Fight Your DUI Charge in Ontario with Us

Protect Your Future By Getting Expert Defence Against DUI Charges.

Facing a DUI charge has financial repercussions beyond mere financial; it jeopardizes your driving privileges and potentially your freedom. TTAS leverages the expertise of a former prosecutor and over two decades of experience to defend your case. Trust us to protect your driving record, manage insurance costs, and secure your future. Rely on us to safeguard your driving record, mitigate insurance expenses, and ensure your continued presence on the road.

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"Bob from TTAS Law Firm is an exceptional lawyer. Throughout my legal proceedings, Bob demonstrated an unparalleled level of expertise, professionalism, and dedication to my case.Thanks to Bob's strategic approach and effective communication, my experience with TTAS was seamless, culminating in the best possible outcome for my situation. Not only did Bob achieve the desired result, but he also ensured that I fully understood the process and implications along the journey."

Lianne Wouda

A Guide on Seeking Legal Representation for DUI Charges in Ontario

Since you’re reading this, chances are that either you or someone you know has been facing DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges in Ontario. Don’t worry, we won’t let you deal with it alone. Understanding the gravity of your situation is the first thing to be done. DUI charges, encompassing driving while impaired (DWI), driving while intoxicated, and impaired driving, are among the most severe traffic offences in Ontario and across Canada. The implications extend far beyond potential accidents; they can lead to substantial fines, imprisonment, loss of driving privileges, employment challenges, and a lasting criminal record.

At TTAS, we are here to help you understand and fight unpaired driving charges in Ontario. We know why the individual confronting these charges must understand the importance of seeking specialized legal representation. The right lawyer can be your strongest ally, offering not just legal defence but also peace of mind during a profoundly stressful time. Before you reach us, here, we outline what constitutes a DUI charge in Ontario and the consequences you might face. You will know how our legal advisory services can support and guide you towards the best possible outcome for DUI charges in Ontario.

Understanding Your DUI Charge in Ontario

In Ontario, a DUI charge can be leveled against you if you're found operating or assisting in the operation of a motor vehicle, aircraft, railway equipment, or vessel under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof. The legal framework, as defined by section 320(14) of the Criminal Law of Canada, stipulates that you commit an offence if:

  1. Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. However, you can also face charges within the "warn range" of 50 to 79 mg, where penalties, though less severe, still carry significant consequences.
  2. Your ability to operate was impaired by alcohol or drugs to any degree, which means even if your BAC is below the legal limit, the mere evidence of impairment can result in a DUI charge.

Legal Blood Substance Limits:

  • For alcohol: A BAC of 80 mg or more per 100 ml of blood.
  • For cannabis (THC): 2 ng (less serious offence) and 5 ng (more serious offence) per ml of blood.
  • For cannabis and alcohol combined: 50mg of alcohol per 100ml blood and 2.5 ng of THC per ml of blood.
  • For other drugs: Any detectable amount of substances like psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, psilocin, PCP, cocaine, methamphetamine, or 6-mam.

Understanding these legal thresholds is crucial because exceeding these levels, or showing any degree of impairment, can have grave legal repercussions. The severity of penalties escalates with the amount of substance detected in your system, signaling the law’s stringent stance against impaired driving.

Fight the DUI charges in Ontario, today with the right legal support by your side!

The Consequences You're Up Against

Facing a DUI charge in Ontario carries immediate and long-lasting repercussions that can alter the course of your life. It's crucial to understand these consequences in full to grasp the seriousness of your situation and the importance of a robust legal defense.

Immediate Highway Traffic Act Penalties

Upon being charged with a DUI, you're subject to immediate penalties under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, which are designed to act swiftly and decisively. These include:

  • 90-Day Roadside Licence Suspension: An almost immediate suspension of your driving privileges, emphasizing the severity of the charge.
  • 7-Day Vehicle Seizure: Your vehicle will be impounded, adding a logistical and financial burden to your situation.
  • Financial Penalties: A fine of $550, alongside additional expenditures such as the licence reinstatement fee, significantly impacts your financial standing.

For repeat offenders, the penalties escalate, incorporating mandatory education or treatment programs and the installation of an ignition interlock device for a determined period.

