Centobin Law provides expert legal defense to protect your rights and your future. Whether it’s a first-time offense or a repeat incident, our criminal lawyer in Calgary can help. 

With significant consequences on the line, having a skilled legal team on your side is essential. We understand that an impaired driving charge can be stressful and overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone. At Centobin Law, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you. 

Impaired driving is often referred to as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Impaired. It is a serious criminal offense under the Criminal Code of Canada. Impaired driving laws are designed to keep roads safe. However, they can also lead to harsh penalties if you're convicted.

Impaired driving is often referred to as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Impaired. It is a serious criminal offense under the Criminal Code of Canada. Impaired driving laws are designed to keep roads safe. However, they can also lead to harsh penalties if you're convicted.

What is Impaired Driving?

Impaired driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It causes a diminished ability to control the vehicle safely. Alcohol-impaired driving is typically determined by the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), where the legal limit in Canada is 0.08%. Additionally, being impaired by drugs, including prescription medications or cannabis, is also considered a severe offense.

Types of Impaired Driving Offenses

Under Canadian law, there are several categories of impaired driving offenses, including:

• Alcohol-Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

• Drug-Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs like cannabis or prescription medications.

• Over 80: This refers to driving with a BAC exceeding 80 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood.

• Refusal to Comply: Refusing to provide a breath or blood sample when requested by law enforcement. This carries its own set of penalties.

The Criminal Code of Canada treats all these offenses with severity. This leads to potential fines, jail time, and long-term criminal records.

The consequences of an impaired driving conviction can be life-altering. Even a first-time conviction can profoundly impact your personal and professional life.

Penalties for First-Time Offenders:

• Fines: A minimum fine of $1,000.

• License Suspension: Immediate license suspension for 3 months, followed by a longer term after conviction.

• Criminal Record: A permanent criminal record that can affect future employment, travel, and more.

• Mandatory Ignition Interlock Program: An ignition interlock device is required in your vehicle.

Penalties for Repeat Offenders:

• Increased Fines: Substantially higher fines for repeat convictions.

• Longer License Suspension: Possible suspension of 1 year or more.

• Jail Time: Minimum of 30 days in jail for a second offense and 120 days for a third.

• Prolonged Ignition Interlock: Required for up to 5 years after regaining your license.

In addition to these penalties, an impaired driving charge can result in higher insurance premiums, difficulty renting a vehicle, and public stigma.

We focus on protecting your rights and defending you against impaired driving charges. We understand how devastating these charges can be and aim to minimize their impact on your life.

Here’s why you can trust our law firm:

Specialized in Impaired Driving Cases: We have years of experience successfully defending clients charged with impaired driving. We know the laws, the local courts, and how to challenge the prosecution's evidence.

Client-Focused Representation: We work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances. Your story matters, and we’re here to ensure your voice is heard in court.

Proven Defense Strategies: Our legal team employs various defense tactics, such as the following- 

• challenging the legality of the stop, 
• questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer results, 
• and scrutinizing the procedure used by law enforcement.

We leave no stone unturned in fighting for the best possible outcome for your case.

Fighting an impaired driving charge requires experience and a deep understanding of criminal law. We offer a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to each client’s specific case.

Our Legal Defense Process:

Initial Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to review the details of your case and explain your legal options.

Investigation: Our team thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This includes reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any video or audio evidence.

Challenging Evidence: Many impaired driving cases hinge on evidence like field sobriety tests. We scrutinize the accuracy and reliability of these tests to identify any errors or procedural mistakes.

Court Representation: We handle all aspects of your case in court, from filing motions to representing you during hearings and negotiations. If necessary, we take your case to trial, where we fight for a favorable verdict.

We aim to either reduce your penalties or dismiss the charges against you entirely. Every impaired driving case is unique. Our defense strategy is crafted to achieve the best outcome.