Third Offence DUI In Edmonton

If this is your third DUI offence in Alberta, you need our help. Registering over .08 BAC on three separate occasions is a repeat criminal code offence which will result in irrevocable life style changes if you don’t retain our help. A third DUI offence carries the heaviest penalties under Alberta impaired driving laws. This criminal offence must not be handled carelessly, nor defended without good legal guidance.

The impaired driving defence team at Slaferek Callihoo has an strong reputation for successfully and aggressively defending impaired driving charges. We can help you mitigate your dire legal situation.

Impaired Driving in Alberta

A DUI charge may be not necessarily be caused by drunk driving. Impaired driving arrests often involve drinking and driving but a driver may be subject to impaired driving charges when a law enforcement officer suspects that a substance, chemical, or condition has impairing the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. DUI arrests in Alberta can be extended to include illegal drugs or even legal prescription medications.

Penalties for a Third Offense DUI

A third impaired driving conviction will invariably result in large fines and jail time without our help. You can expect a criminal record, the loss of your driver’s license, impound fees, a fine or jail sentence, and increased insurance costs. Fighting your impaired driving charge is your only option.

Fines and Imprisonment for Impaired Driving in Alberta

Minimum Penalties:

• 1st offence – Fine $1000.
• 2nd offence – 30 days in jail.
• 3rd (or greater) offence – 120 days in jail.

Suspension guidelines are based on Alberta’s provincial regulations:

• 1st offence – 1 year suspension.
• 2nd offence – 3 years if last conviction was within 10 years.
• 3rd or more offence – 5 years.

Ignition Interlock Suspension Reductions:

It is possible that if you are approved for the Ignition Interlock program you can receive a reduction in driving suspensions with a BAC monitoring device installed in your vehicle.

• 1st offence – a reduction as low as 3 months.
• 2nd offence – a reduction as low as 6 months.
• 3rd and subsequent offences – a reduction as low as 12 months.

You will normally be facing a substantial amount of time in custody if you have two prior convictions. The length of the jail sentence will depend on these prior convictions, other entries on the criminal record, and the dates of the convictions.The impaired driving lawyers at Slaferek Callihoo can help you defend the charges or reduce the sentence.

Depending on the time it takes to resolve criminal charges you may be facing what amounts to an indefinite license suspension. In such a scenario, driving privileges may be withheld beyond the length of the sentence imposed in court until such time as the Registrar no longer considers you to be a risk.

Can I Refuse the Breathalyzer?

Yes. But the officer will likely assume the worst about your current condition. You will have a limited defence to their subjective judgment of your state and ability to operate a motor vehicle. Your driver’s license may be suspended or cancelled if you’re stopped by law enforcement and you fail to comply with a demand, for example refusing a breath test or Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST).