Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Drunk driving, referred to as "impaired driving" in Canadian law, is classified as a serious offence. In Edmonton, it's governed by both the provincial 'Traffic Safety Act' and the federal 'Criminal Code of Canada'. The law states that driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater is a criminal offence. There's also zero tolerance for cannabis and other illegal drugs when in an operating vehicle. Violators face serious penalties including heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and jail time.
Legal assistance becomes crucial when charged with drunk driving due to the complex nature of these cases. A lawyer can help navigate the legal proceedings, interpret and uphold your rights, negotiate plea agreements, and possibly reduce charges or penalties. Furthermore, if injuries or death resulted from a drunk driving incident, the involvement of a legal expert is essential to handle the serious potential consequences.
Edmonton’s drunk driving laws are equally stern for both experienced drivers and beginners. Any novice driver found with any level of blood-alcohol or drugs is subject to immediate license suspension. Experienced drivers caught with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.08% face an immediate 3-day license and vehicle seizure. A BAC of 0.08% or more leads to criminal charges, an immediate 90-day license suspension, and a 7-day vehicle seizure. Additional penalties may include mandatory substance abuse education programs or the installment of ignition interlock devices in vehicles.
The legal BAC limit in Edmonton is 0.08%. However, penalties may still apply for BAC levels from 0.05% to 0.08%.
Refusing to provide a breath sample when requested by law enforcement is a crime equivalent to driving impaired and may result in similar penalties.
While there's no guarantee, an experienced lawyer can help by examining the evidence against you, identifying procedural errors and leveraging potential defences to reduce or even dismiss the charges.
First-time offenders face an immediate 90-day license suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, and 1-year participation in the mandatory 'Ignition Interlock Program'. Criminal charges may also apply.
Yes, subsequent offences lead to escalated penalties. Repeat offenders can face longer license suspensions, vehicle seizures, mandatory education or treatment programs, and higher fines.
Alberta Transportation SafeRoads and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada offer public education and resources related to impaired driving. The Edmonton Police Service provides information about enforcement and prevention.
If you need legal assistance related to drunk driving, the first step is to immediately seek legal counsel. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and work to achieve the best possible outcome given your circumstances.
