The province of Ontario is getting tough on drunk drivers. Every year, approximately 35,000 drivers have their licenses under suspension as the result of Criminal Code convictions. It is estimated that roughly three quarters of these convictions are for impaired driving offences. Ontario now has in place some of the toughest laws and programs in North America to combat the problem of drinking and driving. Anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit of .08 will have their driver's licence immediately suspended for 90 days under the Highway Traffic Act. The suspension is automatic and occurs even before a person is tried and convicted. The consequences of an impaired driving Criminal Code conviction are even more serious. An individual that is convicted will be faced with substantial fines, possible vehicle impoundment, mandatory alcohol education and treatment programs, an Ignition Interlock program, increased insurance premiums, an embarrassing and restrictive criminal record and, in repeat cases, jail time. Statistics show that the average drinking and driving case will cost an accused between $20,000 and $30, 000. With so much at stake, it is imperative that anyone charged with an impaired driving offence immediately seek out the best legal representation they can find, in order to fight the charges.



One of the results of Ontario's record number of criminal charges is the number of paralegal and "ticket-buster" companies, employing former police officers, court agents, and insurance investigators that are now offering legal services to individuals with impaired driving charges. These companies are popular because their clients perceive them to be inexpensive. However, while these companies may, in some cases, offer an excellent alternative to obtaining professional counsel for minor matters such as fighting a traffic ticket, they are by no means the best course of defence for someone facing criminal charges. The serious, life-altering consequence of a criminal conviction requires the services of an experienced criminal lawyer to help ensure the most favourable outcome.

Thankfully, there are criminal defence lawyers that specialize in fighting drinking and driving cases. For many, the stress of facing a serious criminal charge like impaired driving can feel insurmountable, especially when a client has had no legal experience with the criminal justice system. There is so much at stake, and when a client first comes to a criminal defence lawyer, they often have many questions that they want answered and are extremely anxious to hear just how their situation will be handled. Perhaps one of the most effective ways professional legal help can benefit those with a drunk driving charge is by working with the client as counsellors and advisors to develop an individual strategy to obtain the best possible outcome. For anyone facing a drunk driving charge, obtaining the services of a good legal team, experienced in impaired driving cases, not only increases the odds of a favourable resolution, it helps relieve some of the stress as well.

While no one condones drinking and driving, most would agree that a person should have their day in court and be found guilty in court before the system jumps to a conclusion and the life of the accused is turned upside down. Convictions often mean the tearing apart of families and potentially limiting the convicted person's ability to generate income to support themselves and their family. Statistically, the majority of drivers have erred at least one time in their driving history with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. While drinking and driving is never a good idea, if you are stopped and charged, you need a lawyer. The legal process is so frightening for those charged that most learn their lesson and never drink and drive again.