Impaired Driving

Impaired Driving Lawyers
Working For Your DUI & Drunk Driving Litigation From Edmonton, Alberta to BC

It is a known fact that driving offences and DUIs can negatively impact every aspect of your life, including your career, home, family, and finances, especially if the charges are severe. Regardless of the circumstances, you deserve the opportunity to defend your rights.

At Martin G. Schulz, our goal is to give you just that — a chance to have a fair and just trial and outcome.

We handle all manner of driving offences, including:

  • DUI / driving while impaired
  • Driving while disqualified or with a suspended license
  • Traffic Safety Act offences
  • Careless or dangerous driving
  • Fleeing from police
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Refusing a breath test
  • Testing over the legal limit of THC in your system

We will provide you with nonjudgmental counsel and work with you throughout the justice process so you can understand what options are available to you.

    Free Consultation

    Call Us: 1-800-253-2105

    What Rights Do I Have if I’ve Been Accused of an Impaired Driving Offence?

    If you've been accused of a driving offence, you do have rights.

    1. You have the right to stay silent. Until you have spoken to your lawyer, you are not required to answer any questions posed to you by the police officers
    2. Your passengers also have the right to remain silent; it is not mandatory for the passengers in your vehicle to talk to officers or provide identification
    3. Unless there is a warrant, you have the right to say “No” to a vehicle search
    4. You have the right to lawyer representation and to defend against the charges against you.

    Years of Experience Defending Impaired Driving Charges & Finding the Best Resolutions

    In Canada, impaired driving is considered to be one of the leading criminal causes of death and injury — as a result, provincial governments have doubled down on the consequences of DUIs, dangerous, and impaired driving charges. If you’ve been criminally convicted, it is important to note that there are still options available to you to ensure that your life doesn’t completely come grinding to a halt.

    Programs such as the Mandatory Ignition Interlock Program and Immediate Roadside Sanctions exist to monitor individuals convicted of impaired driving and discourage repeat offences. If you would like to discuss what options may be available to you regarding your DUI case or following your impaired driving conviction, please give our lawyers a call. We are committed to finding you the best impaired driving conviction resolution possible during this hectic period when your license may be suspended.

    Don't Delay, Call Today!

    The criminal justice system waits for no one and time is of the essence if you’ve been charged with a driving offence. Your first step is to immediately speak to an impaired driving lawyer. With sufficient time and resources, we will be able to review the charges laid, perform an extensive investigation, and develop a solid case on your behalf.

    You do not have to accept the impaired driving charges against you! You have rights and you have options. Call us today for your free consultation.

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    Criminal Lawyers FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    - + What am I required to do if I’ve been accused of a DUI or driving offence?

    The first thing you must do if you’ve been pulled over and accused of an offence is to show the officer your drivers’ license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. This action is required by law and refusal to do so may result in a heavier charge.
    The second thing to keep in mind also is if asked, you must blow into an Approved Screening Device (ASD) or breathalyzer. In Alberta, if you fail to provide the officer with a breath sample, your licence will be automatically suspended.

    - + How can an impaired driving lawyer in Calgary or Edmonton help me?

    Unfortunately, many people just accept the driving charges against them and pay the fine, take the demerit points, or do the time without question.
    The right criminal defence and impaired driving lawyer can change all that.
    With years of experience defending against driving charges, we know all the technicalities of Alberta’s traffic laws, whether it’s a severe criminal charge or a simple speeding ticket. We’ve helped hundreds of clients to reduce their sentences, appeal charges, and even had charges dropped entirely. We can help you too.

    - + How long does an impaired driving charge stay on your record in Alberta?

    Alberta uses a 10-year look-back period for repeat offenders and impaired driving convictions. This is among the longest in Canada and can affect how the courts will judge your case even if years have passed since your first conviction.

    - + How long will it take to go to trial if I hire one of your impaired driving lawyers?

    You can generally expect to take two and a half to seven months from when you put in your plea for your impaired driving case to go to trial. This period may depend on several factors regarding your case. During this time, our impaired driving and DUI lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your charge and put together a solid argument to defend you in court.

    - + What are the impaired driving charges and penalties in Canada?

    First-time offenders will face a mandatory minimum fine of $1000 for a BAC of 0.119 or 5ng of THC or any other prohibited substance within two hours of driving.

    In Alberta, you will also face an immediate suspension of your license for up to 90 days and a one-year requirement to drive with an ignition interlock device or a “car breathalyzer”. Your car may also be impounded during the first three days of being issued your impaired driving charge.

    Second-time offenders will face a mandatory minimum of imprisonment for 30 days or more.

    In Alberta, you will face the same immediate license suspension and the impoundment of your vehicle for up to seven days. In addition, a criminal conviction will also result in a three-year requirement to participate in the ignition interlock device program.

    Third-time offenders will face mandatory imprisonment for 120 days up to 10 years, depending on the severity and circumstances of the impaired driving charge.

    If you have any questions concerning the fees you’ve been charged with following your DUI charge, please call our expert and knowledgeable lawyers and book your free no-obligation consultation.

    - + Do you need a lawyer for a first-time impaired driving offence?

    At Martin G. Schulz, we greatly encourage that you find suitable representation for your impaired driving case should you choose to challenge it in court.

    If you are found guilty of your first-time offence, you may experience the following:

    • Suspension of your license for up to one year. If you are found to be driving while suspended, you will face additional extensive fines and even jail time
    • Requirement to participate in the ignition interlock device program for one year. During this period, you will also be responsible for the installation cost, monthly fees, and removal fees for the device
    • Increased insurance rates