Penalties for DUI in Ontario
Driving under the influence (DUI) charge, as well as driving while impaired (DWI), are considered criminal offences and fall under the Criminal Code in Ontario. Thus, they have serious consequences, including, but not limited to:
Luckily, Jonathan Lapid has over 25 years of DUI defence in Mississauga. He will thoroughly investigate the details of your case to build a strong defence strategy. Jonathan is the best DUI lawyer in Mississauga to represent you in court, and he will do everything he can to reduce the consequences or, if possible, drop them completely.
Read About Our Many Successful DUI Cases
Do you live in Mississauga? Have you been charged with a DUI or an impaired driving charge? I’ve gotten hundreds of clients acquitted, and I’ll do the same for you. My work has set the precedent for cases time and time again. I’ve been interviewed by high tier networks, and am the first to be called when an expert legal opinion is needed.
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Different Types of Mississauga Impaired Driving Charges Jonathan Lapid Helps to Defend From
Do Not Fight Alone
What is a DUI?
To put it simply, if you are to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (or drugs), you will be charged with a DUI or an impaired driving charge. Motor vehicles include:
- Cars
- Boats
- Motorcycles
- Electric scooters
- Motorcycles
To sum up, anything that doesn’t require muscular power alone can land you a DUI charge. Regardless of whether or not you’ve committed an impaired driving infraction for the first time, the second time, or even a third time, the consequences will be harsh.
And they can be even harsher if there was a DUI accident. When under the influence of alcohol and operating a motor vehicle, you’re deemed to be a danger to the public, and that is something no judge or jury will ever take lightly.
Over 80 Charge
If you’re caught with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.08 or more, you will be charged with a DUI. This is a criminal offence. It is important to note that even if you do not have a BAC of 0.08, you can still be charged with an impaired driving offense. Things like open alcohol in the vehicle, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and even the smell of alcohol can land you with an impaired driving charge.
Refusal to Provide a Breath Sample in Mississauga
Refusing or failing to provide a sobriety test can bring criminal charges against you. Never do this. Always comply with the officer’s request. You may also be charged with an impaired driving offense, despite refusing the sobriety test, if you display signs such as bloodshot eyes or slurred speech.
Have You Been Charged With a DUI in Mississauga For Your First Time?
Now, everyone who’s charged with a DUI typically responds in the same way. You may feel tremendously anxious, scared, and even terrified at times. Perhaps you’re panicking and can’t figure out how to stop.
This is normal because this charge may be what grabs the roots of your life and gives them a sharp tug. You don’t want that to happen, and frankly, neither do we. Fortunately for you, and of course your sanity, Jonathan Lapid has your back.
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The Advantages of Speaking with
Jonathan Lapid DUI Lawyer
Jonathan Lapid - DUI Industry Leader
“When I was growing up, my peers were constantly stressing about what they
wanted to become. They didn’t know whether or not they’d become doctors, flight attendants, or accountants. Frankly, I had no such problem. I knew my destiny since childhood. Law is my calling card. However, to say I knew exactly what I wanted to fight for within the law would be to lie. I didn’t know, but fortunately for me — and for the tremendous number of clients I’ve defended — DUI law stumbled across my path.”
With over 25 years of experience defending people who’ve been charged with a DUI or an impaired driving offense, Jonathan Lapid is an advocate among all lawyers. His track record is one that the majority of Ontario’s lawyers are envious of, and boasts a high-quality tier of clients. Lapid has notably represented:
- Police officers
- Other lawyers
- NHL players
- Doctors
- And even Olympic athletes
He is known for his outstanding ability to use the law to his benefit and fight even the most hopeless cases. Need an outstanding DUI lawyer that puts your needs before his own? Call Jonathan Lapid today.
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DUI Cases in Mississauga and Around
- Client charged with IMPAIRED OPERATION & OVER 80 after being stopped by Police. Defence challenged the reliability of the breathalyzer calibration logs. After multiple disclosure requests, Crown agreed to WITHDRAW BOTH CHARGES, and client resolved to a minor Highway Traffic Act offence.
Bracebridge, Ontario Court of Justice - Client charged with FAILURE TO STOP AFTER ACCIDENT and DANGEROUS OPERATION near Port Credit. Defence attacked the identification evidence and inconsistencies in the Peel Police witness statements. Just prior to trial, Crown agreed to WITHDRAW ALL CRIMINAL CHARGES, client pled to a reduced HTA offence.
Brampton, Ontario Court of Justice. - Client charged with IMPAIRED BY DRUG after RIDE stop by Peel Police RIDE Unit. Defence obtained toxicology expert report undermining the Drug Recognition Evaluators’ findings. Crown agreed to WITHDRAW IMPAIRED BY DRUG, client resolved to careless driving.
Brampton, Ontario Court of Justice. - Client charged with REFUSE BREATH SAMPLE at a traffic stop. Defence filed charter motion alleging violation of right to counsel. Trial judge granted motion and the CHARGE WAS DISMISSED.
Newmarket Provincial Court - Client charged with OVER 80 after collision. Defence cross-examined the Peel Police breath technician and exposed inconsistencies in breath sample collection timing. Crown withdrew the charge prior to trial.
Brampton Provincial Court. - Client charged with IMPAIRED OPERATION BY ALCOHOL & CARE AND CONTROL. Defence advanced a “no care and control” argument supported by GPS and vehicle-position evidence. Crown agreed to WITHDRAW BOTH CHARGES after pre-trial discussions.
