Operation While Prohibited Matters — Trusted, LSO-Licensed Hearing Advocacy
Post-prohibition charge support and hearing advocacy (Ontario)
Being charged with Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code is not a traffic offence. It is a criminal charge that can lead to jail time, significant fines, extended driving prohibitions, and a permanent criminal record.
These cases move quickly and are treated seriously by the courts. The allegations, prior orders, and enforcement details must be carefully reviewed from the outset to protect your rights and your future.
Our Ontario-licensed paralegals provide experienced legal support for criminal operation while prohibited charges, helping you understand the charge, assess the evidence, and take informed steps to defend yourself.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Clients 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
Operation While Prohibited (s. 320.18) — The Criminal Charge Explained
Operation While Prohibited refers to operating a motor vehicle while under a court-ordered driving prohibition.
A prohibition can result from previous criminal driving charges, such as:
- Impaired driving
- Refusal or failure to provide a sample
- Dangerous Operation
- Fail to Stop (Accident)
- Earlier Operation While Prohibited offences
Once a prohibition is in place, any driving — even a few metres, even on private property — can result in a new criminal charge.
This is a serious offence, and even a first conviction can lead to:
- Jail
- A mandatory driving prohibition
- A criminal record
- Vehicle impoundment
- Significant insurance consequences
Understanding exactly why you were prohibited — and the terms of the order — is essential to your defence.
Operation While Prohibited Penalties — What’s at Stake
Penalties depend on your history, circumstances, and how the Crown elects to proceed.
Possible consequences include:
- Jail time
- Mandatory driving prohibition
- Heavy fines
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- Permanent criminal record
- Skyrocketing insurance rates
Your insurance may become unaffordable or unavailable.
You should never make decisions in an Operation While Prohibited case without speaking to a legal professional first.
Paralegal Advocacy for Operation While Prohibited — What’s Permitted in Ontario
In Ontario, a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) may provide advocacy for eligible criminal hearings and summary or hybrid proceedings connected to an Operation While Prohibited charge under s. 320.18 of the Criminal Code.
We support clients with release planning, sworn documents, procedural filings, evidence/disclosure review, and licensed hearing advocacy where permitted.
If any part of your matter falls outside of paralegal licensing authority, we ensure you receive clear direction on next steps so your case continues moving forward strategically.
Operation While Prohibited Matters — Start With Strategy, Not Uncertainty
Don’t panic — but don’t wait. Decisions you make now can shape your entire outcome.
Here’s what to do immediately:
- Do not plead guilty without advice
- Do not continue driving
- Gather your documents
- Attend all court dates
- Contact a licensed paralegal right away
- Keep:
- The prohibition order
- Any earlier sentencing documents
- Police paperwork
- Court notices
- Your own written notes of the incident
HOW IT WORKS
Start with a Free, Confidential Consultation
Facing a Operation While Prohibited charge can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to face it alone. A criminal allegation can affect your licence, employment, insurance, mobility, and peace of mind. Whether this is your first time in the criminal justice system or you’ve been through it before, we’re here to guide you step-by-step.
During your free, confidential consultation, we take the time to understand your situation, explain how Operation While Prohibited charges work under the Criminal Code, and help you make sense of your legal options — in clear, simple language you can trust.
No legal jargon. No pressure. No judgment.
Just honest, straightforward guidance about what you’re facing, what the Crown must prove, and what happens next in the court process.
Once you’re ready to move forward, we support you through every stage — reviewing disclosure, helping you understand the Crown’s election (summary vs. indictment), preparing you for court, and building a clear plan to help protect your future.
Our goal is simple:
- To help you navigate this charge with confidence, clarity, and the right strategy from the start
- You’ve taken an important first step
Now Let Us Help You Take the Next One.
Court File & Prohibition Order Review
We review the court file and driving prohibition order to confirm timing, and compliance requirements that impact your release plan and hearing path.
Evidence, Disclosure & Document Preparation
We analyze the police disclosure and evidence, then prepare your release plan, sworn documents, submissions, and all required procedural filings—accurate, organized, and on time.
Hearing Advocacy & Case Resolution
We advocate for you at eligible hearings, negotiate strategically with the Crown, and work toward the strongest possible outcome — so you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Clarity, Preparation & Advocacy for Operation While Prohibited Cases
At Cordaie Paralegal Services, our priority is to give you clarity, confidence, and a solid strategy moving forward.
