Trusted DUi Experts in Edmonton

DUI Lawyer Edmonton

In Alberta, DUI cases often involve more than one legal problem at the same time. A person may be dealing with an administrative penalty under the SafeRoads system, a criminal impaired-driving allegation, or both. Knowing which process has started, what deadlines apply, and what is at risk early on can shape what happens next.

If you have been charged with impaired driving, over 80, refusal, or a related offence, early legal advice can help you understand the allegation, protect your rights, and respond more effectively from the start.

Speak with a Lawyer

Fill out the form below for a confidential review of your case.

Meet Our Lawyers

Dedicated professionals committed to justice and client advocacy.

DUI Charges in Alberta and What They Mean

“DUI” is the term most people use, but impaired-driving matters in Alberta can involve two separate legal tracks:

A person may face one, the other, or both at the same time.

The administrative side can affect your licence and review rights, while the criminal side deals with the charge itself. Many people assume both will be handled as one matter. In many cases, they will not.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

The early stage of a DUI case is about information and timing.
People often wait because they assume they should deal with the matter later, once they have a court date or know more. In Alberta impaired-driving matters, that can be a costly assumption.

The administrative side can begin immediately, and the criminal side may already be building in the background.

Identify whether you are dealing with an administrative penalty, a criminal allegation, or both
Understand which deadlines and documents matter first
Avoid relying on guesswork, online summaries, or second-hand advice
Make decisions based on the facts of your case instead of assumptions

For many people, the first benefit of legal advice is understanding exactly what they are dealing with. Knowing what process has started, what is at risk, and what needs attention first is often the difference between reacting late and responding properly.

What Is at Risk After a DUI Charge

One of the most common mistakes after a DUI charge is focusing only on the criminal allegation and underestimating the administrative side.

Administrative consequences may include:​

Immediate licence suspension or other driving restrictions
Vehicle seizure or related roadside penalties
Fines, mandatory programs, or ignition interlock requirements, depending on the allegation and outcome
A short deadline to challenge a Notice of Administrative Penalty

Criminal consequences may include:

A criminal record if there is a conviction
Court-imposed penalties and longer-term legal consequences
Employment, insurance, and travel problems
Longer-term effects on background checks and future opportunities

For many people, the administrative process creates the first real disruption. They lose driving privileges quickly, miss the review window, or assume everything will be addressed later in court. By the time they realize the two processes are separate, they are already reacting instead of planning.

What Happens After a DUI Charge

After a DUI stop or charge, the first priority is figuring out what process has started and what needs to be done right away.

1

A Notice of Administrative Penalty may be issued

In many Alberta impaired-driving matters, the driver receives an Immediate Roadside Sanction under the SafeRoads system.

2

Driving-related penalties can begin quickly

Licence consequences, vehicle seizure, and related penalties may start before any criminal matter is resolved.

3

The review deadline may be short

If a Notice of Administrative Penalty has been issued, the window to seek review may be as short as 7 days.

4

A criminal case may also proceed

Some drivers also face criminal impaired-driving charges at the same time.

5

The file needs a proper legal review

The allegation, the paperwork, the records, the procedure, and the relationship between the administrative and criminal sides all need to be assessed together.

They know something serious has happened, but they do not yet know which deadlines matter most, what the records will show, or how the administrative and criminal sides interact. Delay does not freeze the situation. The process can keep moving while they are still trying to understand what they are dealing with.

How DUI Defence Generally Works

DUI defence starts with identifying what kind of case has actually been created and what needs immediate attention.

In Alberta, that often means separating the administrative SafeRoads penalty from the criminal impaired-driving allegation and reviewing how each side was triggered. A proper review looks at the stop, the officer’s observations, the testing process, the records, the paperwork issued at the roadside, and the timing of what happened afterward.

Early review often focuses on:

Why the stop happened and what followed
What roadside paperwork was issued and what deadlines now apply
Police notes, testing records, and disclosure
Whether the procedure complied with the legal requirements of the case
Whether the available evidence supports the allegation as laid
Which legal issues are most likely to shape the direction of the case
Read More

Common DUI Situations and Questions

Many Alberta DUI cases involve confusion about what process has actually started, what the paperwork means, and how serious the situation is.

