Gordie Howe Bridge DUI Lawyer: We defend all DUI charges laid at the Detroit-Windsor border.

Our lawyers rigorously defend DUI and Refusal to Blow charges laid at the new Gordie Howe Detroit-Windsor bridge border crossing.

Gordie Howe bridge DUIs are common in 2026 because CBSA officers frequently demand drivers blow into a breathalyzer device at the border. Some Americans get charged after inadvertently crossing the bridge (wrong turn) while impaired or after refusing to blow when demanded by officers to do so. American drivers often do not realize it is a criminal offence in Canada not to blow.

Nobody, including US drivers, should plead guilty to CBSA initiated border DUI charges without hiring counsel first to review their case. Many cases are workable defence files with triable issues (errors, omissions, problems) that can benefit the accused. Our lawyers scour every element of the arrest to find issues with the Crown Attorney’s (DA in the US) case.

Sometimes criminal impaired driving and refusal charges can be dropped or reduced down to a non-criminal traffic infraction (HTA offence). Hiring counsel right away to speak to the Crown first increases your chances of getting the charges dropped.

Even sober drivers who refuse to blow at the border will be criminally charged with impaired driving (DUI) in Canada.

In Ontario, police and CBSA officers do not need “reasonable grounds”, “probable cause” or any other specific reason to demand that a driver blow into a breathalyzer. No initial “Field Sobriety” or other type test is needed. US drivers may refuse to blow without fully understanding/realizing that they are committing a criminal offence by not doing so.

Even if CBSA and the police explain it is an arrestable offence to not blow, in the heat of the moment and without prior knowledge, some Americans don’t fully appreciate they will be charged with impaired driving for refusing.

Some CBSA officers love to make Americans blow, especially if they are perceived as being difficult or rude.

US drivers who are perceived as aggressive, difficult or rude are more likely to be breathalyzed by the CBSA. Officers are trained to interpret uncooperativeness as a potential indicator of impairment. If they refuse to blow impaired driving charges are laid against them. It is a bit of a trap.

Americans who fail to attend for fingerprints or court in Canada will have a warrant issued for their arrest and face additional criminal charges for failure to comply. They can also be arrested in the USA and extradited to Canada.

If you are given court paperwork (Undertaking, Appearance Notice, or Release Order) you cannot just ignore it. Impaired driving and Refusal are serious jailable criminal offences in Canada. You can be arrested for Canadian criminal charges in the USA, held, and deported. Canadian criminal records do show up on US background checks.

Additional charges for failing to comply may be added and it dramatically increases the likelihood that the Crown Attorney (DA in the states or prosecutor) will seek a jail term or other harsh sentence against you.

Ontario shares all DUI arrest information with the Michigan Department of State through a reciprocal information exchange agreement.

Ontario and Michigan (and New York State) share all driver arrest and ticket information with each other. A Canadian DUI will impact your insurance, show up on criminal record checks, and can negatively impact you in the USA the same way it does in Canada. Suspensions and prohibitions are enforced on both sides of the border.

Bottom Line: Michigan applies points and enforces prohibitions for Ontario DUIs the same way they do other US states.

Border DUI cases are not open and shut. Don't assume you have no case. Call us now for help.

Similar to other DUIs, border DUI cases often contain errors, omissions, or procedural issues that can work in the accused’s favor. You still have rights at the border (just not as many). Don’t give the CBSA and the Windsor Police an easy goal against you in the courtroom. If you have been charged you should hire counsel now to defend you and try to get a better result.

We will scrutinize every element of their case. Don’t give them what they want and admit guilt. Fight back like Gordie Howe and give us a call today. You may not get a bridge named after you, but you may be able to do much better than what the Crown is offering.

Call us today at 647-228-5969 for a free no-obligation quote right now over the phone (no legal aid).

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 offences at the Windsor courthouse.

Have a skilled criminal lawyer who focuses on defending Detroit-Windsor border 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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