My spouse or partner has been charged with DUI. What can I do to help them?

We get a lot of calls from the spouses of those charged with DUI under Criminal Code Sections 320.14(1)(a), 320.14(1)(b), or 320.15(1) looking to get them legal help.

Just because your spouse was charged does not necessarily mean they have a drinking problem or are an alcoholic. Most of the calls we get are the result of binge drinking incidents where the person thinks they are “okay to drive” or chooses to drive home because it is not that far away. Sometimes the spouse calling us was after they were with them as a passenger when they were arrested and they feel guilty about letting the accused drive to begin with.

Sometimes the spouse’s drinking is hidden and it comes as a complete shock when they get charged

While most of the spousal DUI charges calls we get are not the result of a serious alcohol abuse problem, in some cases the charge comes as a complete shock to the person’s husband or wife. They may have been unaware they were drinking at all or on the night they were charged. There are people who drink alcohol secretly and hide it from their partner due to embarrassment, shame, or because they feel their spouse will no longer want to be with them if they know how bad their drinking has become.

When the person’s spouse is charged they immediately are no longer able to drive, sometimes their car is towed, and they end up spending hours in custody at the police station while they undergo breathalyzer testing and sober up prior to release. The process of being charged with impaired driving is therefore something that cannot easily be hidden and as such the person’s partner will almost always find out about it.

We see that with other offences that are more easy to “hide”, such as shoplifting for example, about 50% of people choose not to tell their partner about it. We assume that many of the people who get charged with impaired driving probably would prefer their spouse not to know about it but practically speaking it is very difficult to hide.

If the spouse is ultimately found guilty they will face, at a minimum, a driving prohibition though many will take a “Stream A” or “Stream B” deal to get back on the road as soon as possible. This requires the installation of a breath test on the vehicle which of course would be very obvious to the person’s spouse in most situations.

I am looking for a lawyer for my spouse. Can I call you or do they have to?

You absolutely can call us for a free case review. We represent people charged with DUI offences throughout all of Ontario. It is quite normal for the spouse to call us instead of the accused. The main reasons for this are that the spouse who is charged may be embarrassed, not as well versed in the English language, have less of an ability to understand the law, and unfortunately in some cases has an alcohol problem that impairs their ability to make decisions.

Whatever the situation is, we have the resources and ability to help your spouse so please give us a call if they have been charged with impaired driving or refusal. There are time limitations on some options that may be available in their case so it is important to call us as soon as possible before these possible options expire.


Call us today.
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 throughout Ontario.

Have a skilled criminal lawyer who focuses on impaired driving related charges protect you and your future from the stigma and consequences of a criminal record.





Are you a lawyer? If you are defending an 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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