Apr 30
A conviction for impaired driving (DUI) or excess blood alcohol (Over 80) can have severe legal and personal consequences. If convicted of one of these offences, when you are sentenced by the Court, you may face the following consequences:
- A criminal record;
- A fine;
- A mandatory licence suspension; and
- In some cases, jail time.
The personal consequences for a conviction can also have a substantial impact on individuals found guilty of a DUI or “over 80” offence. These include loss of jobs, insurance rate hikes, travel and immigration issues.
Employment Consequences
A criminal record may have a negative impact on one’s employment. This may result in the loss of a job, the loss of advancement in your current job, or the inability to secure new employment. A criminal record may also have an impact if you belong to a profession as they may require their members to be of good character.
Immigration Consequences
Canada recently passed the Impaired Driving Act, which categorizes impaired driving as “serious criminality.” This means that impaired driving has been added to the list of deportable offences – along with other drug, violent, theft and property crimes. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you may need to speak to an immigration lawyer to seek an opinion to learn the potential impact a conviction may have on your status in Canada.
If you are a frequent traveller to the United States, an impaired driving conviction could complicate this. U.S. border officials are given a great deal of discretion in determining whom they admit into the country. They typically deny entry to anyone with a criminal record.
Insurance Consequences
In addition to a licence suspension, when you are able to drive again, a conviction for impaired driving or “over 80” will have a substantial impact on your insurance rates. This is one of the many collateral consequences a driver faces when they are convicted of a driving offence.
If you or someone you know has been charged with impaired driving or Over 80, contact the lawyers of Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh to assist you.
