Impaired Driving & DUI Lawyers
in Toronto

Rupin Bal Law Professional Corporation: Your Trusted DUI Lawyer in Toronto

Rupin Bal is an Impaired Driving/DUI Lawyer serving clients in Toronto and the surrounding areas. With Rupin Bal, an experienced criminal lawyer at its helm, the firm is known for its professionalism, integrity, and client-centric approach.

Irrespective of the nature of the criminal legal issue we recognize the distinctiveness of each case and prioritize personalized attention for our clients. By actively listening to clients’ concerns, understanding their objectives, and formulating tailored strategies, we strive to achieve the most favorable outcomes possible.

By choosing us, you’re placing your legal matters in competent hands. We are committed to safeguarding our clients’ rights, offering clear and concise legal advice, and guiding them through every step of the legal proceedings. Our mission is to empower clients with the knowledge and support necessary to make well-informed decisions and create a brighter future.

If you require legal assistance for a DUI/Impaired Driving charge in Toronto, contact us for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team can assist you in navigating the intricacies of Canadian law with confidence and peace of mind.

Our Toronto Criminal Driving Offence Services

DUI/Impaired Driving Charges

Intoxication and impairment does not require the opinion of a medical expert. A policeofficer or other lay person is perfectly qualified to give their opinion on whether a person appears impaired by alcohol or drugs. Opinions of police officers about a person’s level of impairment are not to be given more weight in court simply because they come from police officers.

For further information on Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle and other driving related offences, contact us now.

Over 80 Charges

Unlike impaired driving, the offence of “over 80” does not require proof of impairment of any kind, only proof that the driver had a concentration of alcohol in their blood exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in one hundred millilitres of blood. This alcohol concentration reading is usually determined from an analysis of breath samples obtained by police and processed with a breathalyser machine capable of providing such results. These results can also be obtained by testing a sample of the driver’s blood.

Refusal to Provide a Sample

Like all Drinking and Driving charges in Canada, a conviction for refusing to provide a breath sample pursuant to a lawful police demand carries a minimum fine of $1000.00 and a mandatory minimum license suspension of at least 12 months for first-time offenders. It also results in an automatic permanent criminal record for first-time offenders.

For further information on Refusal to Provide a Sample and other driving related offences, contact us now.

Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

A conviction for dangerous driving can result in up to five years in jail. The penalty can increase to ten or fourteen years, depending on whether it causes bodily harm or death. Additionally, a person found guilty may lose their driver’s license for at least one year in Ontario, with the potential for a Canada-wide driving ban.

For further information on Dangerous Driving and other driving related offences, contact us now.

About Impaired Driving Charges in Toronto

In Ontario, impaired operation of a motor vehicle refers to the act of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to the extent that one’s ability to operate the vehicle is impaired. This impairment can result from the consumption of alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of these substances.

Canadian law prohibits individuals from operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. Impairment can be measured by various means, such as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, observed signs of intoxication, or drug testing.

The legal framework in Canada is designed to address impaired driving comprehensively, with strict penalties for those found guilty of impaired operation of a motor vehicle. These penalties can include fines, driving prohibitions, and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

The Criminal Code provides a minimum fine of $1000 for a first offence in addition to a criminal conviction registered on your permanent record. Subsequent drunk driving convictions carry minimum jail penalties beginning with 30 days in jail for a second conviction. A third or subsequent drinking and driving offence will carry a minimum punishment of 120 days in jail.

A drinking and driving conviction will also require a mandatory driving prohibition preventing a prohibited driver from driving anywhere in for a minimum of one year, or three months in a province such as Quebec or Alberta that has an concurrent ignition interlock program. In addition to the penalties mandated under the Criminal Code, a conviction for DUI will also drastically affect your motor vehicle insurance coverage and premiums.

