Getting behind the wheel after a night of merriment might sound like a safe idea, but if you've been drinking, you might be too intoxicated to drive and not even know it. Taking that one risk to drive home, no matter how close home may be, can land you in some serious hot water. In fact, you might find yourself in need of a DUI lawyer in Barrie.
What should you do after being charged with a DUI for the first time? Read on to find out about the process.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU'RE CHARGED?
Ontario's Criminal Code has extensive laws that cover impaired driving, and you can be charged with drunk driving if you're just taking a nap in the driver's seat.
The police will provide you with a Promise to Appear. This is a required appearance that you must make in order for the police to collect your fingerprints and photograph. If you fail to appear, you will be charged with an additional criminal charge. You will then move through the criminal trial process.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES?
A few consequences occur immediately after you are charged with drunk driving in Ontario. First, if you are breathalyzed at the scene and register a BAC of 0.05 or higher, your license will be suspended for 90 days and you'll have to pay a $150 fine. If your BAC is higher than 0.08, then your license will be suspended for a year and you'll have to pay a $1,000 fine and have an interlock installed on your car.
If you are under 21, then you will be in violation of Ontario's zero-tolerance law. If you are convicted, you can face up to $500 more in fines.
If you are convicted of drunk driving in Ontario, then you face further fines and suspensions.
ALWAYS HIRE REPRESENTATION
Going through the criminal process, even for a drunk driving charge, is complex. It is important that you hire a drunk driving lawyer as soon as possible after your charge to make sure your rights are upheld and that the police provide everything necessary in the disclosure.
It will be a minimum of three months before your case goes to trial. This time is known as the intake or remand period. You may have to make a few appearances before the Justice of the Peace. If you have an attorney, you may not be required to attend as he can go in your stead.
Your trial date will be six to 12 months from your first appearance, depending upon how busy the court in your jurisdiction is. You will also have the option to enter a guilty plea. You should discuss your options with an experienced attorney to determine your next steps with your drunk driving charge.
NEED A DUI LAWYER IN BARRIE?
Driving after having had one or more drinks is never a great idea, but you can recover from it, especially if it's your first offence. There are consequences for your action, but it doesn't have to be a worst-case scenario. By contacting a DUI lawyer in Barrie, you'll be sure that your rights are being enforced and you won't be going through the process on your own. Are you looking for a drunk driving lawyer in Barrie, Ontario who can help you effectively navigate the DUI legal process? Contact David Wilcox Criminal Defence today to learn how we can help you.