Have you been charged with impaired driving in Toronto? There is probably a lot going through your mind. Did you really drink that much? What if you had taken a different route home? Why didn’t you call a taxi? And now, with a pending court date, you’re wondering whether a DUI defence lawyer is worth the money. Can you defend yourself instead?
The possible costs of a DUI conviction can be huge. Fines, lengthy licence suspensions, increased insurance rates, and even jail time are on the table. These negative repercussions and the stigma of a criminal record can cost you both in the short and long terms. Hiring a proficient Toronto DUI lawyer is well worth the investment. From a cost-benefit perspective, the legal fees are a sound financial decision. Safeguard your future and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Potential Penalties for an Impaired Driving Charge
Even before you go to court, you already incur costs. You must pay vehicle towing and impound fees, for example. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (“MTO”) will automatically suspend your licence for 90 days as soon as you are charged with a DUI (i.e. before you have even been found guilty of the offence). Before you think about representing yourself in an Ontario DUI case, consider the possible penalties you will face if convicted:- A minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offence with escalating fines for higher breath readings of 120 and 160 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
- Victim fine surcharge of 30% of the fine amount
- A jail term of up to ten years if the crown elects by indictment
- Mandatory minimum driving prohibition of one year for a first-time offender
- A judge has the discretion to impose up to a 3-year driving prohibition even for a first-time offender
- A mandatory minimum MTO administrative licence suspension of one year for a first time offender, three years for a second-time offender, and a lifetime suspension for a third DUI conviction)
- Mandatory enrollment in the “Back on Track” program
- Mandatory ignition interlock device
Long-Term Effects of a DUI Conviction
The monetary costs of an impaired driving charge can be substantial. But the non-monetary punishments can have an even bigger impact on your life. This is especially true with a second DUI conviction, which can affect your future prospects for years to come by saddling you with the following:- A permanent criminal record
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Loss of employment or income
- Reduced employment and other opportunities
- Lengthy mandatory minimum jail terms for second and third offences
How a DUI Defence Lawyer Helps Your Case
When you are charged with driving under the influence, you might not know what to do. The Toronto DUI defence lawyers at Kruse Law have the skill, knowledge, and years of experience to properly represent you in court. We have defended thousands of clients against DUI charges. We look at each case in detail to formulate the best defence strategy possible. There are ways to exclude and suppress evidence based on constitutional violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For example, breaching your right to counsel is a common error that the police make processing impaired driving cases. Take your blood alcohol content (BAC) reading, for instance. It is possible to dispute its accuracy. There are also technical reasons to dismiss a DUI charge. Did the police make a mistake or not follow the proper procedures? Our lawyers have an excellent understanding of Ontario law. Our team is also skilled at negotiating with the Crown Attorney and making effective submissions during pre-trial meetings with judges and during sentencing hearings in court. Our impaired driving lawyers regularly conduct DUI trials and have a consistently winning track record. If you represent yourself, you leave yourself vulnerable to the fullest extent of the law. We understand that potential legal fees may concern you. That’s why we offer a free meeting where we can provide you with some useful general information, point you in the right direction, and provide an exact quote to represent you. You can consider your options and make an informed decision. Invest in yourself and protect your future. Let us help you avoid significant fines, penalties, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.
Michael Kruse is a seasoned criminal defence lawyer with more than 36 years of experience in Ontario. A former Assistant Crown Attorney, Mike brings decades of courtroom and trial experience to the defence of serious criminal charges. He leads Kruse Law Firm with a strategic, practical approach focused on strong advocacy and achieving the best possible outcome for every client.