In Ontario, you will probably be required to insure with Facility Association, which insures high-risk drivers and exacts high premiums. For each of the three years following your conviction, Facility Association will levy a 100 per cent surcharge atop your premiums. It will impose more surcharges, up to a maximum of 250 per cent, for other convictions relating to the same incident, such as careless driving or failing to remain at the scene of an accident. Each insurance company has its own conviction surcharge schedule.

In order to establish an impaired driving charge, the crown attorney must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired due to the consumption of drugs or alcohol. The court will examine the driver’s co-ordination, comprehension and a poor driving pattern in assessing their level of impairment.

Evidence of impairment may be proven by a combination of driving observations and physical observations of the driver. Evidence of poor or erratic driving, weaving, crossing of the centre line or evidence of a motor vehicle collision may all be used to support an inference of impaired driving. Personal observations tending to reveal signs of impairment may also be relied upon, including: an odour of alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver’s breath, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, unsteadiness, slurred speech and a lack of comprehension or response to police demands.

For further information on Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle and other driving related offences, contact us now.

DUI & Impaired Driving Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone is arrested for a DUI?

When law enforcement suspects a driver of drinking alcohol, they arrest them and take them to a station for further testing. This may include a breathalyzer or blood test. If the driver refuses to take these tests or provides fluid samples, they may face penalties similar to DUI convictions.

What is the legal limit for DUI?

The limit is 0.08% in Canada. If a driver’s BAC is higher than or equal to the limit, they can be charged with impaired driving. Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, but you are still driving in a way that’s noticeably impaired you may be charged.

Are there additional penalties for drinking and driving?

Absolutely. Additional consequences of a DUI conviction include higher insurance rates, mandatory alcohol education programs and treatment programs. A DUI conviction can lead to fines and jail time.

How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer?

The cost of a DUI lawyer can be affected by factors such as the complexity of the case, the experience of the attorney, and the location of the client. To understand the possible charges, you should ask about them at your initial consultation.

What is the likelihood that a DUI charge will be dismissed by the court?

The answer depends on a number of factors, such as the details of the case or the defense strategy. A DUI lawyer with experience can evaluate the case to find any flaws in law or procedural errors. These weaknesses may allow them to get the case dismissed.

Can you remove a DUI conviction from your criminal history?

After a period of time, and after all fines and sentences have been served, a DUI conviction can be erased in Canada through a record suspension (formerly known by the name pardon). The conviction is not removed, but the public record of it is.

Can a DUI conviction impact permanent residency in Canada?

DUI convictions can have serious consequences on permanent residents in Canada. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences for permanent residents of Canada.

What is the DUI law in Toronto?

Toronto adheres to the federal impaired-driving laws outlined in Canada’s Criminal Code. These laws include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC), refusing a breathalyzer or being in control or charge of a vehicle while impaired.

What are the penalties for DUI convictions?

Toronto DUI offenders can face a number of penalties, including fines, suspensions of their driver’s license, jail time, alcohol treatment and education programs, as well as installation of ignition interlocks. The penalties for repeat offenses are more severe.

How can I successfully contest a DUI charge?

Most often, the most successful way to challenge a DUI charge is by contesting the accuracy and legality BAC tests. It’s crucial to work with an experienced DUI lawyer in order to build a solid defense.

Can a DUI case be resolved without going to court or a judge?

Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations can be used to settle a DUI charge. If there are not enough facts or procedural mistakes, it is possible to settle DUI cases without going to court.

Can DUI in Toronto charges be dropped?

DUI cases may be dismissed if there is a flaw in the prosecution’s case, if there’s not sufficient evidence or if a defendant’s rights were violated. An experienced DUI lawyer can use these issues to fight the charges.

Does a DUI conviction impact auto insurance rates?

Insurance companies charge higher rates for DUI-convicted drivers because they consider them to be high-risk drivers.

Is it possible to remove a DUI from a person's criminal history?

In Canada, you can ask for a suspension of your DUI record.

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Impaired Driving & DUI Lawyersin Toronto