A Calgary DUI Lawyer's Tips for 2016
We're just a few weeks into the new year, but the Calgary Police aren't wasting any time making arrests for DUIs or impaired driving. These arrests can come with serious repercussions even before a trial let alone a conviction, license suspensions and vehicle seizures are automatic penalties for many Calgary DUI arrests, and law enforcement throughout Alberta is becoming more aggressive in their detections and pursuit of impaired drivers.
As I've explained many times on this blog, these newer and more aggressive approaches are not just a matter of law enforcement zealousness, nor is this trend limited to Calgary. The above-mentioned automatic penalties are part of legislation that went into effect throughout Alberta in 2012. In addition to imposing immediate vehicle seizures for anyone charged with impaired driving with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .05 or higher, it also requires the immediate suspension of a driver's license if they are determined to have a BAC of .08 or higher.
An impaired driving charge involving a BAC of .08 or greater is also now a criminal charge in the province of Alberta, rather than an infraction, and can be punished by significant fines and even jail time.
With all of this in mind here are a few tips to keep in mind this year, from one of Calgary's leading DUI lawyers to you.
Always Follow Lawful Instructions From Calgary Police
The Calgary Policies and other law enforcement officers are fully within their rights to pull drivers over for infractions or driving they perceive as erratic or reckless. They can also require you to perform roadside sobriety tests and provide a breath sample for BAC analysis. Failure to do so can result in a criminal charge in and of itself, whether or not you are in fact impaired.
Do yourself a favor and comply with these law enforcement requests. It will only help your case in the Calgary courts.
Calgary DUIs Cover More Than Just Drunk Driving
While the majority of impaired driving offences in Calgary involve drivers with a BAC over the legal limit, driving while impaired by other substances, including marijuana, cocaine, other controlled substances, and even legally prescribed pharmaceuticals, is also illegal. If your thinking, judgement, reaction time, or coordination have been at all impaired, or if you have ingested anything that has the potential to cause these effects, keep everyone safe and stay out of the driver's seat.
Call a Calgary DUI Lawyer at the Earliest Opportunity
While you are required by law to comply with law enforcement requests to perform roadside sobriety tests and submit to a breathalyzer, you are not required to answer any other questions beyond identifying yourself. In fact, the Calgary Police are required to provide you with the opportunity to contact a defence lawyer before they question you.
Take advantage of this opportunity and of your right to professional legal assistance.
The sooner you have a DUI defence lawyer by your side, the easier it will be to put this ordeal behind you quickly and completely. For a no obligation consultation with Calgary DUI defence lawyer Susan Karpa, contact her office today.