Your Rights and Freedom Are at Stake
An impaired driving charge can change your life forever. A criminal conviction affects your career, travel plans, insurance rates, and personal freedom. But a charge is not a conviction. The steps you take right now will determine whether you can successfully defend yourself and protect your future. Knowledge is power – and acting quickly is essential.
⚖️ Understanding Your Charges
There are three main types of impaired driving charges in Ontario. Understanding which one you’re facing is crucial for your defence strategy.
Impaired Driving (DUI)
Operating a vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs. This charge is based on observed impairment rather than specific blood alcohol levels.
Over 80
Operating a vehicle with blood alcohol concentration over 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. This is based on breathalyzer or blood test results.
Refusal
Refusing to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample when lawfully demanded by police. This charge carries the same penalties as impaired driving.
🤝 Stay Calm & Cooperate
- Remain polite with police officers
- Do not argue at the scene
- Provide required identification
- Follow lawful police instructions
- Avoid making any admissions
📝 Record All Details
- Date, time, and location of stop
- Officer’s statements and actions
- Tests you were asked to perform
- Witnesses present at the scene
- Weather and road conditions
🤐 Don’t Discuss Your Case
- Speak only to your lawyer about the case
- Avoid social media posts about the incident
- Don’t discuss details with family or friends
- Decline media interviews
- Exercise your right to remain silent
⚖️ Contact a Lawyer Immediately
- The sooner you call, the better
- Bring all paperwork from police
- Don’t delay – time is critical
- Choose an experienced impaired driving lawyer
- Get legal advice before making any decisions
📋 Follow Release Conditions
- Attend all required court dates
- Obey license suspensions strictly
- Comply with any bail conditions
- Don’t drive if prohibited
- Report to authorities if required
📄 Prepare for Your Consultation
- Bring all documents from police
- Write your detailed account of events
- Gather witness contact information
- List any medical conditions or medications
- Prepare questions for your lawyer
⚠️ Understanding the Stakes
The consequences of an impaired driving conviction are severe and long-lasting. Here’s what you could be facing:
Criminal Record
A permanent criminal record that affects employment, travel, and professional licensing opportunities.
License Suspension
Minimum 1-year driving prohibition, potentially longer for repeat offences or aggravating factors.
Heavy Fines
Minimum $1,000 fine for first offence, increasing significantly for subsequent convictions.
Insurance Impact
Dramatic increase in insurance premiums or complete inability to obtain coverage.
Possible Jail Time
Potential imprisonment, especially for repeat offences or cases involving injury or death.
Ignition Interlock
Mandatory ignition interlock device installation at your expense for licence reinstatement.
🚨 Act Fast – Legal Deadlines Are Strict
Time is critical in impaired driving cases. There are strict deadlines for filing appeals, requesting disclosure, and challenging evidence. Quick action preserves your rights and gives your lawyer the best opportunity to build a strong defence. Don’t wait – contact us immediately.
📞 Call Now: (416) 925-2400 📧 Email Us Today📞 Book Your Free Consultation
Get confidential, expert advice from experienced impaired driving defence lawyers. We understand the stress and uncertainty you’re facing. Our team at Vardag, Geist, LLP has successfully defended countless impaired driving cases across Ontario. We’re here to protect your rights, analyze your case, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Serving Hamilton, Toronto & the GTA
Visit us at: wedefendyou.ca