Grounds for Impaired Driving Charges
An impaired driving charge is fairly vague and can be based on how a prosecution witness explains your driving ability and physical state. From the smell of alcohol to bloodshot eyes, there are a number of characteristics that can be attributed to the accused. The most prevalent indicators are:
- The smell of alcohol from the driver
- Slurred speech of the driver
- Poor balance of the driver
- Bad driving
These cases can be confusing because of the abundance of impaired driving definitions in the criminal code. You need a lawyer who’ll be stringent in cross-examination of both police and civilians to prove unreliability in testimonies and that they can’t prove within a reasonable doubt that you’re guilty of driving while impaired.
Impaired Driving
One mistake isn’t worth a lifetime of headaches. But your first DUI can really impact your criminal history, take a toll on your finances, and really hinder your employment.
FIND OUT HOW TO WIN:
First-Time and Repeat Offences
When you’ve been arrested for impaired driving for the first time, you’ve encountered some scary circumstances. Luckiyl, if you live in Toronto, you’re not alone. You need to find an expert impaired driving lawyer in Toronto who can help you avoid the maximum and severe punishments for alcohol impaired driving charges.
Dealing with this quickly is integral to your defence, especially if you proceed with a great lawyer who’ll gather evidence first-hand and will use their expertise to assess whether your charter rights have been adhered to.
In case the second or third time you’ve gotten behind the wheel after drinking, get ready for impaired driving. Ontario law will be very strict. Suspension of your driver’s license won’t be the saddest thing, because you face a long prison sentence. If you are caught by the police driving after a happy Friday in the beer pub with friends, believe that the consequences will be sad. Do not ruin your future, and the very first minute you have the opportunity, call an Ontario DUI lawyer. He will help you avoid mistakes that could lead to a more severe penalty for impaired driving.
Penalties for impaired driving in Ontario
- Suspension of the license for at least 1 year
- Minimum $1000 fine
- Possibility of having jail time of up to 10 years
- Ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
- Suspension of licence for 3 years
- Necessary treatment program for alcohol
- Fine (the amount to be determined in court)
- Mandatory jail sentence of at least 30 days
- Ignition interlock device for at least 3 years
- Suspension of licence for a lifetime
- Necessary treatment program for alcohol
- Fine (the amount to be determined in court)
- Mandatory sentence to jail for at least 120 days
- Ignition interlock device for at least 6 years
Get an Honest Opinion About Your Case
One mistake isn’t worth a lifetime of headaches. But your first DUI can really impact your criminal history, take a toll on your finances, and really hinder your employment.
Impaired Driving Consequences
Even if it’s your first impaired driving offence and you’re found guilty, you will get a criminal record. Here are some further potential consequences of conviction:
Even years later, the record can resurface at moments that matter—when changing careers, relocating, travelling, or applying for professional accreditation.
Do Not Fight Alone
One mistake isn’t worth a lifetime of headaches. But your first DUI can really impact your criminal record, take a toll on your finances, and really hinder your employment. The more severe your situation, the more you’ll need an experienced, reliable impaired driving defence lawyer to help you see it through and end up on the other side unscathed.
FIND OUT HOW TO WIN:
The Advantages of Speaking with
Jonathan Lapid
Jonathan Lapid - DUI Industry Leader
Jonathan Lapid is a criminal defence lawyer and DUI expert in 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 lose to in court, it was Jonathan’s name that popped 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.
Still have questions about impaired driving charges in Ontario?
647-797-5256
Give Us a Call to Get The Defence You Deserve
4950 Yonge Street, Suite 2225, Toronto, ON M2N 6K1
Get Your Honest Case Review for FREE
You made a mistake. You’ve been charged. But it’s far from over.
Fill the form below to get an honest review of your case.

