Retain a Lawyer when Charged for DUI
you likely did not intend to drive impaired, or perhaps not even realized you were over the limit If you are like most people who are caught driving impaired or over the legal limit of alcohol in your blood stream. you may be going through a lot of different emotions including shame, fear, and maybe even some panic If you have recently been charged with an alcohol related offense,
perhaps you’re now considering pleading “Guilty” to the charge and just getting it over with. and Perhaps after the fact, you’ve had the chance to think back over the events that preceded your drunk driving charge and you’ve now accepted that indeed, you did have a few drinks too many.
This is an understandable choice. Many people who are charged with a DUI end up deciding that defending against the charge will be too costly and time consuming.
In some jurisdictions such as the Province of Ontario in Canada, it appears that the system is set up to encourage you to plead guilty to the alcohol related driving offense. If you do plead guilty in that Province, and are sentenced within 90 days of the offense date, you may have the opportunity to apply for early reinstatement of your driver’s license. You could apply after 90 days of your court ordered suspension have expired as long as you have paid your fine and have enrolled in the Back On Track remedial program.
However, if you plead not guilty but subsequently are found guilty by the Court, this option is not available to you. You must wait the full year of suspension before you can apply for your license.
Is it a way for the Province Of Ontario to encourage you to plead guilty and avoid a time consuming trial? It could be. And it just might be a strong reason for you to make a decision to plead guilty rather than defend against the charges.
Should you still obtain legal counsel even if you are planning on pleading guilty? Yes, you should!
A lawyer can be of immense help to you in navigating the court system and has experience in understanding the nuances and formal procedures that are required in criminal court. As well, they may be able to assist you in obtaining a lesser sentence than what the State or Crown Attorney is recommending the Judge give you. A lawyer acting on your behalf could help persuade a judge that a lesser sentence is appropriate in your particular situation and for the circumstances that lead up to your arrest and charge.
As with any serious allegation against you including a drinking and driving charge, getting the advice of a lawyer is highly recommended.
DUI penalties can be severe and life changing. Even if you are planning on pleading guilty, a lawyer may find something amiss in the case against you that perhaps there may be a good chance you could be found not guilty.