Here’s how we support you:
✔ Clear, straightforward explanations
✔ Detailed disclosure review
✔ Strategic defence planning
✔ Court preparation and guidance
✔ Negotiations where permitted
✔ Transparent, predictable fees
✔ Ontario-wide representation
We assist clients anywhere in the province through secure, virtual meetings.
Whether this is your first offence or you’re facing a more complex situation, we guide you from start to finish.
“From the very beginning, Damian approached my situation with empathy and genuine care. He took the time to truly understand what I was going through and never made me feel like just another case. His knowledge and clear guidance helped me navigate a complex legal situation with confidence.”
Abdul H., Former Client
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Serving Clients Across Ontario
Whether you’re in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, London, Windsor, Durham Region, York Region, Northern Ontario, or any other Ontario community—we provide trusted support wherever your matter is being heard.
All services are delivered virtually for your convenience, including:
✔ Virtual consultations with a licensed Ontario paralegal
✔ Secure, encrypted document sharing and file review
✔ Flexible, client-focused meeting times
✔ Ontario-wide support for
eligible criminal hearings and summary or hybrid matters
No travel, no confusion—just clear, prepared, regulated advocacy when it matters most.
Wherever Your Case Takes You, You’re Supported
Operation While Prohibited FAQs — Clear Answers, Confident Next Steps
Facing a charge under the Criminal Code can leave you with more questions than answers. Most people don’t fully understand what a driving prohibition means, what the Crown must prove, or what options they have moving forward. This FAQ section is designed to give you clear, reliable information so you can feel more confident about what comes next.
While every case is different, the questions here address the most common concerns we hear from clients across Ontario. If your question isn’t listed here, or if you want guidance tailored to your specific situation, we encourage you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
1. What is Operation While Prohibited?
Operation While Prohibited (Criminal Code s. 320.18) is the offence of operating a motor vehicle while under a court-ordered driving prohibition.
The prohibition may result from previous criminal driving charges such as impaired driving, refusal to provide a sample, dangerous operation, or a prior Operation While Prohibited offence.
2. Is Operation While Prohibited a criminal offence in Canada?
Yes.
It is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, meaning a conviction results in a permanent criminal record unless the charge is withdrawn, reduced, or otherwise resolved before conviction.
3. What are the penalties for Operation While Prohibited?
Penalties vary depending on the Crown election and your record.
They may include:
- Jail time (even for first-time offenders)
- A mandatory additional driving prohibition
- Significant fines
- A criminal record
- Vehicle impoundment
- Increased insurance rates
4. Will I go to jail for Operation While Prohibited?
Jail is possible, and in repeat or aggravated situations, it is common.
Whether jail is likely depends on:
- Your driving history
- The reason for the original prohibition
- How the Crown elects (summary or indictment)
- The circumstances of the alleged driving
A free consultation can help you understand your risk.
5. Can a paralegal represent me for Operation While Prohibited?
Yes — if the Crown elects to proceed by summary conviction.
If the Crown elects indictment, the matter must be handled by a criminal lawyer.
We can review your disclosure and confirm the Crown’s election during your consultation.
6. What if I didn’t know I was prohibited from driving?
You may still be charged.
However, lack of knowledge, misunderstandings, or unclear paperwork may play a role in your defence strategy.
A disclosure review is important to understand the evidence and circumstances.
7. Can this charge be reduced or withdrawn?
In some cases, depending on the facts and evidence, possible outcomes include:
- Withdrawal of the charge
- Reduction to a lesser offence
- Diversion (rare, but possible in some jurisdictions)
A more favourable resolution based on circumstances
Results vary. Nothing is guaranteed — but proper preparation helps.
8. Will I lose my licence again if convicted?
Yes.
A new mandatory driving prohibition will be imposed upon conviction.
The length depends on the circumstances and whether this is a repeat offence.
9. Does Operation While Prohibited affect insurance?
Yes.
A conviction makes you extremely high-risk in the eyes of insurers.
Expect:
- Significant rate increases
- Possible non-renewal
- Difficulty obtaining coverage
10. How long does the court process take?
The timeline varies by location and complexity but typically ranges from:
- 3–8 months for straightforward cases
- Longer if there are multiple court appearances or complex evidence
Early action helps speed the process and possibly improve outcomes.
11. Should I talk to the police or Crown before speaking with a paralegal?
No.
You should not speak with police, the Crown, or anyone else about the incident without legal guidance.
Anything you say may be used as evidence.
12. What should I do first if I’ve been charged?
- Stop driving immediately
- Gather your documents
- Attend your court date
- Contact a licensed paralegal for a free consultation
Your early actions can significantly impact your outcome.
