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Impaired driving is a common but serious charge in Ontario. A conviction may come with stiff penalties (including fines and prison time) and can negatively impact your driver’s license, insurance, and job prospects, not to mention your reputation. If you are facing a charge of impaired driving, DUI, or Over 80, then you should seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defence lawyer immediately. Mitch Engel can advise you about the charges against you and your rights under the law, and can look for the best possible approach to your defence (whether that means challenging law enforcement actions or test results, negotiating for a plea bargain, or fighting for your acquittal before a judge). Don’t let an impaired driving charge damage your future.
Impaired driving is the operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by the effects of alcohol or drugs, and it is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada. The repercussions of an impaired driving conviction can be far-reaching. In addition to the possible fines and other penalties, losing your license can affect your job and your family, and a criminal record can damage your future employment and educational opportunities as well as your reputation.
The Criminal Code of Canada prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in excess of 0.08 (translated as 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood). For young or novice drivers, all provinces have adopted zero BAC limits. Impaired driving charges can arise out of not only alcohol use, but the use of any substance that may affect the way you drive, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs. In fact, your vehicle doesn’t even have to be moving in order to be charged with impaired driving; just sitting behind the wheel while impaired can often be enough to warrant conviction.
Impaired driving charges carry mandatory minimum penalties upon conviction, and repeat offenders face increasingly harsh consequences. In Ontario, a first conviction on an impaired driving charge or driving with Excess Alcohol (“Over 80”) will automatically result in the loss of your driver’s license for one year and a minimum fine of $1000, with the possibility of prison time as well. Also, an ignition interlock program and a counseling program (“Back on Track”) are required to be completed before your licence can be returned. On a second or subsequent conviction, there are minimum jail sentences and lengthy driving prohibitions. If your impaired driving results in the injury or death of another person, you can receive even stiffer punishment.
Police can demand a breath or blood sample from you as long as they have reasonable grounds (otherwise known as probable cause) to believe you are impaired. Failure or refusal to provide such a sample upon request carries the same charges and penalties as driving with a BAC in excess of the legal limit. Additionally, if you refuse to take a breath test or fail the test when administered by registering a BAC of 0.08 or more, your license will be automatically suspended for 90 days.
The laws governing impaired driving crimes in Canada can be complex and the consequences, from higher insurance premiums to extended jail time, can be extremely serious. Experienced criminal defence lawyer Mitch Engel can advise you about the charges against you and your rights under the law, and can look for the best possible approach to your defence (whether that means challenging law enforcement actions or test results, negotiating for a plea bargain, or fighting for your acquittal before a judge). Mitch fights drinking and driving charges on a regular basis and has an impressive track record of acquittals for his clients. You don’t need to face an impaired driving charge alone; talk to experienced defence lawyer Mitch Engel to learn more about your rights and your options.
Since 1996, the law firm of Mitch Engel, Barrister & Solicitor has been providing clients throughout the Oshawa, Brampton, and Mississauga areas with top-level criminal defence representation. Mitch focuses exclusively on criminal law and his extensive experience has given him excellent insight and strategic instincts about how to prepare and present the best possible defence in each unique case.
His commitment to integrity, his passion and professionalism, and his excellent track record have earned him the respect of clients, colleagues, and courts throughout the Toronto area. A strong and zealous advocate, Mitch Engel stays available to his clients 24/7 and works on a block fee basis, meaning that his clients pay an initial retainer, which is then applied toward a fee for his services. He understands that his clients are making an investment in him, and works tirelessly to earn that trust and provide the advice and guidance they need. Call Mitch at (416) 944-8882 to get the legal advice you need to reclaim your life.
Request a ConsultationMitch Engel stays available to his clients 24/7, and is committed to clear communication with a client at every stage of the case.
Mitch Engel stays available to his clients 24/7, and is committed to clear communication with a client at every stage of the case.
This is an opportunity for you to meet with us and discuss your legal issue in more detail. We will answer your questions and explain your options.
(416) 944-8882When you’re facing a challenge, hiring the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions that you can make to protect yourself. This is never more true than when it comes to criminal charges. If you have been charged with a crime or you suspect that criminal charges may be in your future, you need sound legal advice now. Your reputation, your finances, and your freedom may well depend on the decisions you make with regard to your legal defence.
Some people opt to represent themselves in criminal cases, but the truth is that having an experienced criminal defence lawyer on your side can dramatically increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. Some of the common—and ill-advised—reasons that people decide to defend themselves include:
Never assume that your case will be straightforward. You’ll be facing a Crown prosecution with the entire weight of the Ontario legal system behind it, and even a seemingly simple case can present complicated questions about evidence, criminal law, and court proceedings. Without a thorough knowledge of the law and how criminal procedures operate in cases like yours, you can easily make an error or oversight that could cost you dearly. A competent, qualified criminal defence lawyer like Mitch Engel will be identify the strengths and weaknesses of your unique case, stand up for your rights in court, and provide a much-needed defence against the charges you face.
Contrary to popular wisdom, the truth will not always set you free. Even if you have done nothing wrong, you still need a criminal defence law firm in your corner to persuade a court to see things your way. Your lawyer can analyze every detail of the prosecution’s evidence against you and present an effective defence strategy that will give you the opportunity to put this experience behind you.
Yes, legal advice costs money, but quality legal representation may be within your reach. A good legal defence should be viewed the same way that you would look at a lifesaving medical procedure. Do you want the cheapest doctor available, or do you pay for experience, talent, and a track record of success? It is the same way with lawyers. Of course you need a lawyer with reasonable fees, but instead of basing your decision strictly on bargain shopping, talk to lawyers about their training and experience handling cases like yours. Ask questions and make sure to put your case—and your future—in the hands of a confident and seasoned professional you can trust.
Mr. Mitch Engel has been practicing criminal law for nearly 30 years and offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. We all know that criminal charges can be emotionally distressing and devastating. Mr. Mitch Engel can help you fight your criminal charges. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, Mr. Mitch Engel provides free initial consultations. Contact him to review your criminal case.
The initial Evaluation will typically last about an hour. Please bring to the meeting any documents that may relate to your case including papers that may have been provided to you by the police when you were charged.
Please complete the form below or call to schedule a free initial Evaluation and case review.
Really good lawyer and has helped me on several charges now. When this guy says don't worry...... don't worry.