Toronto DUI Lawyers – Impaired Driving Defence
Fighting DUI Charges
As DUI lawyers, Charitsis Law has been defending impaired driving and drinking-and-driving charges for over 25 years. As Ontario’s best-reviewed criminal defence practices we’re known as experienced criminal lawyers with winning results.
When it comes to defending DUI charges our goal is to:
- provide legal advice
- help people charged with impaired driving understand the consequences
- provide superior criminal defence for DUI charges at every stage of the court process.
Our focus is on winning your case while avoiding criminal records and driver licence suspensions.
Complete DUI Criminal Defence
We focus on guiding you through the process by:
- explaining what the charge means in clear, plain language
- outlining how the Toronto court system works
- helping you understand your options before decisions are made
- starting the defence process early so nothing is missed
When you are facing an impaired driving charge, the first step is education. What are you facing, what are the implications, how can a lawyer help you?
DUI Charges | After the Arrest
As DUI lawyers in Toronto, we know most people want answers right away, not weeks later at their first court date.
Waiting to act can create confusion, build upon your anxiety and allow important steps to be missed early in the process.
Discuss Your DUI Today
Speaking with a DUI lawyer early allows:
- disclosure to be requested and followed up on right away
- your full version of events to be captured while details are fresh
- early issues to be identified before court deadlines pass
- a clear plan to be formed before the first court appearance
Although disclosure is usually provided at the first court date, the defence process starts well before then.
Speaking with a DUI lawyer early helps ensure your case is organized properly from the beginning and puts you in a stronger position as it moves forward.
After my husbands arrest we were grateful for the opportunity to discuss the case with Mr. Charitsis. Nick was able to answer our questions and give us a clear path to dealing with the charge. At the end our lawyer was able to have the dui dropped to a careless driving ticket, with a nominal fine. Thanks again Debbie R. Newmarket.
DUI Lawyers – Penalties
Where a driver is convicted of a DUI or drinking and driving charge they face serious potential penalties. The consequences of a DUI are not the same in every case, but many penalties are mandatory.
Penalties for impaired driving in Ontario can include:
- a criminal record if the charge results in a conviction
- significant fines and, in some cases, jail time
- immediate and long-term driver’s licence suspensions
- higher insurance costs and ongoing driving restrictions
These penalties are not automatic and are not always determined at the time of arrest.
Experienced DUI lawyers review the charge, explain what penalties may realistically apply, and guide clients through the court process so informed decisions can be made at every stage.
How DUI Charges Are Fought
As Toronto DUI lawyer we fight impaired driving charges by examining how the case was built and whether it can stand up in court.
A DUI charge is not proven simply because an arrest was made — the police and prosecution must be able to justify every step.
Fighting an impaired driving charge may involve:
- reviewing how and why the traffic stop and arrest occurred
- examining how breath or roadside testing was conducted
- assessing how evidence was collected and documented
- identifying gaps or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- determining whether the case should proceed to trial
Every impaired driving case is different, and there is no single approach that applies to all situations. A strong defence focuses on whether the evidence can withstand scrutiny when the case is tested in court.
★★★★★ I’m extremely satisfied with the results and service provided. My impaired charge was dropped after trial in March. Nick was always professional and to the point. I’m glad I selected him as my lawyer and now consider him like family. Aristotle N. Toronto. (Google Reviews)
Legal Arguments in DUI Defence
As DUI lawyers in Toronto, legal arguments are built by applying the law to the facts, not by relying on assumptions.
In impaired driving cases, the focus is on whether the evidence can legally support a conviction.
Legal arguments in DUI cases may involve:
- whether the arrest and investigation complied with legal requirements
- did the breath or roadside testing met legal standards
- can evidence can be relied on by the court
- are there delays or procedural issues affect how the case proceeds
- will the prosecution be able to meet the legal threshold for conviction
These arguments are developed after reviewing disclosure and understanding how the facts fit within the law. A well-prepared defence focuses on whether the case can withstand legal scrutiny when it is tested in court.
DUI Defence & Pre-Trial Hearings
As DUI lawyers in Toronto, we use pre-trial meetings to move a case forward with clarity after disclosure is received. A pre-trial gives your defence lawyer and the Crown attorney a chance to evaluate the charge or charges before a trial date is set.
Pre-trial meetings are used to:
- allow the defence lawyer and Crown attorney to review and assess the evidence
- identify strengths and weaknesses in the impaired driving charge
- discuss legal or procedural issues that may affect how the case proceeds
- determine whether the case should proceed to trial or be resolved
The purpose of a pre-trial is not to decide guilt or innocence. It helps both sides understand the evidence and the issues so informed decisions can be made about the next steps.
Your Team of DUI Lawyers
As DUI lawyers in Toronto, impaired driving cases are guided by senior experience from the very beginning. At our Toronto office, clients first speak directly with Mr. Charitsis a senior criminal defence lawyer with decades of experience handling DUI and impaired driving cases in Ontario courts.
Mr. Charitsis personally reviews the situation and provides clear guidance, while working closely with lawyers on his defence team to ensure the case is properly prepared and defended, including:
- reviewing disclosure and identifying key issues early
- assessing whether the case should be challenged, resolved, or proceed to trial
- guiding the defence strategy through pre-trial meetings
- ensuring experienced oversight at every stage of the case
This approach allows clients to benefit from senior legal judgment while having a dedicated defence team working together to address the details of the case from start to finish.
Speak With a Toronto DUI Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with impaired driving, speaking with experienced DUI lawyers early can make a real difference in how your case is handled. The right guidance at the beginning helps ensure nothing is missed and that your defence is properly prepared from the start.
At Charitsis Law, our Toronto DUI lawyers take the time to understand your situation, explain the process clearly, and advise you on what steps can begin right away. You will speak directly with a senior criminal defence lawyer, and your case will be handled with the experience and professionalism it deserves.
To speak with Toronto DUI lawyers at our office, call 647-930-0200. The call is confidential, there is no obligation, and it allows you to get clear answers about what happens next and how your case can move forward.
FAQs About DUI Criminal Charges
Q. Can DUI lawyers get my charge dismissed?
A. DUI lawyers can challenge impaired driving charges, but the outcome depends on the evidence and how the case is handled.
Some cases proceed to trial, some are resolved, and others may be withdrawn or dismissed after a proper review. A meaningful assessment requires disclosure and an understanding of what occurred.
Q. Should I plead guilty to a DUI charge?
A. Pleading guilty should never be done without first speaking to DUI lawyers who understand the charge and its consequences.
Once a plea is entered, it is difficult to reverse. Getting advice early helps ensure you understand your options before making any decision.
Q. How long does a DUI case take in Toronto?
A. DUI cases can take several months or longer, depending on disclosure, court scheduling, and whether the matter proceeds to trial.
Pre-trial meetings and legal issues can also affect timing. Each case moves at its own pace through the court system.
Q. Will a DUI charge affect my job or ability to travel?
A. A DUI charge can affect employment, professional licensing, and travel, particularly if it results in a conviction.
The impact depends on your personal circumstances and the outcome of the case. DUI lawyers help clients understand these risks early so they can plan properly.
Q. What if the breath test or police investigation was done incorrectly?
A. If procedures were not followed properly, it may affect how the evidence is treated in court. DUI lawyers review disclosure to assess whether testing, documentation, and procedures meet legal standards.
Identifying issues early is an important part of defending a charge.
Q. Do I need to speak with DUI lawyers before my first court date?
A. You are not required to have a lawyer immediately, but speaking with DUI lawyers early allows important steps to begin right away. This can include requesting disclosure and preparing for what happens next in court.
Early guidance often reduces stress and uncertainty.






