A DUI charge in Kingston can have serious consequences for your licence, record, and future. Whether you’re a student, a member of the military, or visiting the Thousand Islands, we provide focused legal defence for impaired driving charges in Kingston and surrounding areas. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to understand your options.
DEFENDING DUI CHARGES ACROSS KINGSTON
Understanding Kingston’s DUI Landscape
Impaired driving charges in Kingston are handled at the Ontario Court of Justice, 279 Wellington Street, Kingston, ON K7K 6E1. Cases may involve the Kingston Police—including their Traffic Safety Unit—or the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for incidents on highways and waterways.
Enforcement is active year-round, with noticeable seasonal increases:
- Holiday season (Nov–Jan): RIDE programs at multiple checkpoints.
- Summer (May–Sept): Increased marine patrols in the Thousand Islands and along Lake Ontario.
Common Situations Leading to Charges
- Leaving downtown restaurants, pubs, or events along Princess Street
- Driving after concerts or festivals at waterfront venues
- Travelling back from Gananoque or cottage areas
- Operating a boat in the Thousand Islands
- Using ATVs or snowmobiles on rural trails in the region
Types of Charges We Handle
In Ontario, “DUI” is a common term for several Criminal Code offences, including:
- Impaired operation by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs
- Over 80 (blood alcohol concentration over 0.08)
- Refusal or failure to provide a breath/blood sample
- Boating, ATV, or snowmobile impaired charges
All of these are criminal matters, and conviction can carry significant penalties.
Possible Consequences of a Conviction
- A criminal record
- Licence suspension
- Substantial fines
- Insurance premium increases
- Possible jail sentence
- Impact on employment, education, and cross-border travel
Our Approach to DUI Defence in Kingston
We focus our practice on impaired driving matters across Ontario, including Kingston. Every case begins with a detailed review of the police stop, testing procedures, and whether your rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms were respected.
Where appropriate, we examine:
- Whether the traffic stop or RIDE program met legal requirements
- The reliability of breath or blood testing
- The accuracy of observations about impairment
- Procedural compliance from first contact to charge
This process allows us to develop a defence strategy suited to your circumstances and the evidence in your case.
Local Knowledge and Context
Kingston’s legal environment is shaped by its diverse population, including students from Queen’s University, members of the Royal Military College, and professionals who may need to maintain cross-border mobility. We are familiar with the procedures and scheduling at the Kingston courthouse, which helps us prepare our clients effectively.
We also represent clients from nearby communities such as Amherstview, Gananoque, Sydenham, Inverary, and the surrounding rural areas.
Next Steps if You’ve Been Charged
If you’ve been charged in Kingston or nearby, the most important step you can take is to speak with a lawyer experienced in impaired driving law. We can explain your rights, outline the court process, and discuss possible legal options based on the facts of your case.
Call today to arrange a confidential consultation.
Wherever you are in Ontario, our DUI Lawyer Christopher Avery comes to you in person. We travel to your location and support you in Court to help you fight your DUI charge.
Charged with impaired driving, over 80, or another criminal driving offence in Kingston? Your case will be heard at the Kingston Courthouse at 279 Wellington Street shown below.
We handle all administrative appearances for you, though you may need to attend your trial or resolution date in person.
KINGSTON COURTHOUSE
279 Wellington Street, Kingston ON K7K 6E1
