DUI Lawyer Belleville - Impaired Driving Defence in the Quinte Region

Belleville is the courthouse hub for Hastings County and Prince Edward County, with all impaired driving matters heard at the Ontario Court of Justice, 15 Bridge Street West.

Cases arise from investigations by the Belleville Police Service within city limits and the Ontario Provincial Police on Highways 401 and 62, rural roads, cottage areas, and the Bay of Quinte. Each agency has its own style of roadside stops, RIDE programs, and impaired investigations. Experience with both is critical to building an effective defence.

Charges We Defend in Belleville

We represent clients facing the full range of impaired driving allegations, including:

• Alcohol-related offences — “Over 80,” impaired operation, care and control
• Drug-related offences — cannabis, prescription medication, or other narcotics
• Refusal or failure to provide a breath or blood sample
• Impaired boating — Bay of Quinte marine enforcement by OPP or RCMP partners
• Snowmobile and ATV DUIs — winter trail and frozen-bay enforcement by OPP

Bay of Quinte: Boating & Waterfront DUI Cases

The Bay of Quinte’s boating culture draws residents, seasonal cottagers, and visitors. Impaired boating charges carry the same criminal record, licence suspension, and insurance consequences as road-based DUIs. In summer, OPP marine units and local police step up patrols, often targeting vessels returning from fishing trips, waterfront restaurants, or cottage gatherings. These cases require familiarity with marine law, testing protocols, and seasonal enforcement practices.

Seasonal and “Morning After” Arrests

• Summer: Long-weekend RIDE stops, highway checkpoints, and marine patrols.
• Holiday Season: Coordinated Belleville Police and OPP impaired driving blitzes.
• Morning After: Many drivers are charged when they feel sober but remain over the legal limit — cases that often turn on precise timelines, rights to counsel, and the reliability of testing.

Our Clients

We focus on defending individuals whose clean record and ability to drive is essential to their livelihood, reputation, and freedom to work or travel:

• Professionals — doctors, lawyers, pilots, accountants, engineers
• Vulnerable sector workers — teachers, nurses, healthcare providers, social workers
• Business owners & executives — protecting licences that keep operations running
• Contractors & skilled tradespeople — mining, construction, industrial sectors
• Seasonal residents & tourists — especially from Prince Edward County and Quinte cottage country

How We Build Your Defence

Every case begins with a thorough review of disclosure and police evidence. We examine:

• Whether the stop or RIDE checkpoint was lawful
• If your right to counsel was properly respected
• Whether roadside and station testing met strict timelines and procedures
• The validity of the grounds for arrest or a breath demand
• Any Charter breaches that could lead to evidence being excluded

Even if your readings were over the legal limit, the Crown must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Careful, strategic defence can result in reduced charges or complete withdrawals.

A DUI charge in Belleville can affect every aspect of your life. The earlier we get involved, the more options you may have.