North Bay DUI Lawyer for Expert Legal Support

Charged with impaired driving in North Bay or the Nipissing District? We defend drivers facing DUI charges in city and rural courts. With 20 years’ experience appearing in these courts, we know the 360 Plouffe Street courthouse, local Crown practices, and police procedures — and we use that knowledge to pursue reduced charges or acquittals.

NORTH BAY DUI & IMPAIRED DRIVING DEFENCE

North Bay is the service and transportation hub for Northeastern Ontario, positioned between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake along Highways 11 and 17. Residents commute from nearby towns like Callander, Corbeil, Powassan, and Bonfield; travellers pass through year-round for work, school, and recreation. This constant movement, whether by car, boat, snowmobile, or ATV, makes impaired driving enforcement a year-round priority for police.

Our firm defends clients charged with impaired driving, over 80, refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, and impaired operation causing bodily harm or death in North Bay and surrounding communities. Whether your case involves alcohol, cannabis, prescription drugs, or a combination, we bring a trial-first mentality to every file.

How DUI Charges Commonly Happen in North Bay

Most people we represent did not set out to break the law. In our experience, charges often follow:

A RIDE stop by the OPP on Highways 11 or 17
A traffic stop by North Bay Police on city streets
Leaving a dinner, fishing trip, or snowmobile run after “a couple”
Recreational cannabis use without realizing residual impairment
Operating a boat, ATV, or sled on Lake Nipissing or local trails

Even if you feel fine, the law measures objective blood-alcohol and THC levels. Being over the limit or refusing a lawful demand can lead to a criminal charge.

Local Court Knowledge: 360 Plouffe Street

All DUI charges in North Bay and the wider Nipissing District are heard at the Ontario Court of Justice at 360 Plouffe Street. The Crown takes these cases seriously, particularly those with aggravating factors like high readings, collisions, or prior convictions.

I have been appearing in these courts for over 20 years. That depth of local experience means I understand how disclosure is handled, how the bench approaches impaired cases, and the tendencies of the Crown’s office. This knowledge allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s approach and position your case strategically from day one.

Trial-First Mentality = Negotiation Power

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation, including a full Charter analysis, procedural scrutiny, and evidence testing is what drives strong negotiations. It’s often the reason we achieve reduced charges or full acquittals without a trial. But if trial is necessary, your defence is already fully built.

Consequences of a DUI in North Bay

Even a first conviction brings:

A criminal record
Minimum one-year licence suspension
Mandatory alcohol or drug education/treatment
Ignition interlock installation
Substantial fines and insurance increases
Employment and travel restrictions

For non-citizens, a DUI conviction can also mean inadmissibility to Canada, denial of PR or citizenship applications, and potential removal orders. We flag these risks early and coordinate with immigration counsel where needed.

Serving the Entire Nipissing District

We defend clients from:

Callander, Corbeil, Powassan, Bonfield – commuters and tradespeople charged on rural highways
Mattawa & Astorville – OPP-patrolled areas with frequent RIDE stops
Temagami & Trout Creek – seasonal enforcement around recreation hotspots
Lake Nipissing & surrounding trails – impaired boating, snowmobile, and ATV cases

In a smaller community, reputation matters. A criminal record can have outsized personal and professional impact, which is why we fight to protect yours.

Our Defence Strategies

We examine every element of your case for legal or procedural errors, including:

Legality of the stop
Compliance with Charter rights
Legislative compliance in demand and testing procedures
Officer training and adherence to protocol
Grounds for arrest and admissibility of evidence

Weaknesses in the prosecution’s case become leverage — for withdrawal, reduction, or acquittal.

Act Now — Protect Your Record and Your Future

The sooner we start, the more options you have. From disclosure requests to pretrial motions, missing an early step can weaken your defence.

Call us now for a confidential consultation. We will protect your rights, navigate the North Bay court system, and use our 20 years of courtroom experience with a trial-first approach to pursue the best possible result.

Wherever you are in Ontario, our DUI lawyers come to you—not just by Zoom. We travel to your location and support you in Court to help you fight your DUI charge.

Check Our Winning Record Our Defence Services

Charged with impaired driving, over 80, or another criminal driving offence in North Bay or Nipissing? Your case will be heard at the North Bay Courthouse at 360 Plouffe Street shown below.