notice
Once the court registry processes your request, you will enter a waiting period. 📬 Several weeks or months later, you will receive a “Notice of Early Resolution Meeting” in the mail or via email. This document will specify the date, time, and whether the meeting will be conducted over the phone, via Zoom, or in person.
Step 3: Reviewing the Evidence (Disclosure)
Before your meeting, it is crucial to obtain the police officer’s notes. You have the legal right to request this disclosure package from the municipal prosecutor’s office. Reviewing the evidence allows you or your legal representative to spot any weaknesses or missing information in the officer’s account of the event.
Step 4: Attending the Meeting
On the scheduled date, you will meet with the prosecutor. 💬 The prosecutor will usually offer a deal, such as dropping a speeding charge from 30 km/h over the limit to just 14 km/h over, which carries zero demerit points. If you accept the deal, you will appear briefly before a Justice of the Peace to make it official.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
Choosing Early Resolution is an administrative process, so the court does not charge you a fee just to request the meeting. However, depending on how you handle it, there are costs involved as of April 2026:
- Court Administrative Fees: Filing for Early Resolution is completely free.
- Paralegal Fees: Many drivers choose to hire a licensed paralegal to handle the negotiation. A paralegal typically charges a flat fee between $300 and $600 CAD for an Early Resolution mandate.
- The Final Fine: If you accept a plea deal, you will still have to pay a court fine. While the amount is usually reduced, you will also be required to pay the mandatory provincial victim fine surcharge.
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $0 | No fee to submit your Option 2 request. |
| Paralegal Representation | $300 – $600 | Flat fee for professional negotiation. |
| Reduced Fine Payment | Varies | The negotiated penalty amount owed to the city. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline largely depends on the current backlog at the London Provincial Offences Court. ⏳ Generally, it takes between 4 to 6 months from the day you submit your ticket to the actual date of your Early Resolution meeting. If you accept a deal during the meeting, the matter is resolved that very same day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I reject the prosecutor’s offer?
If you and the prosecutor cannot reach an agreeable plea deal, the meeting ends. The court will then simply schedule your case for a formal trial before a Justice of the Peace at a later date, where you can fight the ticket completely.
Do I have to go to the meeting in person?
In London, many Early Resolution meetings are now conducted via telephone or Zoom video conferencing. Additionally, if you hire a law firm or a paralegal, they can attend the meeting entirely on your behalf so you do not have to miss work.
Will my insurance rates still increase if the charge is reduced?
It is very likely. Auto insurance companies in Ontario generally care about the fact that you have a conviction, regardless of whether it carries demerit points. Even a minor conviction for “disobeying a sign” can affect your premiums.
Can I choose Early Resolution if I missed the 15-day deadline?
If you miss the 15-day window, you risk an automatic default conviction. You can sometimes apply for a Reopening if you have a valid reason for missing the deadline, but it is much harder to secure an Early Resolution meeting at that point.
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