DUI Lawyer Calgary

If you are accused of driving while impaired, it can turn what should be a normal evening into a period of great uncertainty. Will you be allowed to drive tomorrow? Are you going to lose your job? What will take place in court?

Start with answers.

At Wyman & Williamson, our lawyer practice exclusively in criminal law. A lawyer who deals with impaired driving may clarify the distinction between an administrative penalty and a criminal offence, have a look at the documents you have received and spot the deadlines which impact your defence.

Under the Criminal Code, operating a motor vehicle while a person’s ability is impaired by alcohol, drugs or both can be an offence. You do not have to act drunk or exceed the legal limit to face an impairment allegation.

There is also an offence relating to having a blood alcohol concentration of at least 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood within two hours of driving, with certain statutory exceptions; the amount of alcohol in your blood, the timing of the test and the specific charge all play a part.

When a criminal defence lawyer examines the accusation, they consider whether the prosecution has been able to prove the offence beyond a reasonable doubt on the basis of admissible and reliable evidence.

Our review can focus on:

1. We’ll look at the traffic stop, the police officer’s reasons, the police procedures, along with any relevant Charter issues.
2. The testing process: we examine the breathalyzer test, the breath samples provided, the records kept by the instrument, and compliance with the legal requirements. A breath sample taken on the roadside and one taken at the police station have different purposes.
3. When observations are challenging, look at the context; for example, slurred speech or poor balance might have causes unrelated to driving under the influence.
4. The alleged refusal. Failing or refusing to provide a breath sample following a lawful demand, without reasonable excuse, can itself be an offence. If you were physically unable to provide an adequate breath sample, supporting medical evidence may be important.

The requirement for a breath or blood sample should be evaluated in accordance with the applicable law; there are specific procedures for collecting a blood sample and rules regarding its admissibility as evidence, and your lawyer can look into the way in which the blood alcohol content was determined.

Whether the issue involves test reliability, identification, or legal compliance, effective legal representation starts with attention to detail.

The consequences that might result will depend on whether you are subjected to penalties under provincial roadside laws, charged with impaired driving under federal law, or hit by both.

Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act establishes immediate roadside sanctions through the IRS program. These can affect your driver’s license before any criminal trial. An administrative penalty alone does not create a criminal conviction.

For a first IRS: FAIL occurrence, penalties include:

• You will be suspended from driving for a period of 90 days.
• An additional suspension for 12 months, including the right to drive as part of the ignition interlock programme.
• A 30-day vehicle seizure.
• A $1,000 charge, plus the relevant surcharge.
• Required driver education.

An ignition interlock device does not permit you to ignore a separate court order. Your lawyer can clarify how the provincial requirements and the criminal driving prohibition apply to one another.

A DUI conviction carries criminal penalties and creates a criminal record. For a basic first offence, the statutory minimum fine starts at $1,000, with higher minimums for certain blood alcohol readings or refusal. Repeat offences can carry mandatory jail terms. Cases involving injury or death attract substantially greater penalties.

Criminal convictions can also bring lost employment opportunities, insurance difficulties and travel restrictions, depending on your circumstances.

Concerned about a permanent criminal record? A conviction does not automatically disappear with time, although eligible individuals may seek a record suspension. Read our guide to how long a DUI stays on your record.

You could face repercussions beyond the sentence you receive. Before deciding whether to enter a plea, consider how it might affect your job, your driving, and your future plans. If you want straightforward advice, a DUI defence lawyer based in Calgary can help you assess your options with a clearer understanding of the risks.

Deciding which law firm or legal partnership to join is a matter for yourself; you’ll need someone who’s able to clarify the consequences without making you feel judged.

At Wyman & Williamson, our lawyers have experience defending serious criminal allegations at different levels of court. Our published case results show matters we have successfully defended, including charges withdrawn and acquittals.

Previous results do not guarantee what your outcome will be; they may indicate the value of having a prepared and skilled lawyer representing you.

We spend some time finding out what is important to you—such as retaining your job, looking after your family responsibilities or finding out what’s next. After that, we examine the situation and explain your options in simple language.

Our strategy combines careful evidence review, practical advice and courtroom advocacy. If your matter involves grounds for an appeal, our criminal appeals lawyers can assess the available route.

You needn’t have any understanding of impaired driving law if you want to obtain legal assistance; most average people have never gone through this legal procedure before.

Take these steps:

1. Don’t throw away your penalty notice, the release documents and the court papers.
2. Make a note of the events as soon as you can remember them.
3. Observe all the conditions concerning suspension and release.
4. You should get in touch with a lawyer right away regarding the deadlines.

A standard SafeRoads Alberta review must generally be requested within seven days of the notice being issued. Do not wait for a criminal court date to deal with immediate roadside penalties.

If you are still under investigation, seek advice early. Tell us whether you received criminal charges, a roadside notice or both.