Impaired Driving / DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that can have severe consequences. Impaired driving charges can result from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

If you are convicted of impaired driving, you could face significant fines, driver’s license suspensions, and even jail time. The severity of the consequences can vary depending on the circumstances of the offense and the number of previous convictions on your record.

It is crucial to understand that impaired driving charges can have long-term consequences on your personal and professional life. A conviction can lead to difficulties finding employment, increased insurance rates, and even impact your ability to travel. Additionally, you may have to disclose your conviction on future job applications and background checks, which could limit your career opportunities.

It is a common misconception that police must prove your blood alcohol level to convict you of operating a vehicle while under the influence. However, even if your ability to drive is even slightly impaired due to consuming alcohol and/or drugs, that may be enough for a judge to convict you of impaired driving.

To prove impairment, police will testify based on the signs of impairment they observed. These signs can include a wide range of behaviors, which may include:

• Unusual driving patterns, such as swerving between lanes or hitting curbs
• Admission by the driver that they consumed alcohol
• Observations made by witnesses about how much the accused driver consumed
• The odor of alcohol on a person’s breath
• Slurred speech or illogical comments
• Red and glossy eyes
• Opened alcohol bottles found in the car of the accused
• Stumbling, difficulty standing or walking in a straight line, and other simple problems with coordination.

It is important to understand that these signs of impairment can be used as evidence against you in court, even if you do not believe that you were significantly impaired

DUI, or driving under the influence, is a prevalent criminal offence in Canada. In the province of Alberta, about 15,000 individuals face charges related to impaired driving annually.

According to the Edmonton Police Service, in 2014 alone, 1,838 people were arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. December was a particularly active month, with 74 arrests made as part of Operation Checkstop.

These figures illustrate the seriousness of the problem and the need for effective legal representation if you are facing a DUI charge.

There are several defenses that can be used to challenge impaired driving charges. Some of the most common defenses include:

1. Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
2. Questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results
3. Arguing that you were not impaired at the time of driving
4. Challenging the reliability of witness testimony

Our experienced lawyers will carefully review the evidence against you and use the most appropriate defense strategy to fight your charges.

The consequences of impaired driving in Alberta can be severe and far-reaching. If you are charged with DUI or impaired driving, you may face fines, driver’s license suspensions, and even jail time. The penalties for impaired driving are outlined in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Alberta Traffic Safety Act.

For a first offence, you may face a minimum $1,000 fine and a one-year driving suspension. If it is your second offence, the minimum penalty is 30 days of imprisonment, and the suspension increases to three years. For a third or subsequent offence, the minimum sentence is 120 days of imprisonment, and your driver’s license may be suspended indefinitely.

In Alberta, impaired driving convictions can result in mandatory participation in the Ignition Interlock Program. This program requires offenders to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle for a period of time determined by the court.

The IID is a breathalyzer device that is connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. Before starting the car, the driver must blow into the device and provide a breath sample that is analyzed for the presence of alcohol. If the device detects alcohol above a certain threshold, the car will not start.

The purpose of the program is to prevent impaired driving by requiring offenders to prove they are sober before they can operate a vehicle. The program also helps to ensure that drivers who have been convicted of impaired driving are taking responsibility for their actions and making efforts to change their behavior.

At Kurie Moore Law Group, we take a comprehensive approach to defending impaired driving charges. Our experienced lawyers will review the evidence against you and use their expertise to build a strong defense strategy. We understand the importance of keeping you informed throughout the legal process and will work closely with you to ensure you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Our team of lawyers has a proven track record of success defending clients against impaired driving charges. We will use our knowledge and experience to fight for the best possible outcome for you.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our impaired driving lawyers today. Let us help you get your life back on track.