If you are arrested for impaired driving in Winnipeg or anywhere in Canada, the first thing to do is contact a criminal lawyer immediately. This will help protect your rights and ensure that a proper defense is developed. Your legal counsel will be able to review the evidence and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances of your case, they may even be able to get the charges stayed or withdrawn.
The law in this area is complex, and the penalties for a DUI conviction are severe. Aside from lengthy license suspensions and fines, a criminal record will hinder your job prospects, housing applications, and travel plans in the future. For this reason, it is always a good idea to hire the best possible DUI lawyer in Winnipeg.
When choosing a lawyer, look for one that specializes in criminal defence and has experience handling DUI cases. It is also important to consider your budget. A good attorney will be able to work with you to find a fee structure that suits your needs. You should also ask for references so that you can see how other clients have worked with the attorney in the past.
The criminal defence attorney you choose should be a good communicator and be able to explain the laws of DUIs in your province. Moreover, the lawyer should be willing to take the time necessary to fully examine and investigate your case. This is essential because the more information your lawyer has, the better they will be able to defend you.
If your case involves alcohol, you can be charged with impaired driving (Canada’s equivalent of a DUI) if the police officer suspects that your ability to operate the vehicle has been impaired by alcohol or drugs to any degree. This is regardless of whether you register a warning or fail reading on the approved breathalyzer. In addition, the RCMP can also issue immediate roadside sanctions, such as a driving ban, if you are over 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood.
An experienced DUI Lawyer in Winnipeg will be able to provide you with guidance and advice about the best way to deal with your situation. For example, he or she will be able to inform you about whether or not there are any programs available to allow you to drive earlier with a screening device. In some cases, a DUI lawyer can persuade the Crown to agree to this option.
As an added bonus, a professional criminal defence lawyer will be familiar with the rules and regulations of DUIs in your province and can advise you on your options regarding plea bargaining or trial. This can be especially helpful if you are facing charges for a second or third offense.