The term “DUI” applies to impaired driving, driving over 0.08 and refusing to provide a smaple of breath. If you are stopped by police and found to be over the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) for operating a vehicle in Alberta, the sanctions begin immediately. Even if you are close to the legal limit, an immediate suspension may apply.
After the suspension/disqualification is served, your driver’s licence is not automatically reinstated. Conditions will be attached to the reinstatement and you will need to take steps to address these conditions before you can drive legally again anywhere in Canada.
A DUI charge in Canada is a criminal charge that can affect multiple areas of your life even after the sentence has been served and the fines paid. The ensuing criminal record can follow you around for the rest of your life, potentially affecting employment, travel plans, immigration status, and more. Criminal background checks include information about charges and arrest warrants even if you were never convicted, often creating complications and leading to awkward questions.
On December 1, 2020, the Alberta Provincial Government took a radical step by de-criminalizing impaired driving /DUIs in Alberta for first-time offenders. As a result, those caught drunk behind the wheel will not be criminally charged regardless of how intoxicated they are.
If one is so inclined to read Twitter, which I am not, there was near-universal outrage over the sentencing of Felcity Huffman for her role in the infamous college admissions scandal known as Operation Varsity Blues (Varsity Blues just happens to be one of my favourite movies).
On December 18, 2018, the Liberal government drastically changed impaired driving law for the worse. In an attempt to look tough on impaired driving, the government took steps to take away citizens’ constitutional rights, dramatically increased penalties and created some new offences entirely...
During your free consultation, we will discuss the allegations, possible outcomes, defences to the charges and legal fees. We will also create a clear path moving forward so you completely understand what to expect.