What to Know About DUI Fines and Penalties in Toronto
Breaking the law by driving under the influence of alcohol in Toronto typically comes with hefty financial penalties and other consequences. Those caught committing the offence are usually taken aback by the severity of the resulting punishment.
If you are caught Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the consequences are dire. These penalties can drastically change your life and have long-term effects. Understanding what can happen if you are found guilty of a DUI offence can help you prepare for the potential consequences so that you are not caught off guard.
DUI Prosecution in Toronto
Depending on the particulars of the case, legal action may be taken against the accused. If you are suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be charged with impaired driving. This could result from a law enforcement officer’s observation that your driving ability has been affected in any way.
In Toronto, it is considered a crime if someone does not follow through with a request from law enforcement to take a breathalyzer, blood test, or urine test. Impaired driving does not necessarily mean that you have exceeded the legal limit of blood-alcohol or blood-drug content. However, it can still result in criminal charges if you are deemed to not be in total control of your faculties.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence in Canada that can be tried as a felony or misdemeanour. The Crown Prosecutor, who is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, will determine the type of charge to be laid depending on the circumstances. In either case, a conviction can result in severe penalties.
What Are the Penalties?
If someone commits an offence for the first time, they may be penalized with a financial penalty of $1 thousand. A person will be sentenced to 30 days in jail for a second offence. For every subsequent transgression, the penalty is a jail sentence of 120 days.
If you have been convicted of a driving offence, you may be able to reduce the length of your driving suspension if you agree to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle. The IID is a device installed in your car that will prevent the engine from starting if you have an alcohol concentration in your breath that surpasses a predetermined level of 0.02. When this limit is exceeded, the machine will not turn on, thereby stopping you from driving while impaired.
If you do not comply with the requirements of the ignition interlock program, your driving privileges may be revoked permanently. You may also be required to attend special classes or participate in a corrective program. Neglecting to do so can lead to your license being suspended indefinitely.
Once your driving suspension period has ended, you will need to take action to get your license back. This could involve paying fines, completing required courses, or submitting the necessary paperwork. Once all the requirements have been fulfilled, you will need to pay a fee to reinstate your license officially.
A criminal record is a lasting result of a conviction that may have a negative impact on many areas of your life. This could include difficulty finding employment, making it harder to travel to certain places, paying higher insurance premiums, and more.
Conclusion
If you are facing a DUI charge, choosing an experienced lawyer with a proven record of success in defending DUI charges is crucial. This means looking for a lawyer with experience getting charges withdrawn, winning cases at trial, or negotiating reduced penalties for drivers. They may contest your criminal charge by employing various strategies such as questioning witnesses, relying on Charter Rights and Freedoms, and making arguments based on the details of your arrest and accusation.
For the best DUI lawyer in Toronto, turn to Calvin Barry Professional Corporation. Calvin Barry has built on a foundation of over 16 years working as a Senior Crown Attorney. You can be assured that your case will be handled by a lawyer with a vast background and expertise in DUI/impaired driving, domestic violence and more. Request a free consultation.
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