DUI court dates and first appearances in Ontario

If you've been given an Undertaking (Form 10) for operation while impaired, over 80 mgs, or refusal to provide a breath sample, you have been charged and should hire defence counsel now.

Just because you have been charged and your case will go to court does not mean you will be found guilty.

A DUI first appearance court date in Ontario is just the first of many future court dates. You will not be expected to plead guilty or not guilty on your first appearance date. You should hire a lawyer before your first appearance date. Your own privately retained lawyer should be the first person to speak to the Crown about your case (not someone working for the government).

If you hire us to represent you our lawyers will look for problems with your case that may convince the Crown to drop the charges.

DUI charges are sometimes dropped (withdrawn) by the Crown if there are evidentiary problems or significant mitigating factors.

If the Crown refuses to drop the charges, the court may acquit you after hearing evidence from both sides. DUI cases are highly triable and not all accused are ultimately found guilty. Case problems that can help get you off include Charter breaches, improper evidence gathering, other police errors and misconduct.

Sometimes charges are dropped outright because of problems or reduced down to a non-criminal HTA offence (usually careless driving). This guarantees the accused avoids getting a criminal record for the DUI.

Factually guilty does not equal legally guilty. Even if you did drink and drive the Crown may not be able to prove it in court.

A foggy recollection the next day is not a good reason to assume the Crown has a good DUI case against you. Even if you woke up in the hospital after blacking out with an Undertaking in your hand, there may still be problems with the Crown's case that can get you off. Don't ever assume you have no case.

DUIs are not open and shut cases in Ontario. If you have an upcoming court date for an impaired driving related offence (including refusal), you should hire counsel now. There may be gaps in the Crown's case.

Some accused foolishly plead guilty right away when they could have walked free with no criminal record. If you've been charged with a DUI offence anywhere in Ontario, give us a call at 647-228-5969 for our opinion on your case.

You don't have to jeopardize your future or waste thousands of dollars on excessive legal fees. We provide effective and affordable lawyer representation for those charged with impaired driving throughout all of Ontario, Canada.

Have a skilled criminal lawyer who focuses on defending DUI charges protect you and your future from the consequences of a criminal record.




Are you a lawyer? If you are defending a impaired driving related case and are looking for expert advice regarding possible defences, case strategies, and information release management call us at: 647-228-5969.

Please note: We do not accept legal aid certificate cases. All clients are handled on a private retainer only.

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