DUI Charges in Ontario – Why You Should Hire a Criminal Lawyer

DUI Charges in Ontario

A DUI charge can be a daunting experience for a person who has never faced these issues before. Unfortunately, there are no statistics for DUI conviction rates in Ontario, but statistics from other provinces show that the number of people who were convicted of impaired driving is increasing. In the 2014/2015 fiscal year, only 46 percent of people who were arrested were convicted. This rate rose to 47 percent in the next three fiscal years, and to 48 percent for the most recent period.

DUI Charges in Ontario FrameWork

Ontario DUI Legal Framework
Criminal Code Violations
Over 80mg (s.320.14(1)(b))
Impaired Driving (s.320.14(1)(a))
Failure to Provide Sample (s.320.15)
Care or Control (s.320.14(1)(c))
DUI Causing Death (s.320.14(3))
Highway Traffic Act Penalties
Administrative Suspension
Ignition Interlock
Vehicle Impoundment
Remedial Programs
License Reinstatement
Mandatory Minimum Penalties
First Offense: $1000 Fine
Second: 30 Days Jail
Third: 120 Days Jail
Bodily Harm: 2 Years
Death: Life Imprisonment
Aggravating Factors
High BAC Readings
Previous Convictions
Accident Involved
Children in Vehicle
Court Procedures
Disclosure Rights
Charter Applications
Expert Evidence
Trial Procedures
Jurisdictional Variations
International Implications
Appeal Procedures
Alternative Programs

Get the Defense Ready

If you have hired a Ontario DUI lawyer, you won’t have to attend the first court appearance personally. You’ll sign a document designating your lawyer to attend the case on your behalf. Your lawyer will present a comprehensive defense strategy to your court. Your DUI or criminal charges attorney will be able to present all of your possible defenses and make your case as strong as possible. Moreover, he/she will be able to discuss the various options available to you based on the specific facts of your case.

Get Familiar with the Law

It is crucial to understand Canadian law. A good idea is to familiarize yourself with Canada’s Criminal Code, as well as the process of defending yourself in a court of law. To learn more about DUI charges in Ontario, it’s best to familiarize yourself with Part VIII.1 Offenses Relating to Conveyances (Criminal Code). The 40 sections and 150 subsections may not be easy to remember, especially if you aren’t a lawyer. Without proper legal training, it can be difficult to determine if a DUI arrest is a serious matter.

How can a Criminal Lawyer Help You?

  • An Ontario DUI lawyer can help you fight the charge and protect your license. A lawyer will be able to protect your rights and help you avoid a conviction. They will explain your rights and work with the court to ensure that you have the best chance of avoiding a criminal record. If you are facing a DUI, call a Ontario DUI lawyer to discuss your case. A Ontario DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights.
  • The first appearance in court is not the trial. It’s only the first time you’ll appear in court. Then you’ll lodge your plea. An Ontario DUI lawyer will help you with this process and will be able to lay out your options in an expert manner. So, if you’re facing a DUI charge in Ontario, don’t be afraid to contact a Ontario DUI lawyer to protect your rights.
  • It’s important to hire a skilled lawyer. It’s your best chance to avoid a DUI. An experienced attorney will explain your rights and provide guidance on how to avoid future problems. If you’re facing a conviction, it is important to work with a professional who has handled these cases before. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can start defending yourself. This will ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your case.
  • The first time offenders must be aware of the consequences of a DUI conviction. If you’re a repeat offender, the penalties will be even more severe than if you’ve had a DUI before. A DUI conviction in Ontario can be a devastating experience and a lifetime of mistakes. An experienced lawyer will not only protect you from the stigma of a criminal conviction, but will also ensure that you’re given the best possible chance of a successful outcome.
  • Whether you’re a first time or third time offender, you should consult an experienced DUI lawyer. A criminal lawyer can fight the charges and help you avoid the worst consequences of the charges. In Canada, DUI is a felony that requires jail time. If you’re arrested for a DUI, you will have to pay a fine of at least $1000 and face a mandatory license suspension for three months. Your Ontario attorney will help you prepare a strong defense and fight the charges.

Summing Up

DUI charges in Ontario carry a variety of penalties. The most common is a one-year suspension of your license. The maximum punishment for a DUI in Ontario is three years in jail. A second DUI in Ontario can lead to several months of jail time, and a third DUI in Ontario can lead to a three-year driving prohibition. Depending on the circumstances, your first DUI charge can affect your employment opportunities and livelihood for years to come.

If you are looking for an experienced DUI Lawyer who can help you fight a DUI charge then contact DUI lawyer David Genis For FREE Consultation Today! 

Kim Hardstaff Criminal Lawyer Canada

I’m Kim Hardstaff, an Edmonton criminal attorney and partner at Liberty Law. My career in law began in 1998 when I worked as a legal assistant at Liberty Law. After completing my undergraduate degree in 2004 and earning my Bachelor of Laws with Distinction in 2007 from the University of Alberta, I articled with the firm and was admitted to the Bar in July 2008 by the Honourable Justice M. Moreau.

While in law school, I volunteered with the Alberta Law Review and Student Legal Services (SLS), where I provided legal assistance to low-income individuals in need of advocacy. These experiences solidified my dedication to defending the rights of the accused.

Originally from a small town in northeastern Alberta, I’ve built my career exclusively in criminal law, a goal I set for myself as early as grade seven. Since 2008, I’ve represented clients across Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories. I’ve conducted trials involving a range of charges, from murder to theft, with a particular focus on defending individuals accused of sexual offences. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve successfully convinced juries to return not-guilty verdicts in many cases.

I firmly believe in the value of hard work, thorough preparation, and clear communication when defending someone’s liberty. As a defence lawyer, I understand the critical role of advocating for the accused and strive to explain legal rights, obligations, and options in straightforward terms to achieve the best outcomes.

Education
B.A. – University of Alberta, 2004
LL.B. – University of Alberta, 2007
Bar Admission
Alberta, 2008
Professional Memberships
Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association

Beyond my practice, I’ve served as a criminal law panelist for the Legal Education Society of Alberta and frequently appeared on CTV Alberta Primetime to discuss current criminal law issues.

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