Impaired Driving in Canada
The act of impaired driving is defined as operating a vehicle while under the effects of drugs or alcohol. This is a serious criminal charge with stiff penalties that is also often referred to as drunk driving or DUI. There are a number of factors that go into an impaired driving charge including the police check and the penalties that you could face for impaired driving.
When the police have pulled you over for suspected impaired driving they will perform a number of tests to try to detect drunk driving. Some of the things the police will do when they suspect you of impaired driving include questioning you, and looking and smelling for alcohol. There are other tests that police will sometimes request of a person that they suspect of impaired driving. These tests can include anything from walking a line or following the movement of a finger or light. You have the right under the law to refuse these tests but you should be cautious as this may increase the suspicion of impaired driving and result in the officer demanding a breath test.
Some of the penalties that you could face if you are convicted of impaired driving include having your license suspended and fines. If you have already been convicted of drunk driving in the past than the penalties become stiffer and can include longer license suspensions, increased fines, and even jail time. If you have been charged with impaired driving you should seek out a lawyer as soon as possible for legal advice. You can find a local lawyer who specializes in traffic law in our free legal directory located here.
