Parry Sound & Muskoka DUI Defence Lawyer

Parry Sound sits on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay and serves as a hub for the surrounding cottage country, including parts of Muskoka. With busy marinas, major highways, and countless inland lakes, the region attracts year-round residents, weekend visitors, and high-end cottagers. This mix, combined with active seasonal policing, makes impaired driving charges common on the road, water, and trails.

The Parry Sound Courthouse

Most impaired driving cases in this district are heard at the Ontario Court of Justice, 89 James Street, Parry Sound. I have been defending clients in this courthouse and others across Muskoka for more than two decades, appearing on cases ranging from roadside DUI to boating and snowmobile impaired charges.

Local Enforcement – Roads, Water, and Trails

The West Parry Sound OPP detachment is highly active in DUI enforcement.

• Roads: RIDE programs operate year-round on Highway 69, Highway 124, and rural backroads.
• Waterways: Marine units patrol Georgian Bay, Lake Manitouwabing, and surrounding lakes, charging impaired boaters under the same Criminal Code provisions as motor vehicle drivers.
• Trails: Winter snowmobile patrols and spring/fall ATV enforcement are a priority in this region’s trail networks.

Common Ways Charges Happen in Parry Sound & Muskoka

Many clients are first-time offenders who misjudged their alcohol, cannabis, or mixed-substance limits. Common scenarios include:

• Driving home from a cottage dinner or marina after drinks
• Boating back to shore after a day on Georgian Bay or inland lakes
• Riding a snowmobile after a winter gathering
• Operating an ATV after casual drinks on rural trails
• Morning-after driving when alcohol or THC is still in your system
• Being stopped at a RIDE program or reported for erratic operation

What Happens Immediately After You’re Charged

An impaired driving or boating charge in Parry Sound triggers:

• Immediate 90-day driver’s licence suspension
• Roadside vehicle impoundment for seven days
• Fingerprinting and photographs at the police detachment
• A first court date at the courthouse serving the area where you were charged

From there, your case may move toward resolution discussions or trial. Early legal advice helps protect your rights and increases your chances at the very best possible outcome.

The Stakes in Cottage Country

In rural and seasonal areas, losing your licence can make daily life difficult. For high-profile or high-net-worth individuals, there’s the added concern of professional licensing issues, cross-border travel restrictions, and reputation management, as the OPP frequently publish the names of people charged, despite the presumption of innocence.

The Penalties if Convicted

Even a first offence can mean:

• A permanent criminal record
• Minimum one-year licence suspension
• Mandatory ignition interlock (for motor vehicles)
• Fines and court costs
• Increased insurance premiums
• Employment and travel restrictions

How I Defend Parry Sound & Muskoka DUI Cases

Every defence strategy is built on the facts of the case. I examine:

• Whether the stop, vessel boarding, or trail stop was lawful
• How roadside or approved screening device tests were conducted
• Whether your Charter rights were properly explained
• The accuracy and admissibility of test results
• Any procedural errors that could lead to exclusion of evidence

Some cases are resolved without trial; others require a full defence in court. My role is to protect your record, your driving or boating privileges, and your future.

Serving Parry Sound, Georgian Bay & Muskoka

I represent clients from:

• Parry Sound – Courthouse at 89 James Street
• McDougall, Seguin, Carling, Archipelago – High cottage and boating activity
• Pointe au Baril, Britt, Magnetawan – Seasonal marine and road enforcement
• Mactier, Rosseau, Humphrey, Dunchurch – Frequent RIDE and off-road patrols
• Muskoka Lakes – Boating and seasonal tourism enforcement

If you’ve been charged with a road, boating, or off-road DUI in Parry Sound or Muskoka, call today for a confidential consultation. Acting quickly can protect your privileges and give you the best chance at a favourable outcome.