- Law Practices
- DUI / Impaired Driving
Impaired Driving Offences in Alberta
Criminal Defence Representation
Impaired driving allegations can result in immediate roadside penalties, criminal charges, and driving prohibitions, even before a court appearance occurs.
White & Jeet Criminal Defence provides strategic representation for individuals facing Impaired Driving charges across Alberta. These cases often involve roadside investigations, breath or blood testing, Charter considerations, and mandatory minimum penalties that can have lasting effects on employment, travel, and insurance.
Our defence lawyers represent clients throughout Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer, providing disciplined advocacy when liberty, mobility, and future consequences are at stake.
Key Takeaways
- Impaired Driving offences carry mandatory minimum penalties upon conviction
- Charges may arise from alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both
- Roadside procedures and testing must comply with Charter protections
- Convictions can result in driving prohibitions, fines, and jail
- Early legal advice can affect bail, evidence admissibility, and outcomes
Criminal Defence Representation Across Alberta
Impaired driving cases often begin with roadside stops, demands for breath samples, or drug screening tests. Police actions during these early stages are frequently scrutinized in court. Alberta courts treat impaired driving allegations seriously, particularly where aggravating factors such as prior convictions, accidents, or injuries are alleged. Early legal intervention can shape release conditions, testing challenges, and the overall trajectory of the case.
Understanding Impaired Driving Offences
Impaired driving offences are governed by section 320.14 of the Criminal Code. This section addresses operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, as well as operating with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit.
Related offences include refusing to comply with a lawful demand under section 320.15 and impaired driving causing bodily harm or death under section 320.14(2)–(3). Penalties increase significantly where aggravating circumstances are alleged.
Many impaired driving cases involve legal issues surrounding traffic stops, timing of breath demands, operation of testing devices, and access to legal counsel. These issues can be central to how evidence is assessed by the court.
How We Help
- Examine roadside stops and police grounds for detention
- Review breath or blood testing procedures and device compliance
- Assess Charter issues related to delay, demand timing, and counsel access
- Advocate for bail and manageable release conditions
- Engage the Crown to pursue appropriate resolutions where available
The Defence Process
- Initial review of the investigation, testing, and disclosure
- Strategic assessment of Charter and evidentiary challenges
- Court advocacy through bail hearings, applications, and trial
- Resolution focused on minimizing penalties and long-term impact
Common Charges & Scenarios
- Operating a vehicle while impaired under s.320.14 Criminal Code
- Operating with blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit under s.320.14 Criminal Code
- Refusal to comply with a demand under s.320.15 Criminal Code
- Impaired driving causing bodily harm or death under s.320.14(2)–(3) Criminal Code
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my licence immediately?
Administrative suspensions often occur at the roadside, separate from the criminal case.
Are jail sentences mandatory?
Mandatory minimum penalties apply upon conviction, with increased consequences for repeat offences.
Can impaired driving charges be defended?
Yes. Many cases turn on procedural compliance, testing reliability, and Charter protections.
Will this affect my ability to travel?
A conviction can impact international travel, particularly to the United States.
Speak With a Defence Lawyer
If you are facing Impaired Driving offences, early legal guidance matters. Contact the 24/7 Help Line. Confidential. No obligation.
Request a Free Consultation
Confidential. No obligation. If this is urgent, call our 24/7 Help Line.
Your Life. Your Reputation. Your Defence.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Alberta
Focused defence across a wide range of criminal charges in Alberta.
White & Jeet Criminal Defence represents clients facing complex and high-stakes criminal matters at every stage of the process, from first appearance through trial and appeal. We regularly defend serious violent allegations, drug and controlled substance offences, and financially or legally complex charges across Alberta.
Each case is approached with careful preparation, practical strategy, and a clear understanding of what is at stake. If your matter is urgent, call our 24/7 Help Line. Confidential. No obligation.
Violent & Serious
Criminal Charges
Drug & Controlled
Substance Offences
Financial & Complex Criminal Matters
Your Freedom is Our Priority
Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyers
Being charged with a criminal offence is a serious matter. Your liberty, reputation, and future may be at stake. Before you speak to anyone, you have the right to consult with counsel.
White & Jeet Criminal Defence is a team of criminal defence lawyers with offices in Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer, representing clients across Alberta.
We provide disciplined legal representation, clear and practical advice, and steady advocacy when the consequences are serious and the stakes are high.
Speak to a Lawyer for Free
Experienced legal representation you can rely on when your rights, freedom, and future are at stake.
Request a Free Consultation
Confidential. No obligation. If this is urgent, call our 24/7 Help Line.
Defending Across Alberta
Our Office Locations
Lethbridge, AB
Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB, T2E 7H7
Medicine Hat, AB
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0H5
Red Deer, AB
Red Deer, AB, T4N 6X2