Impaired Driving Offences Lawyer In Calgary

The Criminal Code of Canada defines impaired and driving offences as those involving the use of a motorized vehicle, such as a car, truck, motorcycle, or semi-truck, during the commission of the offence. Some of the more common impaired and driving criminal offences one might be charged with include:

Impaired Driving

Driving Over 0.80%

Refusing to Provide a Breath Sample

Driving on a Suspended License

Impaired or DUI Causing Bodily Harm and/or Death

Street Racing

Dangerous/Reckless Driving

Dangerous /Reckless Driving Causing Bodily Harm and/or Death

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Failing to Stop at the Scene of an Accident

It is important to distinguish impaired and driving offences from minor traffic violations and traffic accidents. In those cases, the investigating police officer may issue a traffic citation where the accused has the option to simply pay the ticket or fight the charges in traffic court. With impaired and driving offences, the accused committed some act, where the operation of a motor vehicle put their life and the lives of other people at serious risk. If you are not entirely sure about the seriousness of the offence or ticket you received, do not hesitate to discuss the matter with Paul Gracia, an experienced impaired and driving offences lawyer in Calgary.

Most impaired and driving offences have serious penalties, such as large fines, periods of imprisonment, and suspension of driving privileges. In addition, repeat offenders face even stricter sentencing guidelines, longer periods of imprisonment and driving suspensions. In some cases, a person could potentially lose their driving privileges for the rest of their life. Besides the penalties imposed by the Crown and court, those found guilty of impaired and driving offences often have increased insurance premiums and potential problems finding employment because the criminal offences are listed on their permanent records.

For instance, if a person is found guilty of impaired driving on a first offence, sentencing guidelines recommend a minimum $1,000 fine and driving suspensions of up to one year. A second offence results in a fine of at least $1,000, driving suspension for up to two years, and a minimum of 30 days imprisonment. A third offence for impaired driving carries with it a minimum of 120 days imprisonment, up to three years driving suspension, and additional fines in excess of $1,000.

Even though it might seem like there is nothing you can do to fight impaired and driving criminal charges, there are still numerous defences possible with help from Calgary impaired and driving offences lawyer, Paul Gracia. Mr. Gracia normally uses litigation to resolve these types of cases, as well as determines whether his clients’ rights were violated in some manner. He has been successful in getting charges dismissed or reduced to a less serious traffic ticket offence in many cases. You can read more about his successful results by reviewing the “Results” section of the website.

If you or a loved one has been charged with an impaired and driving offence, contact Mr. Gracia today at 403-975-4529 for a complimentary consultation to discuss your charges.