If you received a Notice of Administrative Penalty, are you also facing a criminal charge?
Not always. Some Alberta impaired-driving matters involve only the administrative SafeRoads process. Others involve a criminal charge as well. Some involve both at the same time.
That distinction matters because the administrative penalty and the criminal case are separate. They create different consequences, follow different processes, and may move on different timelines. Many people assume everything will be dealt with later through one court process. In practice, the administrative side may require immediate attention, even before the criminal case is fully underway.
If this is your first offence
A first offence can still trigger serious consequences. It can affect your licence, your insurance, and, in some cases, your criminal record. It still needs careful legal review.
If the issue started with roadside testing
Roadside testing often becomes a central issue because people want to know what the result means, what records exist, and whether the process was handled properly. Those details can matter on both the administrative and criminal sides.
If you believed you were fit to drive
That belief does not determine how the case will be treated. People are sometimes charged in situations where they did not think they were impaired. The allegation still needs to be tested against the facts, the records, and the way the process was handled.

DUI Lawyer Support in Edmonton

If your charge is being dealt with in Edmonton, local context matters for practical reasons, not just location.

A DUI matter here moves through Alberta-specific roadside and court processes that affect people living and working in Edmonton and the surrounding area. The paperwork issued at the roadside, the deadlines that follow, and the way the matter moves afterward all have real consequences. Kurie Moore LLP serves clients in Sherwood Park, Edmonton, and nearby communities.

For someone facing an impaired-driving matter in Edmonton, the immediate priority is understanding what process has started, what deadlines apply, and what needs attention first.

Client Testimonials

Testimonials

When someone is choosing a DUI lawyer, legal knowledge is only part of the decision. Clear communication, responsiveness, professionalism, and calm guidance matter too.

Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Methal Fayad was very professional, easy to reach and knowledgeable. He gave solid advice and I would recommend him to anyone needing a lawyer.
Posted on Google Google
Steph Jackson profile picture
Steph Jackson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Scott is an outstanding lawyer who went above and beyond to handle my case with professionalism and confidence. From the start, he made me feel reassured and kept me informed every step of the way. His knowledge of the law, attention to detail, and strong negotiation skills really showed, especially when it mattered most. Because of his dedication and strategic approach, he was able to get my charges withdrawn, which completely changed my situation for the better. I truly appreciate how hard he fought for me and the way he stood in my corner—he’s someone you can trust when everything is on the line. Amber, Scott’s assistant, was absolutely amazing throughout my entire experience. She was always on top of everything and made sure I stayed informed every step of the way. Anytime there was an update, she reached out quickly and clearly explained what was going on, which really helped reduce my stress. She was professional, organized, and genuinely cared about making sure I understood the process. Having someone so reliable and responsive made a huge difference, and I’m really grateful for how supportive she was the whole time.
Posted on Google Google
wageesha sundarage profile picture
wageesha sundarage
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The matter that popped up for me was very unexpected, and a complete surprise over Christmas holidays. I had two uncomfortable weeks to sit on ice during the time between Christmas and the New Year when everything’s rightfully closed. I was pretty wound up already over that prolonged timeframe, being ready to speak to someone on my behalf. When Kurie Moore LLP opened again, Scott called me back very promptly and agreed to take my case. My nerves disappeared.. His work for me was very accurate, knowledgeable, and he had my charges withdrawn. My record is clear as it should be. Scott has confident, professionally authoritative, powerful energy that is an absolute asset in his line of work. He also patiently took the time to explain everything to me in lengthy phone call conversations. I never felt rushed out of the conversation or talked to with anything other than respect. Scott gives his full attention to you and your case. He said he’d get this all sorted for me, and he meant it! His office team is also very well run, with excellent communication, administration and response time. It’s a very refreshing and warm feeling to be able to trust someone fully with such a personal, important experience. I sat back with little stress and let Scott run the show in full trust, which can be a challenge for me in these important, personal circumstances. I’d hire him and his team again in a heartbeat. If you need someone to handle your issue in one of life's most highly stressful areas, he’s the man to call.
Posted on Google Google
Shannon Lombard profile picture
Shannon Lombard
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kaitlyn was great through my whole matter. She was kind and considerate and was very good at explaining things clearly so that I understood the whole process.
Posted on Google Google
Britny Smith profile picture
Britny Smith
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Methal Fayad is absolutely amazing and the best lawyer anyone could ask for 👏 I can’t thank you enough.
Posted on Google Google
Kelsey Godwin profile picture
Kelsey Godwin
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cannot recommend Methal Fayad highly enough. From the very beginning, I was under an overwhelming amount of stress — emotionally, mentally, and physically. I felt like my entire life was hanging in the balance, and I honestly didn’t know how I was going to get through it. What I was facing felt impossible, and the anxiety was constant. I wasn’t sleeping, I wasn’t thinking clearly, and I felt completely stuck. Then I hired Methal Fayad, and everything changed. In a matter of weeks — weeks — he managed to get everything withdrawn. What felt like a situation that could have followed me for the rest of my life was resolved faster than I ever thought possible. The relief I felt was indescribable. He quite literally saved my future. Methal is not only incredibly knowledgeable and sharp as a lawyer, but he is also calm, professional, and reassuring. He explained everything clearly, kept me informed every step of the way, and made me feel like I was truly being taken care of. When I was overwhelmed and stressed beyond belief, he remained confident and focused, which gave me hope when I had none. What stood out the most was how efficient and strategic he is. There was no wasted time, no unnecessary back-and-forth — just decisive action and results. You can tell immediately that he knows exactly what he’s doing and genuinely cares about protecting his clients. If you are looking for a lawyer in Edmonton who is competent, compassionate, and absolutely relentless in fighting for you, Methal Fayad is the one. I am beyond grateful for what he has done for me, and I will never forget the impact he had on my life. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone who needs strong legal representation. Thank you, Methal — I truly don’t know where I’d be without you. ✨✨✨✨✨
Posted on Google Google
S A profile picture
S A
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Scott gave fantastic advice that aged well.
Posted on Google Google
Austin Ogonoski profile picture
Austin Ogonoski
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The team was outstanding to work with. They kept me informed at every stage, consistently demonstrated professionalism, and responded promptly. I highly recommend them
Posted on Google Google
Larry Niezen profile picture
Larry Niezen
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Mr. Fayad was exceptional to work with—professional, attentive, and highly knowledgeable. He made the legal process clear and straightforward, always keeping me informed. I highly recommend Mr. Fayad for anyone needing legal help.
Posted on Google Google
karysa h profile picture
karysa h

