Your Licence
A conviction brings a mandatory driving prohibition and can affect insurance and licence reinstatement.
Impaired Driving Defence
Impaired Driving & DUI Lawyer
in Toronto
An impaired driving charge can put your licence, your job and your ability to travel at risk, often before you ever see a courtroom.
JT Defence Law represents people charged with impaired operation, Over 80, refusal and drug-impaired driving offences in Toronto and throughout Ontario.
Schedule a Confidential ConsultationWhy Impaired Driving Charges Matter
Impaired driving offences under the Criminal Code carry mandatory minimum penalties, including fines and a driving prohibition, even for a first offence.
In Ontario, a roadside suspension and vehicle impound can also take effect immediately, separate from the criminal case. The stops, tests and breath or blood samples at the heart of these cases are governed by detailed rules, and careful review of how the investigation was conducted is often central to the defence.
Your Livelihood
Many jobs depend on the ability to drive, travel across the border or pass a background check.
Your Record
Impaired driving convictions result in a criminal record with lasting consequences.
Your Rights
Police must follow legal requirements for stops, demands, testing and access to counsel.
What We Do
A careful review of every step of the investigation.
Impaired driving cases are often technical. Disclosure can include officer notes, in-car and booking video, breath instrument records and toxicology reports.
We review that material closely, identify legal and factual issues, and advise you on realistic options, from challenging the evidence at trial to resolution where it is in your interest.
Disclosure Review
Officer notes, video, instrument records and testing timelines.
Charter Issues
Grounds for the stop, demands, right to counsel and timing.
Licence Guidance
Explaining roadside suspensions and how they interact with the criminal case.
Trial Advocacy
Preparing and presenting your defence in court.
Allegations We Defend
Impaired driving allegations
We represent clients facing a range of driving-related allegations under the Criminal Code.
- Impaired operation by alcohol or drugs
- Blood alcohol concentration at or over 80 mg
- Failure or refusal to comply with a demand
- Drug-impaired driving and blood drug concentration offences
- Impaired operation causing bodily harm or death
- Dangerous operation and related driving offences
Our Approach
- 01
Early Consultation
We explain the charge, the immediate licence consequences and what to expect at your first appearance.
- 02
Investigate the Evidence
We obtain and analyze disclosure, including video and breath or blood testing records.
- 03
Advise and Advocate
We give you honest advice on your options and advocate for you in negotiations and at trial.
Our Goal: If you have been charged with an impaired driving offence, early advice can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about impaired driving charges in Ontario.
01 What Is The Difference Between Impaired Driving And Over 80?
Impaired operation means your ability to operate a vehicle was impaired by alcohol or a drug to any degree. Over 80 means having a blood alcohol concentration at or above 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood within two hours of driving. They are separate offences and a person can be charged with both.
02 Can Police Demand A Breath Sample Without Suspecting I Was Drinking?
Under the Criminal Code, police who have lawfully stopped a driver and have an approved screening device with them can demand a roadside breath sample without suspicion. Other demands, such as for an evidentiary breath test or a drug evaluation, require reasonable grounds. Whether a demand was lawful depends on the facts of each case.
03 Is Refusing A Breath Test A Criminal Offence?
Yes. Failing or refusing to comply with a lawful demand without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence and generally carries penalties at least as serious as impaired driving.
04 Is My Roadside Licence Suspension The Same As The Criminal Charge?
No. In Ontario, roadside administrative suspensions and vehicle impoundments are separate from the criminal case and can take effect immediately. A criminal conviction brings its own mandatory driving prohibition.
05 Should I Just Plead Guilty To Get It Over With?
Not before getting legal advice. A plea results in a criminal record and mandatory penalties. A lawyer can review the disclosure and explain whether there are issues worth raising and what your options are.
This page provides general information about Ontario criminal law and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Speak with a lawyer about your specific situation. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Need Immediate Answers?
Speak directly with JT Defence Law about your situation.
Confidential. Experienced. Available.
Speak With
JT Defence Law
If you have been charged with an impaired driving offence, early advice can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
- Impaired operation
- Over 80
- Refusal
- Drug-impaired driving
Proudly representing clients across Toronto and Ontario.
