St. Thomad & Elgin County DUI & Impaired Driving Defence

Where Your Case is Heard

All criminal impaired driving matters in Elgin County are heard at the Elgin County Courthouse, 4 Wellington Street, St. Thomas. This courthouse handles cases from across the county — from Port Stanley to Aylmer, Dutton to West Lorne — making it the central venue for DUI defence in the region.

How Charges Arise in St. Thomas & Elgin County

Within the city, investigations are conducted by the St. Thomas Police Service. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrols surrounding rural highways, the 401 corridor, and cottage routes to Lake Erie. Both agencies run RIDE programs, especially on long weekends, during the holiday season, and in summer near recreational areas.

Common charge scenarios include:

• Driving home after drinks at a cottage or lakefront property
• Being stopped during a long-weekend RIDE program
• “Morning after” driving when alcohol remains in your system
• Prescription or other medication impairing your ability to operate a vehicle

Charges We Defend

• Alcohol offences — impaired operation, “Over 80,” care and control
• Drug offences — cannabis, prescription medications, other narcotics
• Refusal/failure to provide breath or blood samples
• Boating DUIs — impaired operation on Lake Erie or local waterways
• Snowmobile & ATV DUIs — winter trail and rural-property enforcement

Legal & Personal Consequences

A conviction brings more than fines. It can mean:

• Criminal record affecting employment and volunteer opportunities
• Licence suspension and ignition interlock
• Jail time in serious or repeat cases
• Significant insurance increases
• Mandatory education or treatment programs
• Long-term travel restrictions, especially to the U.S.
• For non-citizens: potential immigration consequences, including inadmissibility or removal from Canada

Our Clients

We represent clients who cannot afford the impact of a criminal conviction:

• 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 trades — especially in construction, energy, and manufacturing
• Seasonal residents & tourists — especially in Port Stanley and other Lake Erie communities
• Non-citizens — permanent residents, work permit holders, and foreign students facing added immigration risk

How We Build Your Defence

Every case begins with a full review of police disclosure. We examine:

• Was the stop or RIDE checkpoint lawful?
• Were your Charter rights, including your right to counsel and your right to be free from unreasonable searches and detentions fully respected?
• Were breath or blood tests conducted properly and on time?
• Was there a valid legal basis for your arrest or breath demand?
• Are there gaps or errors in the Crown’s evidence?

Even if your readings were over the legal limit, the Crown must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. When the facts and law support it, outcomes can include withdrawals, reduced charges, or outright acquittals (not guilty verdicts).

A DUI in St. Thomas or Elgin County can have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. The earlier we’re involved, the more options you may have. Call 226-486-2406 now for a free, confidential case review.