Impaired Driving Penalties

Insurance premiums see a significant increase for drivers convicted of impaired driving.

In the event of an accident, the insurance company will deny coverage for damages, asserting that the driver violated the terms of the insurance agreement by operating the vehicle while impaired.

The insurance will advise you that they do not cover the insurance where there is an allegation of criminal activity with the use of the vehicle.

Many insurance providers may choose to either terminate the policy or reclassify the driver under a high-risk category or facility insurance rates, which could exceed $10,000 annually for a period of 5 to 10 years.

The cumulative cost of insurance could reach $50,000 over a five-year span. This substantial impact on insurance premiums alone provides a compelling reason to contest the charges.

Once arrested, impaired driving has mandatory drivers licence suspensions including;

• ninety (90) day licence suspension
• seven (7) day seizure of vehicle
• one year licence prohibition upon conviction
• cannot drive anything that is:
  • pushed, pulled or driven,
  • including boats and
  • machinery and
  • construction equipment

Once arrested the driver cannot operate anything that is pushed, pulled or driven by any type of engine, anywhere in Canada.

This includes using construction machinery or farm equipment.

My DUI charge was dropped to a Careless Driving ticket. It was my first experience being involved with the law, Vadim was very informative and helpful throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome, I highly recommend Charitsis Law. Professional and caring service!

As experienced lawyers we know that with drinking & driving charges that the the odds are on your side.  Many times charges are dropped completely or even reduced where criminal records are avoided and licences saved.

A judge must find guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt“, without legal errors, or violations of your rights under Canadian law.

Choosing the right criminal defence is a pivotal decision that can shape the course of your life. Your liberty and your family’s well-being hinge upon the expertise of the attorney you entrust your case to.

Charitsis Law stands out, not just for our stellar reviews across many platforms but more crucially, for our consistent two-decade track record of legal triumphs in Toronto and throughout the GTA

Our legal team of Toronto criminal lawyers comprehends the weight of your circumstances and is committed to navigating every challenge, ensuring your legal concerns are addressed with utmost diligence and care.

Mandatory additional DUI and impaired driving include:

“Back on Track” Course: This educational course is designed to raise awareness and impart crucial knowledge about safe and responsible driving.

Alcoholism Testing: Individuals will be subjected to tests that assess potential alcohol dependence. This is a measure to ensure that individuals understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption and driving.

Installation of an ignition interlock device: This device will be installed in your vehicle and will require the driver to provide a breath sample before the vehicle can be started. It is a preventative measure to ensure that the driver is not under the influence of alcohol while operating the vehicle.

Where your licence has been suspended, there is a reinstatement fee of $281.

It’s essential to note that criminal licence suspensions are reflected on the Abstract/Record for a duration of 5 years or more. This means that any criminal driving charges can impact your driving record and associated privileges for an extended period.

Upon conviction, the Ministry of Transportation imposes additional hurdles for those convicted impaired driving offences.

In order to regain your driving privileges, several steps must be undertaken:

Reinstatement Fee: A specific fee must be settled to initiate the process of reinstating your licence.

Alcoholism Testing: Before you can drive again, you will be subjected to tests to determine potential alcohol dependence, ensuring that you recognize the dangers associated with intoxicated driving.

Completion of the “Back on Track Program”: The Back on Track program is designed to educate and rehabilitate those convicted of impaired driving. Completion is mandatory to ensure the individual’s understanding and commitment to safer driving practices in the future.

Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device: The ignition interlock device device must be fixed in your vehicle. It prevents the car from starting until a satisfactory breath sample, indicating no alcohol consumption, is provided.

Monthly Inspections: The installed ignition interlock device requires regular monthly checks to ensure its proper functioning and adherence to regulations.

For a more comprehensive understanding of driver licence suspensions >

When faced with a DUI charge, many individuals quickly recognize the severe financial implications of simply pleading guilty. The repercussions of a DUI conviction are not only immediate but can also resonate for years, impacting one’s employment and freedom to travel.

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs associated with a DUI conviction:

Ignition Interlock Device: This mandatory device requires a breath sample before the car can be started and costs approximately $1,500.

Monthly Testing: At a rate of $130 per month, over a year, this accumulates to $1,560.

Back on Track Program: This educational initiative to rehabilitate and inform those convicted of DUI comes with a fee of $634.

Licence Suspension Reinstatement: Reinstating a suspended license costs $281, and given it might happen twice in the process, the total becomes $562.

High-Risk Insurance Rates: Once convicted, your insurance premium can skyrocket. With an estimated increase of $10,000 annually, over five years, this can sum up to a whopping $50,000.

In total, the direct financial blow can rise to $54,256.

It’s crucial to underscore the magnitude of this: a guilty plea to a DUI charge can lead to costs surpassing fifty thousand dollars. This doesn’t even factor in potential job losses or the lifelong challenges posed by a ccriminal record

Where convicted of a second impaired charge the accused is subject to the following increased penalties:

• thirty day jail sentence
• 3 year license suspension
• fine to be determined by the judge
• judge may impose a period of probation

• mandatory three (3) month jail sentence.
• lifetime license suspension.
• fine to be determined by the judge.
• judge may impose a period of probation

A DUI’s and any drinking and driving conviction permanently marks an individual with a criminal record.

When seeking employment, potential employers might request a criminal record check before making a hiring decision. This record can affect your employability.

Possessing a criminal record can lead to denial of entry and being stopped at the border into countries like the United States. Additionally, it might render you as un-bondable, limiting opportunities in specific job sectors.

Upon arrest, law enforcement will photograph and fingerprint you. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police maintains these records at the Canadian Police Information Centre, making them accessible to all police agencies for review. More on effects of a criminal record >

Want legal advice or like to speak to a lawyer? The first step is to give us a call at 416-731-7113.

There is no fee or obligation to call and speak to us.  The discussion is held with complete privacy and confidence with the lawyer.

The lawyer will be able to give you an opinion about your case, and tell you:

• possible defences to the charge
• legal arguments in your case
• what you can do to help your case
• what the cost to defend the accusation would be

Where you decide to retain our services we will invite you to meet in our Toronto office or have a face to face Zoom online meeting.

In that meeting we’ll discuss the case in detail, plan your defence and arrange for the first court date.

We ask for a reasonable deposit upon retaining our services of 10 to 25 percent.