Don't accept the consequences of a DUI! Call a DUI Lawyer!

To put the two offences into perspectives, you must first understand that they are both acronyms. “DUI” stands for “Driving Under the Influence”, and “DWI” stands for “Driving While Impaired” OR “Driving While Intoxicated”. Although the two are very similar, they are different. Canada has a set Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) threshold that you cannot pass. This value has been set to 0.08 by the Federal Government. If you surpass this threshold, you are to be charged with a DUI upon proper sobriety testing. A DWI on the other hand, can be handed out without passing Canada’s BAC. The important detail to pay attention to here is impairment. If you’re impaired to the point of putting the general public in danger, you will be charged with a DWI. This means that you can be under the BAC threshold, and still be charged. This charge is largely up to the discretion of the officer on scene. It’s very important to note that if you’re above the BAC, and are not impaired, you will still be charged with a DUI, as stated in Federal law.

As a first time offender and recipient of a DUI and/or DWI, you will be subject to an array of punishments. The first being a $1,000 fine. This fine is only applicable when the party charged is registered above the BAC. If you are charged with a DWI, meaning below the BAC, you may be facing a charge of up to $250. Upon receiving a DUI or DWI, you may be subject to up to 30 days in jail. This punishment is largely up to the discretion of the presiding judge as well as the crown lawyers. Lastly, your license may be suspended or revoked. Details surrounding the final punishment possibility are once again to be determined by the judge and crown lawyers. A DUI without causing harm will provide a lenient sentencing, where as a DUI with harm caused could land you in prison for years. The discretion of the presiding judge is once again relevant to this particular situation.

Yes, first time offenders are facing the possibility of up to 30 days in jail. For second time offenders, you are facing up to 60 days, and for third time offenders, 120 days. These details are largely related to those who commit offences without harming or injuring anyone. For offences that include damage or bodily harm to others, the sentencing is likely to be as high as 10 years in jail or prison. Jail and prison time sentencing is largely up to the discretion of the crown lawyers and the presiding judge. Although the possibility looms, it is not certain that you will be sent to jail or prison.

A DUI or DWI charge will remain on a person’s record until a pardon is obtained. A pardon from the Federal government can be obtained five years after the initial charge, or after your jail time sentence is carried out. It’s important to note that many people start the pardon process early. You will be required to fill out a pardon application, which may take up to a year to compile. Once you’ve compiled this application, ensure that it is perfect and pristine. Applying a second time is very difficult to do, and will cost you valuable time and effort.

The answer depends on your specific situation. If your BAC wasn’t all that higher than the threshold, and you’re planning on pleading guilty, a lawyer won’t be able to help all that much. However, if your BAC was incredibly high, or you injured yourself or someone else while under the influence, hire a lawyer immediately. When situations like this occur, the crown lawyers will often push for harder sentencing. Also, if you have evidence that may alleviate some of your punishment, or acquit you completely, hire a lawyer immediately. Looking for a fantastic dui lawyer to fight your DUI charge? Hire Jonathan Lapid today! He’s experienced, caring, and incredibly insightful. You will be his number one priority, and nobody and nothing will change that. Let Jonathan Lapid win your case. Call today for a free consultation, no strings attached!

The answer to this question is quite dynamic, for several factors come into play. Firstly, your body mass is incredibly important. Obviously a 250 pound man will need far more alcohol than a 130 pound woman. Also, the type of drink you are ingesting is incredibly relevant. For example, a glass of wine won’t have the same alcohol level as a beer. Different types of beer contain different amounts of alcohol. Another factor when it comes to passing the threshold is how much you’ve had to eat before hand. For example, if you’re drinking on an empty stomach, the alcohol will enter your bloodstream at a far faster rate than after having eaten. A full stomach is bound to reduce the amount of alcohol absorbed into your bloodstream. As you can tell, the answer to this question is very dynamic, and relies on the factors on display.