Brampton Provincial Court. - Client charged with REFUSE ROADSIDE SAMPLE following stop by Police. Defence established that police lacked reasonable suspicion to demand a breath sample. Judge ruled evidence inadmissible. CHARGE DISMISSED AT TRIAL.
Guelph Provincial Court. - Client charged with OPERATE MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE IMPAIRED and OVER 80 after being arrested. Defence filed Charter application for unlawful detention and breaches of right to counsel. After reviewing defence materials, Crown WITHDREW BOTH CHARGES, client resolved to a minor HTA offence.
Brampton Provincial Court.
FAQs - DUI Mississauga Lawyer
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What happens if I’m charged with a DUI in Mississauga?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in Mississauga falls under the Criminal Code of Canada and has a variety of severe consequences, including, but not limited to:
- Immediate license suspension;
- Vehicle impoundment;
- Potential criminal charges (including a criminal record);
- Fines;
- Increased insurance rates;
- And even jail time for repeat offenders.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you should contact an experienced Mississauga DUI lawyer immediately to protect your rights and explore possible defences.
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What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest in Mississauga?
As was previously mentioned, the best thing you can do after being charged with a DUI is to search “DUI legal help near me” and contact a professional DUI lawyer in Mississauga right away. To do so, try to remain calm and avoid making self-incriminating statements. If you succeed in these two steps and act quickly, you’ll make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer can come to you right after the call and start reviewing your arrest details to make sure your rights were not violated. After that, a DUI lawyer will guide you through the next legal steps and may help you reduce or dismiss your DUI charges. -
What are the penalties for a DUI conviction?
Impaired driving punishment in Mississauga varies based on the severity of the offence and whether it’s a first or repeat conviction. Generally, penalties include:
- License suspension for at least one year;
- Mandatory participation in an education or treatment program;
- Possible jail time for repeat or aggravated offences.
These penalties can escalate if there was an accident, injury, or refusal to provide a breath sample. As for the penalties for a first-time DUI in Mississauga, Ontario, you may face:
- A minimum fine of $1,000;
- Immediate 90-day license suspension;
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for at least one year.
Repeat offences carry harsher penalties, as well, including longer suspensions and possible jail time. A Mississauga DUI defence lawyer can help you understand your rights and build the strongest possible case to mitigate or drop the charges completely.
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Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Mississauga?
Technically, you can refuse a breathalyzer or roadside screening test in Mississauga. However, we don’t advise you to do so, as refusal is a serious offence with the same penalties as a DUI conviction. Police officers are legally authorized to demand a sample. Thus, if you refuse a breathalyzer test, you violate the law. This can lead to automatic suspension, heavy fines, and criminal charges. Before you refuse or say something that can jeopardize your defence strategy, it’s better to contact a DUI attorney.
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How long does a DUI stay on your record in Ontario?
Even if we won’t exaggerate, a DUI conviction in Ontario, including Mississauga, results in a criminal record that can stay with you permanently unless a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) is granted. Consequently, it can further complicate employment, travel, and professional licensing. Even if you appeal for criminal record removal in Canada, your driving record will reflect the offence for at least three years for insurance purposes, which can lead to significantly higher premiums.
However, if your lawyer successfully defends or reduces your charges, you can avoid these long-term consequences. That’s why hiring an experienced DUI lawyer to fight DUI charges in Mississauga is essential right from the start to avoid being criminally charged in the first place.
Furthermore, a DUI / DWI lawyer can often negotiate to reduce charges, challenge the evidence against you, and avoid a DUI criminal record in Ontario. In some cases, procedural errors, unreliable breathalyzer readings, or rights violations lead to a withdrawal or dismissal of charges.
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How can a DUI lawyer help me, and how do I choose one?
A qualified DUI lawyer will analyze every detail of your case to identify legal flaws or violations of your rights to beat a DUI charge. Common DUI defences include:
- Improper police procedures;
- Inaccurate or faulty breathalyzer tests;
- Violations of Charter rights;
- Lack of reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop.
A knowledgeable impaired driving lawyer in Mississauga can use these issues to create the best DUI defence and fight your DUI charge effectively. To choose a DUI lawyer who will combine empathy with an efficient strategy and help you reduce or dismiss the charges, you should pay attention to:
- Proven experience in DUI and impaired driving cases;
- A strong track record of case dismissals or charge reductions;
- Clear communication and transparent fees;
- Familiarity with the local Mississauga courts, Crown prosecutors, and legal procedures.
With Jonathan Lapid, you can schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and review your options honestly and transparently. An expert impaired driving lawyer will stand by your side, protecting your driving privileges and minimizing penalties.
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How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Mississauga?
DUI lawyer fees vary, based on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and whether the case goes to trial. Typically, the baseline cost of an impaired driving lawyer is $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
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Can I still drive after a DUI charge in Mississauga?
The short answer is no, as after being charged with a DUI, your driver’s license is typically suspended for 90 days under Ontario’s administrative law. Don’t even think about driving while suspended. It leads to severe penalties. However, depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may help you apply for an Ignition Interlock program or challenge the suspension.
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How to beat a DUI charge in Mississauga?
The answer depends on the circumstances of your case. Each client is unique, so are their needs. As a skilled DUI lawyer in Mississauga, Jonathan Lapid will carefully review everything related to the charges you've been arrested for and develop the strongest defence strategy possible.
One way to defend against DUI-related charges is to question the evidence. The Crown has the burden of proof, and if there are any problems with legal procedures or evidence, they won't push the case they can't win. Contact us today and get a free case assessment.