Facing an impaired driving charge can be emotionally taxing
and intimidating for the average Toronto resident. The Criminal Code of Canada
makes it illegal to operate a moving vehicle if blood alcohol level is higher
than .08%. Many factors contribute to an increase in blood alcohol
concentration over the course of an evening. Age, gender, body type, and
frequency of consumption are all important factors in determining how much is
too much to drink. Self-assessment is not recommended when determining if you
are impaired. Sticking to the rule of one drink per hour is more reliable and
easy to do. It is always important to note how much alcohol was consumed prior
to driving, regardless of how close or far one is from the legal limit. Keep
reading to learn how to protect yourself after an impaired driving charge has
been laid in your name.
Legal Representation
In Canada, one is innocent until proven guilty. In order to deter an unlawful
charge, seek legal advice. Lawyers can help ease the process of dealing with an
impaired driving charge while simultaneously fighting for justice. Knowledge is
power, and understanding individual rights can help one navigate through this
stressful process. For example, most Toronto residents do not realize they are
under no legal obligation to perform a sobriety test on command. One is
however, obligated to take a breathalyzer test upon the request of a police
officer. Lawyers can help fight for a record of the breathalyzer reading as
well as video evidence of intoxication. By seeking legal advice, one can
compartmentalize the events leading up to the charge and thus be more prepared
to fight any questionable claims made.
The Consequences
The ramifications of an impaired driving charge in Toronto
vary from person to person. After a first offence, all people will receive a
criminal record however. In addition to having a permanent black mark, a charge
will result in the following as well:
- Loss of employment. Many companies require employees to
drive to meet clients or simply to work each day. A one-year license suspension
is put in place once a conviction is processed.
- Increase in insurance rates. Experts estimate an increase
in premiums equal to $15,000 dollars over three years. Companies view people
who have a criminal record for drunk driving as high risk.
- Significant financial burden. For a first offence, an individual
can expect to pay almost $20,000 in mandatory fees. This figure includes a
license reinstatement fee, the installation of a breathalyzer in the vehicle,
as well as a mandatory remedial course.
Get in Touch
If you have been slammed with an impaired driving charge in
Toronto, contact the best ticket management company in the GTA to help better
understand your rights as a Canadian citizen. Use your stressful energy to
combat the ticket and proactively seek advice from a friendly, experienced, and
knowledgeable organization. The best companies will not rest until you are
satisfied and provide easy payment plans for legal advice. The benefits of
being proactive surely outweigh the costs of letting the police win
automatically. The Charter gives Canadians the freedom to question authority.
It is your responsibility to do so.