How Serious Is Being Charged with a DUI in Toronto

PUBLISHED ON May 30, 2020

One common myth about being charged with a DUI in Toronto is that it is not a profoundly serious offence. Some people also believe a DUI is a traffic offence. Due to these misconceptions, unfortunately, people will sometimes plead guilty to the DUI just to have the matter resolved as quickly as possible.

However, a DUI is a criminal offence and has profoundly serious consequences. Being convicted with a DUI, whether under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or both, carries a mandatory fine of at least $1,000 for a first-time offender.

Other serious consequences of being convicted and found guilty of a DUI in Toronto include:

• Mandatory driver license suspension for varying periods.
• The potential of being sentenced to a lengthy period of incarceration
• The offence being recorded on the persons’ criminal record that can remain there for the rest of their life.
• The offence showing up on criminal background checks for employment.
• Restrictions on travel outside of Canada to the U.S.A. and other foreign countries.
• Mandatory driver license reinstatement fees.
• The costs of installing an interlock device and paying for monitoring of said service for the device.
• Increased vehicle insurance premiums.
• Possible vehicle impound and towing fees.

Additionally, your case is accessible to the public so your friends, family, co-workers, and employer can find out about your criminal offence.

Your best chance to protect against these consequences and reduce the likelihood of being convicted and found guilty of a DUI, is to hire a qualified DUI criminal defence lawyer in Toronto.

Why Try to Fight a DUI in Toronto?

It is not uncommon to feel that there is no way you can beat your DUI offence because you failed your roadside screening and related tests for impairment. Yet, there are viable defences to DUIs that can be used depending on the circumstances of your case.

For instance, in some cases, procedural errors may have been made that allow for evidence to be omitted from the proceedings. When this happens, the Crown no longer has sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.

Keep in mind, this is just one example of a potential defence to a DUI charge.  The defence strategies can and do vary based on the specific circumstances of individual DUI charges. This article is not intended to act as legal advice and does not do so.  Every case is different.  This is precisely why you need to consult with a lawyer for legal advice about your DUI case.

To obtain sound legal advice and find out potential strategies to use to fight your DUI in Toronto, please feel free to contact criminal defence lawyer, Brian Ross at (416) 658-5855 to schedule a consultation today!