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Why Do You Need a Toronto DUI Defense Lawyer?
Getting a DUI is not an everyday thing, like having a glass of beer in a bar on Friday. It is a serious event that rarely happens. Most likely, in the case of DUI, you would not know what to say to police officers or how to act.
In addition, the law surrounding DUI is quite complex, and there are many different factors at play. Even if you are drunk or intoxicated, you should not plead guilty publicly in your case. If you do so, your options are severely limited.
The only way to avoid that is to hire an experienced DUI lawyer in Toronto to defend your interests. An experienced impaired driving attorney like Jonathan Lapid knows all the pitfalls that may arise in the case and would help to avoid mistakes that would cost you dearly.
Impaired Driving Charges
If you operate an automobile, boat, or motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the violation is known as a DUI/DWI or driving under the influence. These are serious charges that the Criminal Code of Canada regulates.
If you got charged with a DUI of any type (care and control, underage DUI, over 80, consecutive DUI convictions, and other), your best option is to contact Toronto DUI lawyer Jonathan Lapid. He has local expertise and more than 25 years’ experience defending Canadians against drinking-and-driving offences.
Read Our Clients' Testimonials on How Jonathan Lapid Successfully Defended Them from DUI Charges
I have been practicing criminal law for over 25 years and I pride myself on my successful cases. My goal for any client is to ensure that they have a positive outcome and that they are represented to the best of my abilities.
Toronto DUI Penalties Explained
Being charged with DUI is a serious offence, and if it’s your second or third time, then the charges will be even stricter than the first one. The most severe penalty awaits those who are involved in a DUI accident causing bodily harm or death. Below are just some of the consequences of a public DUI, including minimum court-ordered penalties. Please note that every case is unique. The information below is for educational purposes only and underscores the importance of contacting an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible to reduce these charges.
1st DUI Offence
- Immediate roadside 90-day suspension
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- 8-hour education course
- $550+ penalty
- Licence suspension of at least 1 year, mandatory education/treatment program, ignition interlock device for at least 1 year — criminal impaired driving charges
2nd DUI Offence
- Immediate roadside 90-day suspension
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- 16-hour education course
- $550+ penalty
- Licence suspension of at least 3 years, mandatory education/treatment program, 30 days of jail time, ignition interlock device for at least 3 years, mandatory medical evaluation — criminal impaired driving charges
3rd DUI Offence
- Immediate roadside 90-day suspension
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- 8-hour education course
- $550+ penalty
- Ignition Interlock condition for 6 months
- Lifetime* licence suspension, mandatory education/treatment program, 120 days of jail time, ignition interlock device for at least 6 years, mandatory medical evaluation — criminal impaired driving charges
*may be reduced after 10 years if you meet specific criteria. However, if you have a 4th conviction within 10 years, you’ll get a lifetime licence suspension, with no possibility of reduction.
In addition to the penalties listed above, you’ll also have to pay a licence reinstatement fee every time your licence is suspended. In any matter involving intoxication and drunk driving, seek and contact a law firm immediately. No matter what, you will want to do everything you can to weasel out of charges for DUI.
The first step you can take is to get an experienced drinking and driving lawyer to guide you through your legal case during the trial. Remember that with all of the consequences associated with a DUI, pleading guilty publicly is the absolute worst decision you could make. The verdict of the trial could be devastating, as you may face criminal charges.
Find Out How to WIN:
647-797-5256
DUI Lawyer in Toronto Who’s Dedicated to Your Best Outcome
Being a Toronto DUI lawyer was my destiny. Don’t get me wrong, I always knew I wanted to practice law from a very young age and sought that dream with doggedness and determination. But I never knew what kind of law I wanted to practice — until this path found me.
I’m a top-five impaired driving lawyer across the entire industry, having won hundreds of DUI and drinking and driving cases. I’ve also had many of my cases cited as precedent in other cases, have been interviewed by Maclean’s for its March 24th, 2016 issue, and have appeared on Global News for an expert legal opinion on the impaired-driving case of former Maple Leaf, Rob Ramage.
25 Years of Experience
The reason for my resounding success as a DUI defence lawyer is that I’m thorough and prepared. Each case is as crucial as the last and every client is my most important client.
Toronto DUI Industry Leader Jonathan Lapid
Jonathan Lapid is a drunk driving attorney and DUI expert in Toronto and the GTA with over 25 years of experience. A few years ago, a Brampton police officer called Jonathan to defend him on a DUI charge. Jonathan asked him how he found him, and the officer said that after asking his police friends who they had lost to in court, Jonathan’s name kept popping up again and again.
He has represented an NHL player, a Canadian Olympic athlete, police officers, lawyers, doctors, prominent senior executives, pilots and flight attendants, limousine drivers, factory workers, and many other hard-working Canadians.
If nothing else, this tells you that he’s built a track record others take notice of, and there’s a reason why even the highest-profile individuals entrust him with their cases. He has earned his status as the best criminal DUI lawyer in Toronto. Contact him without hesitation.
Do You Have Questions Regarding a DUI Defense? Have No Idea Whether You Should Hire an Impaired Driving Lawyer?
647-797-5256
Give Us a Call To Get The Defence You Deserve
4950 Yonge Street, Suite 2225, Toronto, ON M2N 6K1
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DUI Law and Impaired Driving FAQs
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What are the immediate steps I should take after being arrested for a DUI?
If you're arrested in Toronto for a DUI, you should try to remain calm and comply with lawful directions. Next, you should request to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible (you have the right to legal counsel). You can also record and preserve details of the incident as soon as you can. This will make the lawyer's job a bit easier since some evidence can help identify the breaches in the process that can be used to win your case. Finally, you should follow your release conditions and attend all court dates. Try to stay in contact with your lawyer at all times and always be honest when you share things with him.
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How long does a DUI stay on my driving and criminal record in Canada?
It depends on the numerous details. However, for the majority of cases in Ontario, a DUI stays on your driving record for at least 3 years, influencing license points and insurance. A DUI can even remain on your criminal record indefinitely unless you successfully apply for a record suspension (formerly called a pardon).
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Does a DUI affect international travel or passport status?
A DUI conviction does not appear on your passport, thus it doesn't affect your passport status. However, it may affect international travel, especially to countries such as the United States, which restrict entry for individuals with criminal records.
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How can a Toronto DUI lawyer reduce or dismiss my DUI charge?
Your chances of getting the charges dropped are pretty high if you haven't pleaded guilty in public. Jonathan Lapid uses various tactics to achieve success depending on the case circumstances. Some common possibilities include:
- Negotiating with Crown Attorneys for a lesser charge (e.g., careless driving under provincial law);
- Challenging evidence and questioning breath test accuracy or police procedure;
- Identifying technical defects in how the stop or arrest happened.
Call Jonathan Lapid for a free initial case assessment.
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How much does a Toronto DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of hiring a Toronto DUI lawyer varies widely based on the complexity of the case. Keep in mind that Jonathan Lapid is an experienced lawyer with one of the highest success rates. However, he strives to protect all Canadians and offers reasonable fees. Contact him today to learn more.