What Are The DUI Laws In Toronto?

You may be wondering what the DUI laws are in Toronto. DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” and it refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In Toronto, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. 

What Happens After A Person Is Arrested For DUI In Canada?

After a person is arrested for DUI in Canada, they will likely be taken to a police station for processing. There, they will be asked to provide a breath sample, which will be analyzed to determine their blood alcohol content (BAC). If their BAC is over the legal limit, they will be charged with impaired driving.

What Are The Penalties For Those Found Guilty Of A DUI Charge In Toronto?

TYPES OF DUI CHARGES:

  • Impaired Driving
  • Driving Under The Influence
  • Over 80 m.g. DUI
  • Failure to Provide a Breathe Sample
  • Care and Control
  • Multiple DUI Offences

 

The minimum DUI punishment for a DUI charge is:

  • First offence; 12-month driving probation and a $1000 fine.
  • Second offence; 24-month driving probation and 30 days jail sentence.
  • Third or subsequent offence; 36-month driving probation and 120 days jail sentence.
What Are The Consequences Of A Conviction For A Drinking And Driving Charge?
  • Criminal record
  • Expensive administrative fees
  • Impounding of vehicle
  • Increased insurance premiums
  • Mandatory attendance in education and/or treatment program
  • Possible ignition interlock requirements if and when driving privileges are restored
What Is The Maximum BAC Or Blood Alcohol Concentration Level in Ontario?

In Ontario and the rest of Canada, the maximum limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood for fully licensed drivers. Alcohol-related driving offences are subject to strict penalties.

How To Beat A DUI Charge in Canada?

If you are facing a DUI charge in Canada, there are a few things you can do to try to beat the charge. First, it is important to remember that you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you in court. So, it is best to say as little as possible.

DUI charges in Canada can be beaten if the right steps are taken. To improve your chances of beating a DUI charge, it is important to understand how the criminal justice system works and what your options are. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

What Are The Common Defence Strategies Used For A DUI Charge?

The defence strategies that are most often used for a DUI charge are the following:

  • Challenging if the accused’s Charter-protected rights were respected
  • Challenging the arresting officer’s interpretation of care and control
  • Challenging the validity of the drug screening or the validity of the BAC screening device
  • Raising legal reasons if the accused failed to provide a sample, refused a roadside screening, or rejected a breathalyzer test
  • Questioning the lawfulness of the police procedure and the original police detainment
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A DUI Lawyer in Ontario?

How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer in Ontario? This is a question that many people ask, especially if they have been charged with a DUI. The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer in Ontario can vary depending on the severity of your offence and the lawyer you choose to hire. Some lawyers may charge a flat fee, while others may charge by the hour. The cost of hiring a DUI-defense attorney depends on the amount of time spent on each case, the complexity of the charges, and the lawyer’s fees. Although the amount of time spent in court for a DUI charge is usually short, the lawyer will need to go through details, create an effective defence strategy, and put forth the additional time to defend the motion.

Can A DUI Charge Go Away Without A Trial?

A skilled DUI lawyer may be able to resolve the charges in favour of the accused by negotiating a settlement with the prosecution and/or without having to go through a trial. If the DUI lawyer can recognize a significant flaw in the Crown’s case before the trial, that information can be used by the DUI lawyer to convince the Crown to drop charges.

Generally speaking, the Crown prosecutor will reject dismissals except in instances where the recognized flaw is so obvious and cannot be ignored. In most cases, the Crown will opt to drop the DUI charges for the acceptance of a guilty plea for a lesser offence such as careless driving. An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to work with the case details to achieve the most favourable outcome for the accused while making the other party think that they are not at a disadvantage.

Is There A Chance For Getting A DUI Charge Dismissed In Toronto?

As mentioned in response to other DUI FAQs, Crown prosecutors will usually not dismiss charges unless with a compelling reason to do so. The possible reasons for a DUI charge to be dismissed with the help of a DUI lawyer are if the accused’s charter rights were not protected, the screening methods used were impaired, the arrest was questionable, there were mistakes during the stop and detention, and other similar circumstances wherein the right processes were not followed.

Is It Possible For A Toronto DUI Charge To Be Dropped?

The Crown prosecutor is likely to drop the DUI charge if their case is so flawed that it is impossible for them to win during the trial. If the DUI lawyer knows for certain that the case is flawed but was not able to convince the Crown prosecutor to drop the case, then the DUI lawyer can use the flaw as a key defence strategy during the trial and possibly achieve a not guilty sentence.

Will Auto Insurance Get Affected By A DUI Conviction?

A DUI conviction means having to pay higher auto insurance in most cases. More so, insurance companies may choose not to renew insurance or reject an insurance application for someone guilty of a DUI. If you can find an insurance firm willing to take you as a client, be prepared to be charged minimum of twice the standard rate.

Can A DUI Conviction Have An Effect On Permanent Residency In Canada?

Since impaired driving offences are classified under serious criminality in Canada, Canadian immigration law Bill C-46, Part 1 says that it is grounds for revocation of permanent resident status and could lead to deportation.

Is It Possible To Remove A DUI From A Person’s Record?

Canadian law does allow for the expungement or suspension of a DUI criminal record. This action seals the record from public view while law enforcement can still access the data. Application for a record suspension is possible 5 years after a guilty plea or a conviction and may need the services of a DUI lawyer.

It’s important to find a qualified DUI lawyer in Toronto. Qualified DUI lawyers are hard to come by. It is important to work with a lawyer who knows how these cases work and what they could mean for your future. To learn more about this contact Calvin Barry today!

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