Dealing with Driving Offences Iin Ottawa, Ontario

Impaired Driving

After being stopped and arrested for impaired driving in Ottawa, knowing what is involved is important and can help ease your fears about the process. You may have questions about your driver’s license, your criminal record or if you will face large fines and jail time.

At Engel & Associates, we can help to defend your rights if you have been stopped for impaired driving or a related charge in Ontario. Our lawyers have achieved countless victories for our clients who have been charged with these offences by getting the consequences minimized or reduced.

The Criminal Process after an Impaired Driving Arrest

One of the most common concerns about an impaired driving arrest is whether appearing in court is mandatory. After being charged, the first court date will generally be in two weeks. This is only a first appearance. A trial date will be set for later on. In most cases, one of our lawyers will be able to appear in court for you during the first appearance.

While the process is going on, we will be happy to answer your questions and explain issues such as employment concerns, driving privileges, car impoundment, mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, fines and your criminal record. Contact us following a drunken driving arrest for help from Kanata Impaired Driving Offences Lawyers.

80 and Over

In Ontario, people who drive under the influence of alcohol are often charged with both impaired driving and “80 and Over.” A conviction for any drunken driving charge can come with significant penalties, including fines and a permanent criminal record for a first offence.

At Engel & Associates, our lawyers have more than 20 years of combined experience in criminal defence, including defence for charges of 80 and Over, and other drunken driving offences. We will listen to your side of the story and work to reduce or dismiss the penalties that you are facing. In addition to criminal penalties, an 80 and Over conviction will also have a negative impact on your motor vehicle insurance coverage and premiums.

80 and Over Charges in Ontario

Unlike the charge of impaired driving, the offence of “80 and Over” does not require proof of impairment of any kind. Instead, it requires proof that the driver had a concentration of alcohol in his or her bloodstream that was higher than the legal limit.

Typically, the alcohol concentration is determined by using breath tests through Breathalyzer machines. This concentration can also be determined by using a blood or urine test. The refusal to take a breath test, either on the roadside or at the police station, comes with its own penalties, including license suspension and insurance consequences.

Our lawyers will look at all elements of the stop and arrest process to determine if police officers acted properly and that any tests were taken according to the law. If your rights were infringed upon, it may be possible to have the results of those tests dismissed.

Dangerous/Careless Driving

In Canada, dangerous driving is a criminal offence that comes with serious penalties. Careless driving is not a criminal offence, but it is one of the most serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act. Both charges can affect your insurance rates and your driving privileges. Both charges also need to be taken seriously, and it is advisable to speak with an experienced lawyer in either case.

You do not have to stand alone against the criminal justice system. At Engel & Associates, we can help defend you against dangerous driving or careless driving charges in Ontario. We will make sure your side of the story is heard and your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.

Driving Causing Death

In response to the frequency of these pedestrian deaths, there has been considerable legislative interest in increased penalties and accountability when death or bodily harm results.

With so much on the line, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer. At the law firm of Engel & Associates, in Ottawa, our lawyers provide representation for such charges in Ontario. We have developed a respected reputation for serving our clients well and dealing with The Crown on the toughest cases.

Refusal to Provide a Breath Sample

It is an offense under the Criminal Code to intentionally refuse to provide a breath sample when requested to do so by a police officer. The consequences for failing to cooperate can be as serious as those for registering a blood alcohol concentration “80 or over”, and can have significant and long-term ramifications.

If you have been charged with refusal to provide a breath sample, it is critical to have the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer. At the law firm of Engel & Associates, in Ottawa, our lawyers provide representation for refusal charges in Ontario. We have developed a respected reputation for serving our clients well and dealing with The Crown on the toughest cases.

Nepean Dangerous Driving Offence Lawyers

The ability to legally drive is important, especially if you live in a large city. Driving to work, taking children to school and simply living life conveniently are all made more difficult if you lose your driver’s license due to a conviction for dangerous or careless driving.

While a careless driving ticket may not seem serious, you will receive six demerit points for a charge, which will have a significant impact on your driving privileges. Dangerous driving is a criminal charge — not just a ticket — and a conviction will go on your criminal record. If anyone is injured as the result of your careless or dangerous driving, you may also face the possibility of jail time.

The lifetime cost of one impaired driving conviction has been calculated at between $50,000 and $60,000. Contact us at Engel & Associates 24 hours a day, seven days a week at for a free consultation.