DUI and Impaired Driving FAQs

A Notice of Administrative Penalty is part of the administrative SafeRoads process. It can affect your licence, your driving privileges, and your right to seek a review. A criminal impaired-driving charge is separate and may proceed through the court system. Some cases involve both at the same time.

If you are facing roadside penalties, a criminal charge, or both, speaking with a lawyer early can help you understand the situation and respond properly from the outset.

Yes. A first offence can still affect your licence, your insurance, your record, and your ability to work or travel.

The review deadline may be as short as 7 days from the date the Notice of Administrative Penalty is issued. That is one reason it is important to get legal advice early.

A refusal allegation can carry serious consequences of its own. It may also trigger both administrative penalties and criminal issues that need careful review.

Bring any paperwork you received, including any Notice of Administrative Penalty, along with details about the stop, the roadside process, and the charge.

Knowledge Center

Helpful Family Law Resources

Access our collection of informative articles and guides to help you understand family law
matters in Alberta.

ChatGPT Image Jun 2, 2026, 08_50_18 AM
What Police Must Tell You When Arrested in Alberta: Know Your Rights
Bail Hearing Process Alberta
Bail Hearing Process Alberta
dui lawyer Sherwood Park
drug-offenses

Serving Alberta Communities​

Our office is located in Sherwood Park, and we serve clients throughout Alberta. 

We provide legal guidance for clients dealing with family law issues in Sherwood Park, Edmonton, and surrounding communities along with other locations in Alberta, with consultation options available in person, by phone, or by video.

Primary Service Areas

Speak With a DUI Lawyer in Edmonton

If you are facing a DUI or impaired-driving charge in Edmonton, speaking with a lawyer early can help you determine what process has started and what should happen next.

Please complete this form, and we will contact you to arrange a meeting with a lawyer ​

Contact Us

Phone

780-809-3545

Email

reception@kurielaw.ca

Office

168 Kaska Road, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4G7

“We are here to help you navigate through this difficult time.”

Consultations are confidential and protected by solicitor-client privilege.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dedicated to finding positive and cost-effective solutions for your legal matters.