Impact of Impaired Driving Charges on Your Criminal Record

Impaired driving charges can have a massive impact on your criminal record in Canada, resulting in long-lasting consequences for your personal and professional life. An impaired driving charge can result in fines, license suspensions, and even jail time, impacting your ability to drive and carry out daily activities. At Martin G. Schulz & Associates, we aim to give you a chance to have a fair and just trial and outcome. Our team of Calgary criminal lawyers will provide you with nonjudgmental counsel and work with you throughout the justice process so you can understand what options are available to you. In this post, we will go over the various impacts of impaired driving charges on a criminal record. 

Criminal Record

Impaired driving charges will remain on your record for a specified amount of time, potentially affecting future employment, travel, and insurance opportunities. In Canada, impaired driving charges will remain on your criminal record for 10 years and can result in serious consequences including fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and mandatory participation in educational programs. The legal penalties for impaired driving can include mandatory minimum fines, imprisonment, and a record. The severity depends on the circumstances, including the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and any factors such as accidents or repeated offences. Insurance premiums may increase significantly or become difficult to obtain, and some employers may choose not to hire or promote individuals with a record. Travel to certain countries may also be restricted or denied. 

Consequences

Impaired driving charges can result in fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and mandatory participation in educational programs aimed at preventing future offences. The legal consequences of having an impaired driving charge on your criminal record in Canada can be severe and long-lasting. Impaired driving charges can result in mandatory minimum fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and a record that can affect employment, travel, and insurance opportunities. The court may require the installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle and police can impose immediate roadside sanctions (IRS) on drivers who fail or refuse a breathalyzer test, which can result in additional consequences such as license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and fines. Speak with the criminal defence lawyers at Martin G. Schulz & Associates to learn exactly the sort of consequences you might face by calling 1-800-253-2105.

Insurance

Impaired driving charges on your Canada criminal record can have a significant impact on your insurance as insurance premiums may increase significantly or become difficult for individuals with impaired driving charges on their record to obtain. Some insurance companies may choose not to provide coverage to individuals with a record, including impaired driving charges, or classify them as high-risk drivers, resulting in even higher premiums. The impaired driving charge may also affect the amount and availability of insurance for future claims. It’s important to keep in mind that insurance companies consider other factors, such as your overall driving record, prior claims, and age, when determining your insurance premium and availability of coverage.

Employment

Having an impaired driving charge on your criminal record in Canada can have an impact on employment opportunities. A criminal record, including impaired driving charges, can limit your ability to secure certain jobs, particularly those that require a clean driving record, such as positions in the transportation industry. Additionally, some employers may choose not to hire or promote individuals with a record due to concerns about liability or reputation. Furthermore, certain professions may require a criminal background check, and a criminal record could result in the denial of licensure or certification. It is important to be transparent about your record with potential employers and understand the potential impact on your employment opportunities. However, it’s worth noting that some employers are willing to provide second chances and consider individual circumstances.

Travel

Another factor to consider is how your criminal record in Canada can impact your ability to travel. Travel to certain countries may be restricted or denied due to your criminal record, particularly for countries with strict entry requirements. Additionally, border control and immigration officers have the discretion to deny entry to individuals with a criminal record, including impaired driving charges. It’s important to research entry requirements and potential restrictions before travelling and to understand the potential impact of your criminal record on your travel plans. However, it’s worth noting that some countries may provide exemptions or waivers for individuals with a criminal record under certain circumstances.

Repeat Offences

Repeat offences from impaired driving on your record in Canada or aggravating circumstances, such as accidents or high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, can result in harsher consequences and long-lasting impacts. Repeat offences typically result in higher fines, longer license suspensions, and increased jail time. The court may also impose additional penalties, such as mandatory participation in educational programs or the installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle. Repeat offences can also result in increased scrutiny from law enforcement and the courts, and may affect future employment, travel, and insurance opportunities. Having repeat impaired driving offences on your criminal record can also lead to a permanent criminal record, which can impact your ability to secure certain jobs and travel to certain countries. It is important to understand the potential consequences of repeat impaired driving offences and take steps to prevent future incidents.

Martin G. Schulz & Associates

You have options and you have rights. Fighting alone should not be an option, so get a Calgary criminal defence lawyer to stand with you. Even with charges hanging over your head, you have choices at your disposal. Call our Calgary office today at (403) 245 2900 so we can help defend you so your rights are upheld.