Criminal Driving

Criminal Traffic Lawyers
in Calgary & Edmonton, Alberta

Criminal driving is defined by a set of specific driving behaviours that are considered to be sufficiently dangerous or objectionable to be dealt with under the Canadian Criminal Code. 

A conviction for a criminal driving offence can result in a variety of severe penalties, including a fine with no maximum limit to life imprisonment. This conviction can negatively impact every aspect of your life, including your career, home, family, and finances, especially if the charges are severe.

Potentially, you may also face a statutory license suspension and, in some cases, be required to complete license reinstatement conditions. However, you deserve a fair and reasonable outcome regardless of the circumstances, and Martin G. Schulz & Associates are here to ensure you do. If you are in need of a team of criminal driving lawyers by your side, we’re the team for you.

    Free Consultation

    Call Us: 1-800-253-2105

    What Are My Rights?

    If you’ve been accused of a driving offence, remember that you have the following rights:

    • You have the right to stay silent! You are not required to answer the police officers’ questions until you have spoken to a lawyer.
    • Your passengers have the right to remain silent. No passengers in your vehicle are required to answer questions or provide identification.
    • You have the right to say ‘NO’ to a vehicle search. Unless there is a warrant, you are not required to let a police officer search your vehicle.
    • You have the right to lawyer representation and to defend against the charges against you.

    What Can a Traffic Lawyer Do?

    Although many people will simply accept the driving charges against them and pay the fine, accumulate the demerit points, or do the time without question, it is important to note that you can get a lighter sentence if you have the right traffic lawyer by your side.

    At Martin G. Schulz & Associates, we know all the technicalities of a driving offence, whether it’s a severe criminal charge or a simple speeding ticket. With years of experience defending against driving charges, we’ve helped hundreds of clients reduce their sentences, appeal charges, and even have their charges dropped entirely.

    What Are Some Examples of Traffic Violations or Criminal Driving Offences?

    While it is easy to confuse criminal driving with impaired driving offences, it is important to note that impaired driving may result in a criminal record, while criminal driving may lead to heavy fines, long driving suspensions, and depending on the severity of the offence, jail time. It goes without saying that both offences will heavily impact your life in some way, shape, or form. If you are unsure of how to proceed concerning your traffic charge, speeding ticket, or driving offence, give our traffic lawyers a call!

    Some violations and traffic offences include:

    • Dangerous or careless driving
    • Failure to stop and report an accident
    • Speeding
    • Failure to provide driver details
    • Distracted driving
    • Driving without insurance
    • Hit and run

    Challenge Your Ticket 

    At our criminal driving law firm, our lawyers want to make it clear that you always have the option to fight your charges. No matter the severity of the offence, challenging what you’ve been accused of is always a possibility. We want our clients to understand that even if it feels like nothing is going your way, we are on your side. 

    Our traffic lawyers can help you appeal your charges, challenge speeding tickets, fight traffic violations, and more.  

    Book an in-person or virtual consultation with us today. We will provide you with expert advice regarding your traffic violation case and guide you through to the best path for resolution.

    Call Our Experienced Traffic Defence Lawyers Today!

    The criminal justice system does not wait! If you have been charged with a driving offence, you must speak to a criminal defence lawyer immediately. We need adequate time to review the charges against you, perform a thorough investigation of the offence, and develop a solid case on your behalf.

    Remember you do not have to accept the driving charges against you. You have rights and you have options. We can help lessen the impact your criminal driving offence has on your life and those around you. Call us today for your free consultation.

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    • Our Location

    Edmonton, Alberta

    Scotia Place Tower III
    221, 10072 Jasper Ave
    Edmonton, AB T5J 1V8
    (780) 490-1100 (tel)
    (780) 490-1121 (fax)
    [email protected]

    Hours of Operation

    • Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Saturday Closed
    • Sunday Closed
    Criminal Lawyers FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    - + How will a criminal driving or traffic offence charge affect my life?

    Whether you’ve been charged with a serious criminal driving charge or have received a speeding ticket, you will see repercussions reflected in your insurance premiums. Depending on your insurance company, your insurance rates may increase drastically from incurring speeding fines or serious criminal driving convictions. In addition, you may also experience license suspension, jail time, and more.

    - + Will a traffic ticket affect my insurance premiums?

    Unfortunately, pleading guilty to a traffic ticket may lead to a rise in your insurance rates. For more information on how your criminal driving conviction may impact your auto insurance, please contact your auto insurance provider.

    - + How long does a traffic safety violation stay on your driving record?

    Any amount of demerit points generated by traffic violations will stay on your record for upwards of two years following the date on which you:

    • Paid the violation ticket
    • Were found guilty of violating the Traffic Safety Act in court
    • Failed to appear in court and were convicted guilty in lieu of attendance

    - + Can your traffic lawyers help me fight a speeding or traffic ticket?

    Definitely! In fact, we’ve helped thousands of individuals in Calgary and Edmonton challenge their criminal driving charges. Regardless of whether you were accused of a serious criminal driving violation or require assistance challenging a speeding ticket, we are here to provide unbiased and expert criminal driving advice and litigation.

    - + Why should I hire a criminal driving or traffic lawyer in Edmonton or Calgary?

    Regardless of the severity of your offence, it is always a good idea to retain the legal services of a local criminal driving or traffic lawyer. By appearing in court with a legal representative at your side, you communicate to the Judge that you are wholly invested in your ruling. This can help reduce your sentences, penalties, or fines. In addition, your criminal driving lawyer will give you all the information you need to protect your rights in court and come out with a fair resolution.

    - + Isn’t it better to just pay my ticket instead of challenging a traffic violation?

    We understand that many people feel like it is better to simply plead guilty to their charges and pay the ticketed amount. However, by doing so, you accumulate demerit points on your driver’s abstract that will remain on your record for upwards of two years. You may even be made to pay what is often the maximum fine allowed by the local traffic laws. If enough demerit points have been accumulated in your abstract, you may even lose your driving privileges.

    Our no-obligation consultations are free of charge. Call us today to book an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our experienced traffic lawyers who will advise you on your legal options following your traffic violation.

    Receptionist Brittany Wrusch