Driving offenses are among the most common criminal charges in Ontario. From DUI to dangerous driving, these charges can have serious consequences including license suspension, fines, and even jail time. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers specialize in defending all types of driving offenses and have a proven track record of success.
DUI refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This includes driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08% or while impaired by drugs.
• First offense: $1,000 fine, 1-year license suspension
• Second offense: 30 days jail, 3-year license suspension
• Third offense: 120 days jail, lifetime license suspension
• Criminal record and insurance implications
• Challenge breathalyzer accuracy and calibration
• Question police procedures and Charter rights
• Challenge blood sample collection methods
• Argue reasonable doubt and technical defenses
Our team has extensive experience in DUI defense and understands the technical aspects of breathalyzer testing, blood analysis, and police procedures. We fight aggressively to protect your rights and driving privileges.
Impaired driving occurs when a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs, regardless of the specific BAC level. This includes impairment by prescription medications, illegal drugs, or over-the-counter medications.
• Challenge the officer's observations
• Question field sobriety test validity
• Argue medical conditions affecting performance
• Challenge the timing of impairment
• Police officer testimony credibility
• Video evidence analysis
• Experienced witness testimony
• Charter of Rights violations
• Criminal record for life
• License suspension and ignition interlock
• Increased insurance rates
• Travel restrictions to certain countries
This charge is laid when a driver's blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.08%. It's a strict liability offense, meaning the Crown doesn't need to prove impairment, only that the BAC was over the limit.
• Breathalyzer machine calibration issues
• Improper administration of tests
• Charter rights violations
• Rising blood alcohol defense
• Mouth alcohol contamination
This defense argues that the driver's BAC was below 0.08% at the time of driving but rose above the limit by the time of testing. This can be supported by expert toxicology evidence.
• Mandatory minimum $1,000 fine
• 1-year driving prohibition
• Criminal record
• Ignition interlock program
Refusing to provide a breath sample when lawfully demanded by police is a criminal offense with penalties similar to impaired driving. This includes refusing both roadside and station breath tests.
• Challenge the lawfulness of the demand
• Argue medical inability to provide sample
• Question police procedures
• Charter rights violations
• Reasonable excuse defense
• Medical conditions preventing breath sample
• Physical inability to blow
• Language barriers or misunderstanding
• Mental health issues
• Same penalties as impaired driving
• Criminal record
• License suspension
• Ignition interlock requirement
Dangerous driving involves operating a motor vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances, including the nature, condition, and use of the place at which the motor vehicle is being operated.
• Excessive speeding
• Aggressive driving behavior
• Racing or stunt driving
• Driving in poor conditions
• Failing to stop for police
• Challenge the dangerous nature of driving
• Question police observations
• Argue emergency circumstances
• Challenge video evidence
• Experienced accident reconstruction
• Maximum 10 years imprisonment
• License suspension
• Criminal record
• Increased insurance rates
This offense occurs when a driver involved in an accident fails to stop, remain at the scene, and provide information as required by law. This applies to accidents involving property damage, injury, or death.
• Stop immediately
• Provide name, address, and license
• Offer assistance if injury involved
• Report to police if required
• Unaware of the accident
• Emergency circumstances
• Attempted to return to scene
• Mistaken identity
• No reasonable opportunity to stop
• Criminal record
• Fines and potential jail time
• License suspension
• Civil liability for damages
Don't risk your license and freedom. Contact our experienced driving offense lawyers immediately for Experienced legal representation.