Under the Criminal Code of Canada, impaired driving is considered a serious criminal offense that may lead to a conviction. Although it may not have the same severity as homicide or assault, a DUI charge could lead to time in prison and a suspension of the offender’s license.

If your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is between 0.05 to 0.08 and you fail a roadside sobriety test, the penalties of a DUI charge can vary in consequence and severity. For example, you could face anything from a license suspension, additional fine payments, and mandatory medical program attendance. 

Repeat offenders can even face a lifetime license suspension.

When you are charged with your first DUI, it is generally considered a misdemeanor offense. For your first offence, you may be required to pay a penalty and possibly face a 3-day license suspension that cannot be appealed. In some circumstances, community service may also be required.

A criminal record will maintain your name, offence committed, and fingerprints within the RCMP database. With a DUI charge, it can stay on your criminal record permanently if you are convicted in court. 

If you have not committed any further offences and meet certain eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for a record suspension. A record suspension ensures that your record will not be accessible to employers, landlords, etc. who are looking it up – allowing you to have a fair shot at employment and educational opportunities. You may be eligible for a record suspension no less than five years after the original DUI charge. 

Yes. We believe all our clients are innocent until proven guilty. Having an experienced legal team on your side can help you fight a DUI charge in Ontario and avoid a criminal conviction. If you have been charged with a DUI offense, your first action should be to immediately contact a reliable and affordable defense lawyer. Vladimir Semyonov is at your service. Call (647) 292-3377 today for speedy legal assistance. 

If there are any errors in the prosecution’s case such as a faulty sobriety test, you have roughly a 50-50 chance of getting your DUI charge dismissed in Ontario. This can depend on the case, however, and the facts that are presented. 

Some factors that could affect your DUI charge being dismissed include questioning sobriety tests, challenging test results, disputing suspicion of driving under the influence, or racial profiling, among others.

This depends on the severity of your conviction and the country you are travelling to. If you are travelling anywhere to the United States, your DUI charge may be visible to border agents. As such, it may complicate where and how much you can travel.