Here are 6 things you need to know about whether a DUI is a criminal charge in Ontario, Canada.
1/ Is a DUI a criminal charge in Ontario, Canada?
- Yes. DUI offences are criminal charges defined under the Criminal Code of Canada.
2/ What are the DUI, or drinking and driving laws in Ontario?
- There are three core DUI, or drinking and driving laws that the Police can charge you with.
- Drinking and Driving / Over 80; or
- Impaired Driving by Alcohol or Drugs; or
- Refuse Breathalyzer
3/ What does it mean to get charged with Drinking and Driving / Over 80?
- The most common DUI charge is being charged with an “Over 80”.
- This means that the Police believe you were operating a vehicle with an alcohol level greater than 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood.
4/ What does it mean to get charged with Impaired Driving by Alcohol or Drugs?
- This means that the Police believe your operation of a vehicle was impaired by Alcohol or Drugs.
- You do not need to have a blood-alcohol level above 80 mg. In other words, you can still be charged and found guilty of this DUI charge even if your breath samples were below the legal limit.
- You do not need to have any alcohol in your system. In other words, you can still be charged and found guilty of this DUI charge if the Crown can prove that your impaired operation of the vehicle was due to drugs in your system.
5/ What does it mean to get charged with Refuse Breathalyzer?
- This means that the Police believe you refused to take a breathalyzer test.
- There are two situations in which the Police lay this charge.
- First, where the Police believe you have refused to take the breathalyzer test.
- Or second, where the Police believe that you pretended to blow into the breathalyzer machine.
6/ Are there any DUI charges that are not criminal charges?
- Yes. There are provincial laws that also cover DUI-related offences.
- In Ontario, these laws are defined in the Highway Traffic Act. And, these charges are not criminal charges.
- When you are charged under the Criminal Code, you may also be charged with offences under the Highway Traffic Act.
Is DUI a criminal charge in Ontario, Canada?
Yes, driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a criminal charge in Ontario, Canada. A DUI conviction can result in serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and a criminal record. It is important to take these charges seriously and seek the help of a knowledgeable DUI lawyer who can help you understand your rights and defend your case.
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Ontario, Canada?
The consequences of a DUI conviction in Ontario, Canada can be severe and long-lasting. Some of the most common consequences include fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and a criminal record. Additionally, a DUI conviction can have a negative impact on your personal and professional life, making it difficult to find employment or obtain insurance. To minimize the impact of a DUI charge, it is important to seek the help of a knowledgeable DUI lawyer who can help you understand your rights and defend your case.
