Starting January 2013, Alberta introduced new legislation under Bill 26 that beings amendments to the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. This new law introduces tougher penalties for drunk driving offenders that include: longer sentences, license and vehicle suspensions, and vehichle seizures. The law is also aggressive toward repeat offenders of impaired driving in Alberta, as well as drivers who have a BAC over .05 . If you have had your licence suspended, your vehicle seized or are facing criminal charges as a result of drinking and driving, Bill 26 is especially relevant to your situation now.
With these new changes to Alberta’s drunk driving laws, the risks are now much higher for drivers found to be impaired. Where a .05 blood alcohol content would receive a 24 hour suspension, drivers now face a 72-hour suspension of their license and vehicle for their first offense. While the legal limit for a criminal offense is still .08 BAC, these penalties are now more severe as well. Now first offenders for impaired driving over .08 BAC will be handed a suspended license, vehicle seizure, and a criminal charge. This may also involve a mandatory interlock program.
Don’t waste time in retaining legal counsel if you have been effected by the changes Bill 26 brings to Alberta’s drunk driving laws. You need to protect your rights, and ability to earn a living. Slaferek Callihoo will critically examine all evidence surrounding your case and create the best strategy for maintaining your innocense. Call us today at 780-809-1059 and take action.
Drinking and driving, or impaired driving, is not your standard traffic violation in Alberta. It is not as simply as just paying a fine and moving on. Aside from the costs of towing and impounding your car, your life will be seriously interrupted with a significant license suspension that will put strain on your family and even hinder your career. Moving your case through the courts can be a long and indefinite timeline until your charges are resolved. A skilled drunk driving lawyer can work with you and the courts in helping you regain your driving privileges, and getting your home life back on track. The sooner you retain legal counsel for this matter, the better are your chances of improving your situation.
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