Americans charged with DUI at the Canada/US border face enforceable punishments and consequences even if they have already returned back to the states.

Our lawyers help US drivers charged with DUI at the Canadian border. One wrong turn is all it takes, but we can help you.

Many of our clients are US citizens who have been charged with DUI at the Canada/US border. They may not have intended to travel to Canada and ended up at the border by accident. US drivers get stuck in no U-turn border lanes and end up at the inspection booth unprepared.

CBSA officers especially look for signs of impairment in drivers who have arrived at the border by mistake. This itself is considered a possible sign of impairment warranting investigation.

Common Canada/US border DUI charge locations:

1. Peace Bridge (Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie Canada)
2. Niagara Falls
3. Lewiston–Queenston Bridge
4. Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
5. Ambassador Bridge, Windsor and Detroit

Most of our US DUI clients are charged at one of the above crossings. CBSA officers at these locations actively look for signs of impairment.

For American citizens, Canadian border DUI charges can result in jail, a criminal record, fines, driving prohibitions and increased insurance premiums.

Americans are not immune from the punishments and judgments imposed by Canadian courts. US citizens charged in Canada can be extradited to answer to charges and serve jail time. Your DUI charge information is shared with insurers and state governments.

Some US states (including New York) have reciprocal agreements with both the Ontario and Canadian governments to automatically share information and expedite this process.

A Canadian DUI can cause your insurance premiums in the US to rise significantly. Your state motor vehicle department (DMV) may also impose penalties or restrictions on your license because of a Canadian DUI conviction.

US drivers who end up at the Canada border crossing by mistake are surprised and unprepared.

Most of our American cross border DUI clients did not expect or intend to end up at the Canada/US border. Firearms and/or other prohibited weapons, drugs or contraband is often found in their possession by CBSA at the time of arrest. They may also lack proper ID as they were not expecting to present themselves to law enforcement that day. These issues can complicate the arrest process resulting in the accused being held for bail.

Additional Criminal Code or Customs Act charges may be laid if they find firearms or other contraband. US accused are more likely to be held for a bail hearing if their identity or willingness to abide by conditions (such as to attend court) is at issue.

The consequences of a Canadian DUI are enforceable against you.

Americans accused of DUI in Canada should do everything possible to avoid a conviction. At a minimum, Canadian criminal records show up on most US police background checks and will cause your insurance to go up. At worst, you could be sentenced to jail even as a first time offender. US accused can be extradited to Canada and jailed via reciprocal agreements.

Canadian DUI charges can be dropped or reduced down just like in the states. Your case may have problems.

Border DUI cases involve coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies. Sometimes there are gaps in the evidence or mistakes are made in the investigation that can work in your favour. The Crown (what Americans call the DA) may not have a very good case against you.

Canadian court judgments are enforceable and can be used against you in the USA. A Canadian DUI record can impact your employability, membership in professional societies, and cause the same problems a US record does.

DUI charges at the Canada/US border are not open and shut cases.

Americans should know that all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in Canada (just like in the US). Many accused of DUI are found not guilty or have their charges dropped or reduced down. Canadians hire lawyers to defend DUIs the same way Americans do in the states.

Border DUI cases are not indefensible and have their own unique problems. Our lawyers know exactly what to look for. If you've been charged, give us a call today at 647-228-5969. We will assess the strength of the Crown's case and provide you with a no-obligation quote over the phone.

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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