Even if this is your first time facing a DUI or impaired driving charge, it is always a good idea to have a lawyer representing you throughout your case. The potential penalties upon conviction can vary, depending in part upon your blood alcohol concentration at the time the officer stopped you.

After an arrest or charge for DUI or impaired driving, the Calgary criminal defence lawyers at Bourdon Defence may be able to help. Our experienced legal team can review all of your available options and help to minimize the disruption to your life.

Legal Limits in Calgary

The law in Calgary limits a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while operating a motor vehicle. If you are found to be drinking and driving with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08—and you are a first-time offender—you can face the following:

  • A three-day driver’s license suspension
  • A three-day vehicle seizure
  • Added costs for impounding and towing your vehicle

If you are a first-time offender with a BAC over .08, you can face criminal charges. If you are ultimately convicted, you can receive a minimum $1,000 fine and/or a one-year driver’s licence suspension. This driver’s licence suspension may be reduced to three months if you take part in the ignition interlock program. An ignition interlock device will not allow your car to start if it detects alcohol on your breath. If you are pulled over for drunk driving and you refuse to blow (i.e., into a breathalyzer device), your driver’s licence will be suspended immediately.

Defences to an Impaired Driving Charge

Even if this is your first DUI or impaired driving charge, a Calgary criminal defence lawyer may still help. First, your lawyer may introduce a legal defence in court on your behalf. For example, your lawyer may be able to argue that the arresting officer violated your Charter rights or that the Breathalyzer equipment used to obtain the reading was not properly calibrated or was not in working order at the time. Finally, your lawyer may be able to argue that the arresting officer did not comply with all of the mandatory policies and procedures at the time of your arrest. A lawyer may also be able to recommend a period of probation or rehabilitation as an alternative to a conviction on your permanent criminal record.

Talk to a Calgary DUI Defence Lawyer Today

Even if you have never faced DUI or impaired driving charges before, a first-time DUI conviction can still result in serious penalties and other personal and legal consequences. If you have been charged with a DUI for the first time, the skilled lawyers at Bourdon Defence can help you determine the best way to move forward and can offer you result-oriented legal representation at all court proceedings—including at your criminal trial. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Calgary DUI defence lawyer, please call us today at (403) 474-4143, or contact us online.