Home / DUI & Impaired Driving Lawyer
Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future
Overview
Being charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can have immediate and lasting consequences: license suspension, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, and even jail time. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we understand how serious these charges are and how they can impact your future. Office in Aurora, we specialize in DUI defence throughout Southern Ontario, offering personalized, strategic representation tailored to your case.
If you’ve been charged with impaired driving, Over 80, or refusal to provide a breath sample, contact Sanctuary Lawyers immediately for a free consultation. Time is critical when defending these cases.
Understanding
In Ontario, “DUI” generally refers to impaired operation of a motor vehicle by alcohol or drugs under the Criminal Code. Consequences can include licence suspensions, fines, ignition interlock requirements, and a criminal record. Early legal advice helps protect your rights and improves your chances of a better outcome.
Understanding
On June 21, 2018, significant changes to Canada's impaired driving laws came into effect, making DUI offences much harder to defend. Police now have expanded powers to demand breath samples, and the "within two hours of driving" rule means that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can be measured after driving and still form the basis of a charge. Technical legal arguments have become essential to mounting a successful defence.
The 2018 legal reforms increased both minimum fines and maximum penalties for DUI offences:
Higher BAC levels lead to more severe penalties, and second or third offences carry mandatory jail sentences and long-term license suspensions.
The Supreme Court decision in R v Gubbins limited the disclosure defence lawyers can request about breathalyzer and blood alcohol testing devices. Navigating these technical challenges now requires experienced legal representation.
Practice
Whether alcohol or drug-related, we defend charges based on alleged impaired operation.
We challenge the accuracy of BAC testing, the validity of the demand, and procedural errors.
Refusing a test leads to automatic penalties, but Charter violations and improper police procedures can form the basis of a defence.
Cannabis and prescription drug impairment charges require technical, evidence-based defence strategies.
Ontario enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 and those with G1/G2 licenses. We defend youth facing serious penalties for any detectable level of alcohol or drugs.
Our Difference
With more than 10 years’ experience defending DUI and Over 80 charges, we know the complexities of impaired driving law inside and out.
Our team is well-versed in the evolving legal landscape, including navigating technical defences after the 2018 law changes and Gubbins.
Beyond legal defence, we guide clients toward rehabilitation programs, therapy services, employment support, and education pathways. We don’t just fight charges—we help rebuild futures.
You’ll have direct access to your lawyer, regular updates, and 24/7 support for urgent questions.
Step by Step
We assess your case, explain the charges, and outline your legal options.
We scrutinize police reports, breathalyzer calibration records, and all evidence for procedural errors and Charter violations.
We craft a defence tailored to your circumstances, whether through negotiation or trial.
Our experienced trial lawyers advocate for reduced charges, alternative resolutions, or full acquittal.
Where appropriate, we connect clients with support services to aid in recovery and reintegration.
Transparent
Sanctuary Lawyers offers flexible and transparent fee options for DUI cases. We believe cost should never be a barrier to a strong defence.
We typically offer a single block fee that covers all legal services related to your DUI case. This ensures cost predictability with no surprise charges, regardless of the complexity or length of your case.
For clients facing financial hardship, we offer payment plan options. This allows you to focus on your defence without the stress of upfront legal costs.
If you only require assistance for a particular stage of your DUI case—such as a bail hearing or trial—we provide specific retainers tailored to your needs.
Answers
Clients often have urgent questions when facing DUI charges. Here are some of the most common we answer:
Penalties include license suspension, heavy fines, ignition interlock installation, and potential jail time. For repeat offences, penalties increase significantly.
Yes. Defences include challenging police procedures, breathalyzer accuracy, unlawful stops, or Charter violations.
Most DUI cases take several months to over a year. We provide a realistic timeline during your consultation.
A DUI conviction can severely impact certain professions, especially those requiring driving. Immediate action and experienced defence are crucial.
It’s possible, depending on the circumstances. Sanctuary Lawyers works to explore every option to minimize long-term consequences.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with impaired driving, Over 80, or refusal, don't wait. Contact Sanctuary Lawyers immediately for a free consultation. We are ready to protect your rights, challenge your charges, and fight for your future. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we don’t just defend cases—we help rebuild lives.
Southern Ontario
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