What To Do If You Have Been Charged with a DUI
In Edmonton, being charged with a DUI can be a life-altering event. The consequences of being convicted for driving under the influence may impact your driving privileges, personal life, and financial situation.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, there are important steps you can take to address your case. First, speak to a criminal defence lawyer. Contact us at Verhaeghe Law Office today to schedule a consultation.
Understand the Law and Your Charges
One of the best ways to help yourself is to learn about DUI laws, regulations, and potential charges. These rules tend to change, so staying informed is key.
According to the Canadian Criminal Code, driving under the influence has been a federal criminal offence since 1921. A driver can be charged if their blood alcohol level is higher than 0.08 within two hours of operating a motor vehicle. They can also be charged if they are found to have 2 nanograms of THC or more per one millilitre of blood.
A police officer can conduct preliminary roadside breath tests for blood alcohol without reasonable suspicion or impairment. If they dohave reasonable suspicion, they can order an oral fluid drug screening. From there, they may request a blood test to confirm impairment. Remember that you may face consequences for refusing to take a breathalyzer test.
DUI charges can either be pursued as a summary or indictable offence. A maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years can be granted for first, second, or third DUIs. Federal penalties often include heavy fines, with minimum penalties starting at $1,000 for first-time offenders who do not cause bodily harm. A DUI can stay on your record for up to 80 years. Familiarize yourself with Alberta’s impaired driving laws to understand your charge and potential penalties best.
Gather Evidence and Adhere to Court Orders
After being charged, you may be required to attend court hearings or follow bail conditions. You may even have your license revoked. To avoid further legal problems, you should follow any court orders and keep track of important information. You may also want to review your rights when facing criminal charges in Edmonton.
Presenting strong evidence can greatly impact the outcome of your case. You and your Edmonton defence lawyer may collect witness statements that corroborate your story. You can also challenge the accuracy of the breathalyzer test.
Before heading to court, your lawyer may consider other legal options available to you. These may include negotiating with the prosecution for a lower charge or pursuing alternative resolutions. Regardless of the pathway you choose to take, be prepared for legal proceedings and adhere to your lawyer’s instructions.
Seek Legal Representation: Contact Us Today
Being faced with a DUI charge can be distressing. Like other criminal offences, a conviction may have lasting impacts on all facets of your life. With so much on the line, identifying the correct next steps after being charged is crucial. Most importantly, you should seek legal representation and speak to a criminal defence lawyer. Contact us today to go over the details of your DUI charge.
** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of criminal law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta criminal lawyer.