Lawyer specialises in impaired driving (alcohol)

Drinking and Driving

Are you facing drunk driving charges? Our experienced team of attorneys know how to handle the situation and defend your driving record. Although this type of charge may seem alarming at first glance, it is always important to consider your blood alcohol level at the time of the incident as well as the consequences that have occurred while impaired driving (accident, injury, death, material dammage, etc.).

Our lawyers always go over every detail of your case in order to reveal all the pieces of evidence that may work in your favour!

Possible Defences in Case of Drunk Driving

When it comes to drinking and driving, police officers have several duties and obligations to respect regarding the interception of the vehicle, the symptoms observed, the arrest of the individual, the taking of breath or blood samples, and certain delays during the intervention.

The qualified criminal lawyers at Riendeau Avocats will ensure that all the duties and obligations of the police officers have been respected and that all the elements necessary for the evaluation have been transmitted by the Crown Attorney during the appearance.

If this is not the case, we will act accordingly to obtain the disclosure of the missing evidence.

A defence based on the proper operation or use of the breathalyser

In some cases, it is also possible to present a defence that challenges the proper functioning of the breathalyzer used to measure your blood alcohol level. This defence is more complex, as it often requires the intervention of an expert, in addition to the defence lawyer. This is why it is essential to consult one of our criminal lawyers. Not only we will build the best defence case for you but will also accompany you throughout the judicial proceedings.

Refusing to comply with a blood alcohol test: A Criminal Offence

When you refuse to take a breathalyzer test or a blood sample, you are committing the offence of resisting arrest.

You are mistaken to think that you have no chance of being acquitted. At Riendeau Avocats, every case is worth being investigated, and we will evaluate your chances of success at trial in order to guarantee you the best possible defence.

Care or Control of a Vehicle

Many people hold erroneous beliefs with regards to the care or control infraction, notably to be sitting in a vehicle when impaired while the engine is turned off. The law has recently clarified the elements to consider in order to declare a person guilty of having the care or control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or a drug.

Consult a lawyer qualified in the field in order to find out your chances of being acquitted of such an offense.

Penalties for drinking and driving

The consequences of drinking and driving charges vary depending on whether it is a general charge of impaired driving, a blood alcohol level charge or a refusal to comply charge. It is also important to understand that the minimum penalties imposed by the Criminal Code are different from what will be imposed by the SAAQ.

For more information on the consequences of drunk driving charges, call our experienced lawyers.