DUI Lawyer Vancouver Criminal Defense Lawyers in Vancouver

There are Two Sides to Every Story – You Need an Experienced Defence Counsel Telling Yours

Criminal charges of drunk driving / impaired driving / drunk driving accident / drunk driving over 08, and refusal to provide a breath sample, to participate in roadside "field" sobriety tests or in “drug recognition evaluations” are all very serious charges in which a first conviction carries a mandatory minimum penalty of a one year driving prohibition and a $1000 fine, not to mention a criminal record.  A criminal conviction under the drinking and driving sections of the Criminal Code can have important effects on whether an accident is covered by insurance; future insurance rates; ability to travel into countries like the United States; employment and general livelihood.

Recently, the government also added new criminal offences if you refuse to perform sobriety tests at the roadside, and have introduced powerful new investigation powers to certain certified police officers to engage in “drug recognition evaluations”,  which are designed to detect people driving under the influence of drugs other than alcohol.

Offences in this area contain many technical aspects and include a number of sections designed to make it easier for the Crown to prove the case.  However, the Charter of Rights and the case law also contain many important protections that make it more difficult for the Crown to prove the case.  In other words, you need an experienced drunk driving lawyer / drunk driving attorney to help you. NEVER plead guilty without getting legal advice from an experienced drunk driving lawyer.

Also known as impaired driving, DUI (drunk driving under the influence), or DWI (drunk driving while impaired), the Crown has, particularly in recent years, been treating these criminal driving offences very seriously.  While drunk driving offences carry significant consequences, there are many defences including technical ones that are available to you.  It is essential to understand what the law requires of the police and the Crown before you can be found guilty.  A good drunk driving lawyer will scrutinize the basis (or grounds) upon which the police stop drivers and demand breath samples; whether the police properly respected your right to counsel, and your counsel of choice; and whether numerous other important safeguards and procedures were followed.

Both as a former Crown Prosecutor and as a Criminal Defence Lawyer practicing drunk driving and impaired driving defence work, Vancouver Criminal Defense Lawyer Emmet J. Duncan has dealt with numerous drunk driving / impaired driving files.  He knows how these cases are investigated, built, prosecuted AND defended.  That experience from those unique perspectives gives him a valuable skill-set that he can and will use when defending your drunk driving charges.

If you have been charged with drunk driving / impaired driving / DUI, or any other related offences, including accidents or refusal to blow / provide samples, contact Mr. Duncan directly to arrange a consultation that is free of charge, so that you can assess your situation and become educated as to your options.

For a sampling of recent successes that Vancouver Criminal Defence Lawyer Emmet J. Duncan has enjoyed for his Clients, browse his Recent Cases in Defending Driving Offences.

For more information contact Vancouver Criminal Defense Lawyer Emmet J. Duncan