A driver stopped by the police engages several potential Charter issues.
The motorist’s detention invokes s. 9 (arbitrary detention), s. 10(a) (right to be informed of the reason why) and s. 10(b) the right to counsel. Furthermore, the officer’s search for evidence is generally warrantless and raises s. 8 issues relating to unreasonable search and seizure.
The accused is also entitled to full disclosure (s. 7 fundamental justice) as well as the right to be tried within a reasonable time (s. 11B). Against this constitutional background these cases can be fought and won. Many cases also turn on common investigative lapses that a skilled counsel can exploit.
Given the heavy penalties involved you owe it to yourself to seek the best possible representation from an experienced lawyer with a record of defending these types of cases. If you are uncertain about your rights and need to win the case to keep your licence and avoid a criminal record then why not call the Impaired Driving Defence Centre? Our initial consultation is always free and IDDC colleagues can speak with you, promptly.
Toronto & GTA Call 289.481.1007 - Outside GTA Call 1-877-497-3927
Post-Conviction Consequences for Alcohol and/or Drug Impaired Driving If you are convicted criminally of DUI impaired driving in Ontario:
First Offence:
- First offence, with blood alcohol content of 80-129 mg: mandatory minimum $1,000 fine
- First offence, with blood alcohol content of 130-159 mg: mandatory minimum $1,500 fine
- First offence, with blood alcohol content of 160 mg or more: mandatory minimum $2,000 fine
- First offence, but refuse to be tested: mandatory minimum $2,000 fine
- Mandatory education or treatment program
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock period of at least 9 months
- Prohibited from Operating a motor vehicle of any kind within Canada for a minimum of 1 year, subject to the ignition interlock program
Second Offence:
- Mandatory education or treatment program
- 3 year minimum requirement to drive a car equipped with an ignition interlock device; subject to the Stream D program
- mandatory minimum 30 days imprisonment
- Fine amount at the discretion of the judge
- Licence suspended for minimum 3 years by the Ministry of Transport; subject to the Stream D program
- Minimum 2 year prohibition on operating a motor vehicle anywhere in Canada, even if they don’t require a driver’s license
Third and subsequent Offences:
- Mandatory education or treatment program
- Variable interlock periods (depending on sequence of prior convictions)
- mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment
- Lifetime licence suspension (can be reduced to 10 years if certain conditions are met on the third conviction; on fourth or subsequent conviction lifetime suspension with no possibility of reduction)
"driving under the influence" "I was taking a prescription from my doctor, I never knew I couldn't drive"
Any drug that changes your mood, or the way you see and feel, will affect the way you drive. This is not only true for illegal drugs. There are prescription drugs and some over-the-counter drugs that can also impair your driving ability.
Tips to remember
- If you are planning on drinking, plan not to drive.
- Ask your doctor about side effects if you use prescription medication or get allergy shots.
- Read the information on the package of any over-the-counter medicine, including allergy and cold remedies.
- Drugs and alcohol together can combine to impair your driving even more drastically; ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Remember, fatigue and stress will also affect your ability to drive.
You will be subject to a roadside test if the officer has reason to believe you are under the influence, you will face the charge of Impaired and driving under the influence should you be deemed impaired by the testing officer.
Generally when a person is charged with a drinking or driving offence this is the first time that they have ever dealt with the police or the courts and the whole process is quite frightening and confusing. Understandably they have a number of questions.