DUI Lawyer Sarnia - Impaired Driving Defence in Lambton County

Impaired Driving Charges in Sarnia, Ontario

Sarnia is the hub of Lambton County, with an industrial base, a busy waterfront on Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, and the Blue Water Bridge border crossing to Michigan. The Sarnia Police Service enforces impaired driving laws within city limits, while the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrol highways, rural roads, and surrounding communities. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) also plays a role in cases that originate at the border.

The Ontario Court of Justice at 700 N. Christina Street hears DUI and Over 80 cases from across Lambton County, including Petrolia, Wyoming, Corunna, Bright’s Grove, and Grand Bend. Understanding this courthouse’s procedures, the Crown office, and the judges’ expectations is critical to an effective impaired driving defence.

How DUI Charges Commonly Arise

In Sarnia and Lambton County, impaired driving and Over 80 charges often occur when:

• Drivers are stopped at RIDE program checkpoints leaving the city or heading into rural areas
• Visitors from the U.S. or other parts of Canada are unfamiliar with local enforcement patterns
• Boating patrols on Lake Huron or the St. Clair River detect alcohol or drug impairment
• Minor traffic stops escalate into roadside breath or drug testing
• Fatigue, prescription medication, or mixed substances cause unexpected impairment

Enforcement extends beyond cars — impaired boating, ATV, or snowmobile operation carries the same Criminal Code penalties as impaired driving on the road.

The Sarnia Courthouse Advantage

Defending an impaired driving charge in Sarnia is not the same as in a major urban centre. Each courthouse has its own pace, procedures, and Crown policies. My approach is informed by decades of actual trial experience in Ontario courtrooms, including the 700 N. Christina Street courthouse.

That trial readiness is a significant advantage because if the Crown will not offer a resolution that truly protects your future, we are fully prepared to take your case to verdict. While negotiation can sometimes result in reduced charges or other favourable outcomes, courtroom skill and a proven ability to win at trial often drive those results. This includes challenging any Charter breaches, from unlawful stops to violations of your right to counsel.

Border-Crossing Consequences

For anyone who travels to the U.S. for work or leisure, a DUI conviction in Canada can be life-changing. American border authorities routinely deny entry to those with impaired driving records. This risk is especially serious for Sarnia residents and cross-border commuters who rely on access to Michigan and beyond. Protecting your ability to travel is often as important as protecting your criminal record.

Seasonal and Recreational Factors

Summer brings peak enforcement on Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, with marine units running impaired boating checks. The RIDE program operates year-round, with a spike during:

• Summer (June–August): Focus on boating, cottage routes, and waterfront events
• Holiday season (November–January): Frequent checkpoints on city streets and county highways

Winter enforcement includes snowmobiles and ATVs in rural Lambton County, subject to the same impaired driving laws and penalties.

Potential Consequences of a Conviction

Even a first-time conviction for impaired driving, Over 80, or refusal can lead to:

• Immediate roadside suspension and vehicle impoundment
• Minimum one-year licence suspension upon conviction
• Criminal record
• Mandatory alcohol education or ignition interlock program
• Significant insurance premium increases
• Immigration or travel restrictions, including denial of U.S. entry

For tradespeople, industrial workers, and professionals, these penalties can be career-altering and damage long-standing reputations.

Our Approach to DUI Defence in Sarnia

We examine every case in detail, including:

• Whether the stop or detention was lawful
• Legislative compliance with all procedural and evidentiary requirements
• Proof of impairment and whether it meets the legal threshold
• Any breach of Charter rights, including the right to counsel
• Reliability and credibility of witnesses
• Delays in disclosure or trial readiness

Our approach is designed for high-stakes clients who need discretion, strategic planning, and results that protect both their record and their reputation. In some cases, a negotiated resolution avoids a criminal conviction; in others, the best outcome comes from a contested trial seeking an acquittal.

Serving Sarnia and All of Lambton County

We defend DUI and impaired boating charges in:

• Sarnia
• Petrolia
• Wyoming
• Corunna
• Bright’s Grove
• Grand Bend
• Point Edward
• Surrounding rural and waterfront communities

Whether you live here, cross the border for work, or are visiting for leisure, early legal advice from an experienced DUI lawyer can make a decisive difference in your case.