Charged With Driving While Prohibited in Ontario? Criminal Defence Matters Immediately

A conviction can lead to jail time, extended prohibitions, and a permanent criminal record — early defence is essential.

A charge for driving while prohibited in Ontario is a criminal offence — not a traffic ticket. A conviction can result in a criminal record, jail time, extended driving prohibitions, vehicle forfeiture, and long-term consequences that affect your freedom, employment, and future.


Courts treat these cases with a high level of seriousness. Whether the prohibition stems from a prior criminal conviction, an impaired driving offence, or a court order, outcomes often depend on timing, disclosure, notice, and how the defence is handled from the very beginning.


Our Ontario-licensed paralegals provide focused representation for driving while prohibited charges. We review the circumstances carefully, explain your exposure in clear terms, and take immediate steps to protect your rights and pursue the strongest possible defence strategy.


Criminal charge. Serious defence. Experienced representation.

✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
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✔ Defending Drivers Across Ontario

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“Working with Damian felt like finally having someone in my corner who actually cared and knew how to make the system work.” Abdul H., Former Client

What a Driving While Prohibited Charge Really Means in Ontario

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, driving while prohibited means operating a motor vehicle while subject to a court-ordered driving prohibition. This is a criminal offence, not a traffic infraction, and it applies regardless of the reason for the prohibition.


You may be charged with driving while prohibited if:

  • You were prohibited from driving due to a criminal conviction
  • The prohibition resulted from an impaired driving offence
  • A court order barred you from operating a motor vehicle
  • You misunderstood the length, scope, or conditions of the prohibition
  • You believed the prohibition had ended, but it was still in effect


Unlike provincial driving offences, intent is not required. Even a brief or mistaken drive can result in a criminal charge.


Convictions often carry severe penalties, including jail time, extended prohibitions, vehicle forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record. Because the stakes are high, how the charge is addressed immediately can have a major impact on the outcome.

Severe Criminal Penalties for Driving While Prohibited

A conviction for driving while prohibited carries some of the most serious penalties available for a driving-related offence. Because this is a Criminal Code charge, the consequences extend far beyond fines or demerit points.


If convicted, penalties may include:

  • Jail time, even for a first offence
  • Extended or additional driving prohibitions, often lasting years
  • Significant fines and victim surcharges
  • Vehicle seizure or forfeiture
  • A permanent criminal record, impacting employment, travel, and future opportunities


Courts treat these cases seriously, particularly where the prohibition arose from an impaired driving conviction or prior criminal offence. Even brief or mistaken driving can result in custodial sentences and harsher restrictions.


Because the penalties escalate quickly, early and strategic defence is critical. How the charge is addressed at the outset can significantly affect sentencing exposure and long-term consequences.



How Cordaie Builds a Serious Criminal Defence

We don’t make promises — but we do take a disciplined, strategic approach focused on protecting your rights and limiting long-term consequences.



When you choose Cordaie Paralegal Services, we will:

  • Review the prohibition order, charge documents, and full disclosure to identify legal or procedural weaknesses
  • Assess whether the Crown can prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, including issues of notice and knowledge
  • Evaluate all viable defence options, including interlock compliance, necessity, or potential Charter concerns
  • Engage with the Crown where appropriate to explore resolution or mitigation options
  • Represent you in court and advocate for outcomes that reduce the impact on your licence, record, and future


Every step is handled carefully and deliberately. With criminal charges, details matter — and early strategy makes a difference.

HOW IT WORKS

Your Criminal Defence Process — Step by Step

Your Criminal Defence Process — Step by Step

A driving while prohibited charge is a criminal matter, and early decisions can have lasting consequences. Our process is designed to act quickly, protect your rights, and position your defence strategically from the very beginning.


Step 1: Free, Confidential Consultation

Your defence begins with a free consultation. We review the charge, the prohibition order, and your immediate exposure — including jail risk, further prohibitions, and vehicle consequences. You’ll receive clear guidance on what matters most right now and what steps should be taken next.

Disclosure and Prohibition Review

Once retained, we obtain and review full disclosure, including police notes, court records, and prohibition documentation.


We assess whether the prohibition was valid, properly communicated, and correctly enforced — issues that often determine the strength of the case.

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Defence Strategy and Crown Engagement

Based on the evidence, we develop a defence strategy tailored to your situation. Where appropriate, we engage with the Crown to explore resolution or mitigation options.



If the charge must be contested, we prepare to challenge the prosecution’s case through the criminal court process.

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Court Representation and Case Resolution

We represent you through the court proceedings, ensuring your rights are protected at every stage.


Whether the matter resolves through negotiation or proceeds to hearing, we advocate for an outcome that minimizes the impact on your freedom, record, and future.

Why Drivers Facing Criminal Charges Trust Cordaie Paralegal Services

  • Licensed & LSO-regulated paralegals — qualified legal professionals experienced in serious driving and criminal-related matters
  • Flat-fee pricing — clear, upfront costs with no surprise hourly billing
  • Courtroom-focused representation — strategic advocacy, not routine ticket processing
  • Ontario-wide service — representing clients from Toronto to Ottawa to Thunder Bay
  • Responsive and strategic approach — your case is handled carefully and decisively from day one


When your licence, livelihood, and freedom are at stake, experience and preparation matter. Trust a defence team that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves.

“Damian approached my case with empathy and expertise, and made me feel like I finally had someone in my corner.”

Abdul H., Former Client

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Ontario-Wide Criminal Defence for Driving While Prohibited

From major cities to smaller communities across Ontario, we defend individuals charged with driving while prohibited under the Criminal Code. Wherever your charge was laid, you receive focused, professional criminal defence.


Our approach is designed to reduce stress during a serious legal matter. Many steps can be handled remotely, with minimal need for courthouse attendance where possible. From the outset, you receive clear guidance and are never left to manage deadlines, court requirements, or procedural rules on your own.


Our Ontario-wide defence for driving while prohibited charges is built on careful preparation, detailed legal analysis, and strategic advocacy. We offer transparent flat-rate pricing, thoroughly review the prohibition order and surrounding circumstances, and provide practical advice at every stage of the case. Whether the prohibition stems from a prior criminal conviction, impaired driving offence, or court order, we represent clients from start to finish, anywhere in Ontario.


Your Questions About Driving While Prohibited Charges — Answered Clearly

Facing a driving while prohibited charge can be stressful and overwhelming — especially when the penalties may include jail time, extended driving prohibitions, vehicle impoundment, and significant fines. These charges are treated seriously under Ontario law and can have lasting consequences for your criminal record, employment, driving privileges, and future opportunities. Many people are unsure how the charge was laid, what it truly means, or what happens next.


In this section, our licensed Ontario paralegals answer common questions about driving while prohibited offences under the Criminal Code.


Still Have Questions?
Start with a free, confidential consultation and get clear answers before your court date.



  • 1. Is “Driving While Prohibited” the same as “Driving Under Suspension”?

    No. Under the Criminal Code, “Prohibited” is a criminal offence tied to a court order. 


    “Suspended” is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act and does not yield a criminal record.

  • 2. Can I avoid a criminal record?

    Possibly. If you were in compliance with an ignition interlock program under certain conditions, the Criminal Code allows an exception under section 320.18(2).

  • 3. What defences are available?

    Depending on your facts, we might argue:


    • You didn’t know you were prohibited
    • Improper disclosure of the prohibition
    • Emergency or necessity
    • Charter violations (unreasonable search/seizure or rights infringement)
    • Interlock program exception
  • 4. What should I do now?

    • Don’t plead until you get legal advice
    • Preserve all documents and court orders you received
    • Contact us now for a free assessment