A DUI charge applies to anyone who was found to be operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. It is a criminal charge that has long-term consequences that go beyond just losing your license or having to pay penalties. Below are the best-case and worst-case scenarios that you may face when dealing with a DUI charge.
Best-case Scenario
If you got charged with a DUI, the best-case scenarios would be situations that can make the charge against you seem hastily put together or questionable. An example would be when the officer made a technical, procedural, or constitutional mistake at any part of your arrest because these errors can lead to the dismissal of charges against you or the reduction of possible charges to a lesser offence. Applicable situations would be when the officer failed to explain the purpose of the tests done to you or if you were not guided on how to properly take them.
With the above said, you must make sure that you comply with standard tests and try to be as respectful as possible to officers. The less things you say, the less possibility of saying something wrong that can be used against you. If the police required a breath sample test at the station, then comply while protecting your rights by not saying things unless they are required (such as when you are asked your name). Comply with the demand for a breath sample using an approved screening device so that you will not be charged with refusal to provide a breath sample. Know that in Ontario, refusal to provide a breath sample can result in criminal consequences that are at par with a DUI conviction.
Worst-case Scenario
The absolute thing to avoid is to get a DUI conviction. Conviction for a DUI offence means having to pay sky-high driving insurance rates, losing your driving privileges for a minimum of 12 months, dealing with having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, paying hefty fines and penalties, and living with a criminal record.
Looking at the above, just know that severe consequences follow a DUI conviction. For example, a first-time conviction for impaired driving has a mandatory fine of $1,000. Conviction for an over 80 can be mean a fine between $1,000 to $2,000 depending on your blood alcohol level. A second DUI conviction will result in month-long jail time plus fines and a third DUI conviction means 120 days of jail time plus other possible penalties. Losing that many weeks for work will almost always result in loss of employment.
What to Do if You Have A DUI Charge in Toronto?
The first step is to hire a DUI lawyer in Toronto as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will know how to utilize the circumstances of your arrest to effectively dismiss your charge or to mitigate it to a lesser offence that will have fewer impacts on your life and future. If you need a DUI lawyer in Toronto, contact Calvin Barry.