Impaired operation
We help clients review allegations that alcohol, drugs, or a combination affected the ability to operate a vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other conveyance.
Criminal Law Service
Impaired Driving (DUI)
Impaired driving charges can affect driving privileges, employment, insurance, immigration, and daily life. Sawan Law House LLP helps clients review the stop, testing process, disclosure, licence consequences, and defence options.
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Impaired driving charges can disrupt daily life immediately. A person may face licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, court dates, employment concerns, insurance consequences, and anxiety about a criminal record.
Sawan Law House LLP helps clients review impaired driving, over 80, and refusal allegations with attention to the details that matter. We examine the stop, roadside demand, testing process, officer observations, timing, video, right-to-counsel issues, and disclosure before advising on options.
These cases are technical. Small details about timing, procedure, grounds for a demand, access to counsel, testing records, or officer observations may affect the strength of the Crown’s case. The right approach depends on the evidence.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Criminal and driving-related consequences can be serious and time-sensitive. You should speak with a lawyer before missing court, driving while suspended, speaking to police, or making decisions about your case.
How We Help
Focused support for each stage of your matter.
Over 80 allegations
We assist with cases involving blood alcohol concentration allegations and the records connected to breath testing and approved screening devices.
Refusal allegations
Refusal or failure to comply with a valid demand can carry serious consequences. We review the demand, timing, communication, and surrounding facts.
Roadside and station evidence
We review stop grounds, observations, test records, officer notes, video, timing, calibration records, and Charter issues.
Licence and vehicle consequences
Impaired driving can create immediate and long-term driving consequences. We help clients understand the criminal and administrative pieces.
Resolution and trial strategy
We advise on Crown discussions, disclosure issues, plea risks, trial defences, and collateral consequences before decisions are made.
Our Process
A clear path from first conversation to next steps.
1
Review immediate consequences
We look at the charge documents, licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, court date, and release conditions.
2
Analyze disclosure
We review officer notes, breath or drug testing records, video, timelines, demands, certificates, and police observations.
3
Identify legal issues
We assess stop authority, demand validity, timing, right to counsel, testing process, Charter concerns, and proof of impairment or concentration.
4
Plan the defence
We help clients understand resolution options, trial issues, driving consequences, and next steps in court.
What To Prepare
Helpful documents for your consultation.
You do not need to have everything ready before contacting us, but these items can help us understand your situation faster.
- Appearance notice, summons, undertaking, release order, and court date
- Licence suspension paperwork, impound records, and vehicle release documents
- Disclosure package, officer notes, breath test records, certificates, and video
- Timeline of the stop, roadside demand, station testing, and right-to-counsel events
- Employment documents if driving is required for work
- Immigration, travel, insurance, or professional licensing documents if relevant
Common Questions
Impaired driving questions clients often ask.
Is impaired driving only about alcohol?
No. Impaired driving can involve alcohol, drugs, or both. The allegation and evidence determine the issues in the case.
Is refusing a breath sample a separate charge?
Yes. Refusal or failure to comply with a valid demand can be charged separately and can carry serious consequences.
Should I plead guilty just to get it over with?
Get legal advice first. A conviction can affect driving, employment, insurance, travel, immigration, and future record checks.