Drunk Driving is Down in Calgary: What That Means for Your DUI Defence (Part 3)
As you read in Part 1 of this article, the number of drunk drivers in Calgary appears to be trending downward, a trend that started taking place after new impaired driving legislation was enacted throughout Alberta in 2012. The rest of Alberta hasn't seen a similar trend, making it fairly clear that the law isn't the real reason for the drop in Calgary DUIs, but what is behind this trend remains a mystery.
Some have suggested that it's a response to increased public awareness campaigns among the city. Calgary Police have been using aggressive (and some would say questionable) tactics to go after those they suspect of drunk driving, and they credit this approach with for at least some of the reduction in observed drunk driving rates.
Whatever the reason, many people in Calgary who have been arrested for drunk driving or charged with a DUI may be wondering, how does this situation affect my defence? Other drivers might be wondering if the rules are going to be relaxed in light of the reduced problem: if the Calgary Police are going to be scaling back their detection efforts and arrests, or if Crown prosecutors working in the Calgary courts are going to be more lenient when it comes to the automatic penalties the law prescribes for those under suspicion of impaired driving.
This Calgary DUI lawyer has the answer, and it might not be the one you want to hear.
Calgary's Drunk Driving Laws are As Tough as Ever
A drop in Calgary's drunk driving rate doesn't mean that the DUI laws have changed, that the punishments will become any less severe, or that law enforcement and court officials will be any less strict in their pursuit of those they suspect, rightly or wrongly, of driving while impaired. In fact, given the Calgary Police's stance on how their efforts have played into the observed decline in Calgary DUIs, it is more likely that their efforts will become even more pervasive and severe.
As I reiterated in Part 1 of this article, and have mentioned many times on this blog, you can be charged with an administrative offence for a BAC (blood alcohol content) over .05, and a criminal DUI charge for a BAC of .08 or higher. You'll likely have your vehicle seized and you license suspended immediately, with the length for each depending on the type of offence and whether or not it's your first DUI arrest or charge. Those charged with a criminal DUI, even for the very first time, can have their licenses suspended from the time of their arrest until their case is finally resolved in court!
Make no mistake: your Calgary DUI defence is no simpler now than it was before. Fortunately you're entitled to professional legal assistance.
Contact YOUR Calgary DUI Lawyer Today
If you've been charged with a DUI, don't delay, get the help you're entitled to! Please contact my office today for a free consultation.