Take the DUI "Arrest Test" ➔
Stream A DUI

Stream A DUI: Your Secret to Beating Long Suspensions

Are you facing a DUI charge in Ontario?

Are you feeling the weight of a potentially long license suspension due to a DUI charge in Ontario?

Don’t lose hope just yet.

The Stream A Interlock Program, a little-known secret, could be your beacon of relief, offering a chance to get back on the road sooner.

This lesser-known option for first-time offenders can dramatically reduce your license suspension period, potentially from a year to three months. If you’re eligible and act quickly, you could minimize the impact on your life. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are significant trade-offs to consider.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the Stream A Interlock Program. You’ll know who qualifies, how to leverage this knowledge to your advantage and be aware of potential drawbacks. This knowledge will empower you to make an informed decision about your next steps.

Stream A vs Standard Conviction

What is the DUI Stream A Interlock Program?

The Stream A Interlock Program is part of Ontario’s Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program. It allows eligible first-time impaired driving offenders to reduce their licence suspension period if they plead guilty within 90 days of their arrest and agree to participate in the ignition interlock program.

Eligibility Criteria for Stream A

To qualify for the Stream A Interlock Program, an individual must meet the following criteria:

  1. First-time offender: The person must not have prior impaired driving convictions.
  2. Timely guilty plea: The offender must plead guilty within 90 days of the offence date.
  3. No bodily harm or death: The impaired driving incident must not have resulted in bodily harm or death to another person.
  4. Alcohol-related offence: The charge must be related to alcohol impairment, not drug impairment or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
  5. No exclusion by the sentencing judge: The judge must not have explicitly excluded the offender from participating in the program.

Benefits of the Stream A Program

The primary benefit of the Stream A Interlock Program is a significantly reduced licence suspension period. Under this program, eligible offenders can have their licence suspension reduced to as little as three months, followed by nine months of driving with an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.

This substantially reduces the one-year license suspension typically following an impaired driving conviction. For many individuals, this shorter suspension period can mean the difference between maintaining employment and facing significant financial hardship.

The Ignition Interlock Device

An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer connected to a vehicle’s ignition system. Before starting the car, the driver must provide a breath sample. If the device detects alcohol above a preset limit, the vehicle will not start.

Participants in the Stream A program must have this device installed in their vehicle for at least nine months following the reduced suspension period. While this may seem inconvenient, it allows individuals to regain their driving privileges sooner and helps ensure they do not drive while under the influence of alcohol.

The Process of Pleading Guilty and Entering Stream A

If an individual decides to plead guilty and pursue the Stream A option, they should follow these steps:

  1. Consult with a DUI lawyer: It’s crucial to seek legal advice to understand the full implications of pleading guilty and ensure program eligibility.
  2. Enter a guilty plea: You need to plead guilty within 90 calendar days from the date of the offence.
  3. Complete the Back on Track program: This is Ontario’s mandatory education and treatment program for all impaired driving offenders.
  4. Apply for the Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program: This application is made to the Ministry of Transportation.
  5. Serve the reduced suspension period: This is typically three months for Stream A participants.
  6. Install the ignition interlock device: This must be done through an approved service provider.
  7. Complete the interlock program: Participants must use the interlock device for at least nine months.

Considerations Before Pleading Guilty

While the Stream A program offers significant benefits, it’s important to carefully consider all options before pleading guilty to an impaired driving charge. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

  1. Criminal record: A guilty plea results in a criminal record, which can have long-lasting impacts on employment, travel, and other aspects of life.
  2. Future consequences: A first conviction can lead to more severe penalties if subsequent impaired driving offences occur.
  3. Potential defences: You may be missing out on legal defences available that could result in reduced charges or even an acquittal. A skilled DUI lawyer can assess the strength of the case against you.
  4. Financial costs: While the Stream A program can reduce the licence suspension period, there are still significant costs associated with fines, the Back on Track program, and the ignition interlock device.
  5. Impact on insurance: An impaired driving conviction can lead to substantially higher insurance premiums.

The Role of a DUI Lawyer

Given the complexity of impaired driving laws and the significant consequences of a conviction, it’s highly advisable to consult with a lawyer experienced in fighting DUI cases. A good DUI lawyer can:

  1. Assess eligibility for the Stream A program.
  2. Explain the full implications of pleading guilty.
  3. Identify any potential defences or weaknesses in the crown’s case.
  4. Negotiate with the crown if necessary.
  5. Guide you through the legal process and ensure all necessary steps are completed correctly.

Alternatives to Stream A

While Stream A offers benefits for those who qualify and choose to plead guilty quickly, it’s not the only option available. Other possibilities include:

  1. Fighting the charges: Going to trial may be the best option if strong defences are available.
  2. Stream B: This is another option within the Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program. It involves a 6-month suspension followed by 12 months of interlock use.
  3. Standard conviction: This involves serving the full one-year suspension followed by one year of interlock use.

Always Keep In Mind…

The Stream A Interlock Program offers a potential lifeline for first-time impaired driving offenders in Ontario who are willing to plead guilty within 90 days of their arrest. By agreeing to a reduced suspension period and using an ignition interlock device, eligible individuals can regain their driving privileges sooner, potentially minimizing the impact on their work and personal lives.

However, the decision to plead guilty and enter this program should not be taken lightly. The long-term consequences of a criminal record and the potential for more severe penalties for any future offences must be carefully weighed against the short-term benefit of a reduced suspension.

Every impaired driving case is unique, with its circumstances and potential defences. Therefore, it’s crucial for anyone facing such charges to seek professional legal advice. An experienced DUI lawyer can comprehensively assess the case, explain all available options, and help make an informed decision about whether the Stream A program is the best course of action.

What is the Stream A Interlock Program?

The Stream A Interlock Program is a part of Ontario's Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program, allowing eligible first-time DUI offenders to reduce their license suspension period if they plead guilty within 90 days and agree to use an ignition interlock device.

Who is eligible for the Stream A Interlock Program?

Eligibility for the Stream A Interlock Program includes being a first-time DUI offender, pleading guilty within 90 days of the offence, no resulting bodily harm or death, the charge being alcohol-related, and not being excluded by the sentencing judge.

The Ontario DUI Arrest Test

The 60-Second Ontario DUI Arrest Test assesses the nature of the arrest in order to determine if your charges may get withdrawn.

Do You Want to Keep Driving?
Dan Joffe, lawyer, partner Nextlaw Ontario

My team uses forensic analysis to determine whether your Charter rights were violated. If you have been charged with DUI, book a free call that can change everything

Do you want to avoid a DUI Charge?

My team uses forensic analysis to determine whether your Charter rights were violated. If you have been charged with DUI, book a free call that can change everything

5.0
560 Reviews
5
560
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
About Dan Joffe, Partner

Daniel holds a JD (LLB) / MBA from Osgoode Hall Law School & the Schulich School of Business at York University, Toronto. Dan is a licensed lawyer in the Province of Ontario.

The Ontario DUI Arrest Test™

The 60-Second Ontario DUI Arrest Test assesses the nature of the arrest in order to determine if your charges may get withdrawn.

DUI / Impaired Articles
Share this Post
Disclaimer

Next Law publishes these articles and videos as a service to our website visitors for general informational purposes only. These materials do not, and are not, intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not act upon any such information without seeking professional counsel.