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Written by Barbara Adamson
Paralegals seek a wider role in justice system
Legal services providers are critical of new rules barring them from work in certain areas of law

Peter Small
Courts Bureau

Tommy Taylor found himself in deep trouble on July 1 when he was charged, for a second time, with driving while under suspension.

When a police officer first charged him in January, he was left with the incorrect impression that paying off an outstanding $465 speeding ticket and $150 to reinstate his licence would clear everything up. He didn't know he had a court date June 25, which he missed, sparking another automatic suspension.

On Canada Day, when another officer stopped him for speeding, Taylor was charged once again.

In both cases, notices that his driver's licence was suspended arrived in the mail after he was charged, he says.

Now the 27-year-old non-profit fundraiser is facing a potential $5,000 fine and jail.

"If you don't know the system, you're screwed," he says.

He decided he couldn't clean up the mess on his own, so he turned to a paralegal firm.

It'll end up costing Taylor at least $1,300 as he appeals his convictions, money he considers well spent.

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