Drinking & Driving
Impaired or drunk driving is a serious offence, which may have critical effects on your driving record as well as your insurance rates and may impede you for life because of a criminal record.
When would be the most practical time to retain a lawyer?
If you have been charged with impaired driving it is wise to seek legal advice. Very often there is the concern of the cost and time which may follow when retaining a lawyer. When you balance the two you will find that, seeking legal advice is the most cost efficient and elaborate way to handle such a charge. In doing so, you may be able to avoid the following:
- Drivers license suspension for a minimum of 1 year and up to 3 years;
- You may lose your job if you are unable to drive;
- You face a severe change in your lifestyle if you are unable to drive;
- You will have a criminal record which can prevent you from travelling to the U.S.A.;
- In Ontario, persons convicted of drinking and driving offences must complete a remedial program at a cost of $578 plus HST before license reinstatement;
- Anyone convicted in Ontario of a drinking and driving offence, must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle once their driving privileges are restored. Before starting the car, the driver will have to blow into the device. If an impermissible level of alcohol is detected, the car will not start;
- You may face fines ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 Dollars;
- You may have to retake the test for G1, G2 and G license certification.
Insurance and other Implications
Drivers who drink and drive are considered to be High Risk drivers to insurance companies, and their insurance falls under Facility Rating. Facility Rated insurance premiums can range between 6,000 to 12,000 dollars per year, for up to five years. If however, the incident includes a motor vehicle accident, insurance companies may refuse to pay for any damages that may have incurred to the accuser’s motor vehicle.
*Any insurance policy will be void whereupon the vehicle was found to be used in relation to an illegal act.*
If the driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident and was charged with a drinking and driving offence, the insurance company will not be responsible for any damages, nor will they pay any claims for damages. The insurance company may have the option of suing the accused for any claims made to them for damages made to the other person's vehicle or any property damage due to the accident.
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