Toronto DUI & Impaired Driving Defence

Life in Toronto and the Risk of a DUI

Toronto’s mix of nightlife, entertainment, and professional life means police are always on the lookout for impaired drivers. Concerts, sporting events, rooftop patios, and festivals often lead to increased RIDE programs, particularly near the DVP, Gardiner Expressway, and downtown.

Common situations include:

• Leaving a bar, dinner, or event thinking you are under the limit
• Driving shortly after cannabis use
• Morning-after charges after a late night
• Being stopped at a RIDE program with no obvious driving error

Even a single impaired driving charge, “Over 80,” or refusal can have significant and lasting consequences.

Understanding DUI Charges in Toronto

In Ontario, impaired driving is a criminal offence. You may face charges for:

• Operating a vehicle with BAC over 0.08 (“Over 80”)
• Driving while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs
• Refusing or failing to provide a breath or blood sample

A conviction can result in:

• A criminal record
• Minimum one-year licence suspension
• Mandatory education or treatment programs
• Fines or jail time
• Increased insurance premiums
• Potential loss of professional licensing
• Travel restrictions, including to the United States

Where Toronto DUI Cases Are Heard

All impaired driving cases in Toronto are heard at the Toronto Courthouse, 10 Armoury Street. This modern facility replaced several older courthouses and now serves as the single Ontario Court of Justice location for criminal cases in the city.

Given that our head office is in Toronto, we regularly appear in this courthouse and understand how Toronto Crown Attorneys manage impaired driving cases, as well as the strategies that can be effective in this jurisdiction.

Enforcement in Toronto

• Toronto Police Service (TPS): Citywide enforcement, including the Marine Unit for boating cases on Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands.
• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): Patrols the major 400 series highways such as the 401 and 407, where roadside stops often lead to charges.

Our Approach to Defending DUI Charges

Every case starts with a review of the disclosure and police conduct:

• Was the traffic stop lawful
• Were your Charter rights upheld
• Were breath tests administered properly
• Did police meet all required legal timelines
• Did the officer correctly conduct the Standard Field Sobriety Testing or Drug Recognition Evaluation?

We tailor a defence plan to your situation, whether negotiating for a reduced charge, challenging the evidence, or proceeding to trial.

Who We Defend in Toronto

Our clients include:

• Professionals whose licences and reputations are at stake
• University students (U of T, TMU, York)
• Visitors attending concerts, sports, or conventions
• Boaters charged near the Toronto Islands
• Toronto residents charged while visiting cottage country

Why Choose Christopher A. Avery for Toronto DUI Defence

• Low-volume, high-focus approach for each case
• Detailed familiarity with 10 Armoury Street courthouse procedures
• Insight into Toronto Police Service and OPP enforcement patterns
• Strategic defence for “Over 80,” refusal, and impaired charges
• Clear, practical communication throughout the process

Act Now to Protect Your Future

If you have been charged, timing matters. The earlier we begin, the more options we have to protect your record, your licence, and your livelihood. Call today for a confidential consultation.