Having an impaired driving charge in Canada is a serious
matter that can be mitigated if acted upon quickly. In this article, we’ll
tackle what details you have to know about having an over 80 charge against
yourself and how having a DUI lawyer as soon as possible can help you out.
Drinking and Driving in
Canada
Drinking and driving in Canada will result to an impaired
driving or an over 80 charge if caught by authorities. Basically, this means
that you’re charged because you’ve been found to have an over 80 alcohol level
in your blood and was driving when you shouldn’t have.
At the point of having an active DUI charge, you’ve probably
already:
- Had a few hours spent in police custody
- Have a 90-day license suspension
- Paid fees for towing and impounding if your vehicle
- Have no vehicle because it is currently impounded for a week
- Experienced a lot of mixed emotions and is most likely feeling upset about the whole situation
And on top of the above, you have no idea what to do and how
to deal with the criminal process plus your upcoming court appearance.
The fact is that thousands of Canadians face charges of
impaired driving every year. An impaired driving charge is the most common criminal
offence in Canada. Although it is embarrassing to be charged, it is not the end
of the world.
DUI Charge in Canada –
What You Have to Do
Drinking and driving in Canada is a very serious criminal offence
despite how common it is. To ensure that you’ll achieve the best outcome for
your case, you have to understand that there are certain technicalities
regarding timelines that have to be observed (especially in Ontario).
In view of the above, seeking legal counsel for impaired
driving as soon as possible is for your best interest. A DUI lawyer will know
what information is relevant for you and what course of action is the most
important one to take.
DUI Charge in Canada – What You Should Not Do
If you don’t have a DUI lawyer yet but have been charged with
an over 80, know that pleading guilty is not going to help you a lot (even for
a first offence). There are instances wherein pleading guilty may work in your
favour but generally speaking, simply entering an early plea is not a guarantee
of having a more favourable outcome. More so, a guilty plea means having a
criminal record that can severely affect your ability to travel, buy property,
get a loan, and seek employment.
Remember, the outcome of your DUI charge rests on many
factors that are inter-dependent and are time-sensitive. No two cases of a DUI
charge are exactly alike and thus, outcomes vary as well. It is best to seek
legal counsel from a DUI lawyer before doing anything that can make life a lot
more difficult for yourself.
Have you been charged with impaired driving in Canada? Calvin Barry Law can help! Calvin Barry is a Toronto Criminal Lawyer with almost 2 decades of experience
helping those with driving offences. Contact Calvin Barry today!
