May 23
Why is my License Suspended When I was Charged with a DUI?
In Ontario, as in many other jurisdictions, your driver’s license can be suspended when you are charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offense. The suspension is typically a result of administrative measures taken by the province’s licensing authority, which is the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario (MTO).
The main reason for license suspension following a DUI charge is to ensure public safety and discourage impaired driving. When someone is charged with a DUI, it indicates that they have been driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which poses a significant risk to themselves and others on the road.
License suspension is considered a precautionary measure to protect the public from potentially dangerous drivers. By suspending the license, it restricts the individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle while the legal process takes its course. This suspension is usually separate from any penalties imposed by the criminal justice system for the DUI offense itself.
In Ontario, there are two types of license suspensions related to DUI offenses:
- Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS): This is an immediate and automatic license suspension that takes effect when a driver is charged with an alcohol- or drug-related driving offence (impaired driving, over 80, refusal). The ADLS can result in a license suspension of 90 days, followed by mandatory participation in an alcohol education or treatment program.
- Court-Ordered Suspension: If you are convicted of a DUI offense in court, the judge can impose additional penalties, including a longer license suspension. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, previous convictions, and any aggravating factors.
DUI Lawyer Mississauga
A DUI charge is a serious matter. It is important when facing a DUI charge to choose an experienced Mississauga DUI lawyer. Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh has a roster of experienced Brampton DUI lawyers. Call us at 416-613-0416 to schedule a consultation.