Long-term DUI Penalties Upon Conviction

The long-term consequences following a conviction are even more severe and can affect your freedom and finances but also your future:

  • Driver’s Licence Suspension: Varying from one year to a lifetime suspension, depending on the number of convictions.
  • Mandatory Programs: Education or treatment programs become a condition of reinstatement, at your expense.
  • Ignition Interlock Device: A requirement that adds a layer of complexity and cost to regaining your driving privileges.
  • Insurance Premiums: A conviction brands you as a high-risk driver, potentially skyrocketing your insurance costs or leading to policy cancellation.

Criminal Code DUI Penalties

Under the Criminal Code, the stakes are even higher, with penalties that include a criminal record, mandatory imprisonment for repeat offences, and substantial fines. These consequences extend beyond the immediate legal and financial penalties, affecting your employment opportunities, international travel capabilities, and more.

How We Support You Through the Legal Process

Fighting a DUI charge demands expert legal counsel and representation. Our services are designed to offer comprehensive support through every phase of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is presented as strongly as possible.

Choosing the Right Legal Representation

The foundation of a strong defence begins with selecting an experienced DUI lawyer. Our team is comprised of skilled professionals who possess a deep understanding of Ontario's DUI laws and a track record of successfully defending clients. We focus on:

  • Strategic Defence Development: Tailoring our approach based on the specifics of your case to explore all avenues for charge reduction or dismissal.
  • Negotiation and Advocacy: Leveraging our negotiation skills to mitigate penalties and advocating for you at every court appearance.

Understanding the Legal System in Ontario, Canada.

The legal system can be intimidating and complex, especially for those unfamiliar with its nuances. At TTAS, we aim to guide you through DUI charges in Ontario. Our role includes:

  • Guidance and Education: Helping you understand the legal implications of your charge and the processes involved in fighting it.
  • Court Representation: Standing by your side in court, presenting your case with the aim of achieving the most favorable outcome.
  • Mitigation of Penalties: Where charges cannot be dismissed, working diligently to reduce the impact on your life.

Begin Your Defence Journey With TTAS

  • Step 1: Free, confidential case evaluation to understand your options.
  • Step 2: Personalized defence strategy tailored to your specific case.
  • Step 3: Professional representation in court, aiming for the best possible outcome.

Take Action Now

With TTAS, you’re not alone. If you got a ticket now is the time to get the experienced paralegal support you need. Contact us today to start your defence and take the first step towards safeguarding your driving future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about fighting DUI charges in Ontario and the rest of Canada? You're in the right place. Our FAQs provide insights into common concerns and how TTAS can assist you.

What is Ontario's legal alcohol limit for driving?

In Ontario, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. This is the threshold at which driving becomes a criminal offence under Canadian law. Additionally, there is a "warn range" for BAC levels between 50 to 79 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Drivers within this range may not face criminal charges but can still be subject to administrative penalties, including short-term license suspensions and fines.

Can you go to jail for a DUI in Ontario?

Yes, incarceration is a potential consequence of a DUI conviction in Ontario, particularly for repeat offenders. For a first-time DUI offense, penalties typically include fines and license suspensions, but jail time becomes more likely with subsequent convictions. Specifically, a second DUI conviction may result in a minimum of 30 days in jail, and the penalties escalate from there.

Is DUI considered a criminal offence in Canada?

Yes, driving under the influence (DUI) is classified as a criminal offence in Canada. This categorization applies the moment an individual is convicted of DUI in court. Being charged with DUI signifies facing serious criminal allegations, which, upon conviction, lead to a criminal record. This record can have wide-ranging impacts on one's life, including employment opportunities and travel restrictions.

How much does a DUI cost in Ontario?

The financial cost of a DUI conviction in Ontario is substantial and extends beyond the initial fines, which start at $1,000 for a first offense. Convicted individuals also face a variety of additional expenses, such as the fee for license reinstatement, mandatory participation in a counselling program like Ontario’s "Back on Track," installation and maintenance costs for an ignition interlock device, and significantly increased insurance premiums for at least five years. Altogether, the total cost can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

How long does a DUI stay on your driving record in Canada?

A DUI conviction in Canada results in a criminal record that is permanent unless a pardon or record suspension is granted. Unlike administrative driving records, which may only reflect infractions for a certain period, a criminal record for DUI remains indefinitely and can have enduring effects on an individual's personal and professional life.

Still have questions?

If your question wasn't covered in our FAQs or if you need more specific guidance tailored to your situation, we're here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. Our team at TTAS is ready to provide you with the answers and support you need to navigate your traffic ticket concerns.

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