- Law Practices
- Criminal Driving Offences
Criminal Driving Offences in Alberta
Criminal Defence Representation
Criminal driving allegations can escalate quickly and carry serious legal, financial, and personal consequences.
White & Jeet Criminal Defence provides strategic representation for individuals facing Criminal Driving charges across Alberta. These cases often involve immediate arrest, vehicle seizure, licence suspension, and restrictive bail conditions, even before any allegation is proven.
Our defence lawyers represent clients throughout Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer, providing disciplined advocacy when liberty, driving privileges, and future opportunities are at stake.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal Driving offences are governed by federal law and prosecuted aggressively in Alberta
- Charges may proceed summarily or by indictment depending on the circumstances
- Penalties can include jail, fines, driving prohibitions, and a permanent criminal record
- Bail conditions often restrict driving, alcohol or drug use, and travel
- Early legal advice can significantly affect bail, evidence, and long-term outcomes
Criminal Defence Representation Across Alberta
Criminal driving charges frequently result in immediate roadside investigations, arrest, and licence suspensions. Police often rely on roadside testing, witness observations, vehicle data, and post-incident reconstruction. Early legal intervention can affect release conditions, challenge police procedure, and ensure evidence is properly scrutinized from the outset.
Understanding Criminal Driving Offences
Criminal driving offences are set out in Part VIII.1 of the Criminal Code. Common allegations include dangerous operation, impaired operation, failure to stop after an accident, and flight from police.
Dangerous driving is governed by section 320.13 of the Criminal Code and focuses on whether the manner of driving was objectively dangerous to the public.
Impaired driving offences fall under section 320.14 of the Criminal Code and include impairment by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, as well as blood-alcohol or drug concentration offences.
Failing to stop at the scene of an accident is addressed under section 320.16 of the Criminal Code, while flight from police is governed by section 320.17 of the Criminal Code.
How We Help
- Review police procedure, roadside testing, and grounds for arrest
- Assess Charter compliance, including detention and right to counsel
- Analyze disclosure, breath or blood testing, and accident reconstruction evidence
- Advocate for bail and seek workable release conditions
- Engage the Crown to pursue withdrawals, reductions, or appropriate resolutions
The Defence Process
- Initial review of the charge, disclosure, and police investigation
- Strategic assessment of legal, evidentiary, and Charter issues
- Court advocacy through bail hearings, applications, and trial proceedings
- Resolution focused on minimizing penalties and protecting long-term consequences
Common Charges & Scenarios
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle under s.320.13 Criminal Code
- Impaired operation of a vehicle under s.320.14 Criminal Code
- Failure to stop after an accident under s.320.16 Criminal Code
- Flight from police under s.320.17 Criminal Code
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my licence immediately?
Administrative and court-ordered suspensions are common, particularly in impaired driving cases.
Can criminal driving charges result in jail?
Yes. Custody is possible, especially where there are prior convictions, injuries, or aggravating factors.
Are these offences hybrid?
Yes. Most criminal driving offences allow the Crown to proceed summarily or by indictment.
Do I need a lawyer for a criminal driving charge?
Given the seriousness of the penalties and long-term impact, early legal representation is strongly advised.
Speak With a Defence Lawyer
If you are facing a Criminal Driving charge, 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