EDMONTON • FORT MCMURRAY

Is Impaired Driving a Criminal Offence in Alberta?

Alberta’s Impaired Driving laws changed in the last few years, making them quite different from some other provinces. If you’re wondering if impaired driving is a criminal offence in Alberta, you’re not alone. In this blog, we embark on a comprehensive exploration, shedding light on the various impaired driving offences, the nuanced distinctions between them, and the far-reaching legal implications. Join us as we unravel the complexities of impaired driving laws in Alberta. Types of Impaired Driving Offences in Alberta Alberta has several levels of impaired driving offences. Ranging from administrative penalties under the Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) program to

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Drunk Driving and the Holiday Season

Appealing an Immediate Roadside Sanction During the Holidays During the holiday season, it’s crucial to be aware of the legal ramifications associated with impaired driving. The holiday season historically leads to a large increase in impaired driving charges and penalties, and in Alberta the Immediate Roadside Sanction program can add an extra layer of difficulty as the you only have seven days to appeal any IRS Notice of Administrative Penalty.This quick requirement to appeal IRS administrative penalties is difficult enough without the added stress of the holiday season, so it’s important to know what to do if you are charged

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What is SafeRoads Alberta?

SafeRoads Alberta is a provincial administrative system that reviews appeals to Notices of Administrative Penalties under the new Alberta DUI system. Through SafeRoads Alberta, you can pay your fine, request additional time to pay your fine, dispute vehicle seizure, request a review of the penalty, and appeal the administrative penalty altogether. However, under SafeRoads Alberta you only have seven days to appeal an IRS administrative penalty. What is SafeRoads Alberta? SafeRoads Alberta was established in December 2020, coinciding with the implementation of a new impaired driving enforcement system in the province. The genesis of SafeRoads Alberta can be traced back

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How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?

When it comes to criminal offences, a common question is “How long does a DUI stay on your record?”. Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as driving while impaired (DWI), is a serious offence that can have lasting consequences on your criminal record. In Alberta, not all impaired driving charges lead to a criminal record; however, if you have received multiple IRS: FAIL administrative penalties, or if there are other aggravating circumstances, you may be charged with a criminal offence. Read on for the details of how long a DUI stays on your record in Canada and what it

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What is a DUI Lawyer?

Are you looking for a DUI lawyer? If you have been given an IRS penalty or charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it’s important you receive representation from an experienced DUI lawyer. If you’re in need of a DUI Lawyer, this blog will cover everything you need to know! Criminal Defence Lawyer vs. DUI lawyer? As a criminal defence lawyer you work in all aspects of criminal law, defending those who are accused of criminal acts. DUI lawyers are criminal defence lawyers who have experience working with cases related to DUIs. All DUI lawyers are criminal

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Do You Need a Lawyer for a DUI?

Do you need a lawyer for a DUI? If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence or received Notice of Administrative Penalty in Alberta, you are likely weighing the pros and cons for hiring a lawyer.

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New Impaired Driving Laws In Alberta

There are new impaired driving laws in Alberta that will vastly impact how DUIs and Impaired Driving infractions in Alberta will be dealt with. The law predominantly effects first-time offenders, and it changes the way impaired driving law in Alberta lays Criminal Charges. On December 1st, 2020, the Government of Alberta put into practice a new system for dealing with most Impaired Driving charges.  These changes are largely contained within Bill 21 and are now in place. This change represents a radical revision to the way impaired driving laws have worked for decades.  Moving forward,  the police will have the

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I Got A DUI. What Do I Do Now?

Getting stopped while driving under the influence can be a scary situation. Everyone makes mistakes, but making the mistake of driving under the influence can be more serious than most other driving charges. What happens if you get a DUI varies based on the situation. If you are found by police to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there are a number of steps you should take to protect yourself. Firstly, what constitutes Driving Under the Influence? What, Exactly, is Driving Under The Influence? Driving under the influence is more accurately described as being impaired by alcohol

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Can I Travel Outside of Canada with a DUI?

Have you been convicted of a DUI in Alberta – or elsewhere in Canada – and are now worried about whether you’ll be able to travel outside of Canada? While it would be nice to hear that there are no limitations on travelling internationally with a DUI, that is simply not the case. Related: The Truth About Impaired Driving Penalties in Alberta Whether you will be permitted entry to another country will depend on that country’s laws surrounding impaired driving charges as well as various other circumstances such as the nature of your offence and how you present your situation

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The Truth About Impaired Driving Penalties in Alberta

The Severity of Impaired Driving Penalties in Alberta When it comes to impaired driving penalties in Alberta, there are two major determining factors to consider. The first; whether it is the offender’s first, second or third impaired driving offence, and the second, is which type of driving license the individual has. Individuals driving with a Graduated Driving License, or GDL, will fall subject to the Zero Tolerance Policy, and may face more severe consequences. When considering whether an offence is the first, second, or third, a period of 10 years is considered. Therefore, if an individual had received an initial DUI

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McGlashan & Company is an Edmonton Criminal Law Firm located just south of Edmonton’s historic Whyte Avenue.

Brian McGlashan has been defending DUI/Impaired Driving charges in Edmonton for over 20+ years.

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