In 2015, British Columbia replaced the older Alco-Sensor IV DWF, an Approved Screening Device (ASD), with the newer Alco-Sensor FST breathalyzer. Now, with over a decade of data, we can see that this change led to a significant rise in “refuse to blow” cases. But why would a new ASD cause more drivers to be […]
Did a New Breathalyzer Lead to More Refusals in BC DUI Cases? Continue Reading »
Back in 2000, the journey began at a law firm known as one of the hottest criminal defence firms in Vancouver. The team handled everything from theft, assaults, domestic disputes, and uttering threats to more complex cases like internal theft, drug trafficking, and conspiracy. The driving-related cases really stood out, however. Cases defending impaired driving,
The origin of VancouverCriminalLaw.com: A story of expertise and dedication Continue Reading »
In British Columbia, when the police issue a driver an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) following a drinking and driving investigation, the officer is legally required to prepare a Report to Superintendent. This report is often referred to as the police report. The obligation to write and submit this report arises from the provisions of the
The Police Report in an IRP DUI Case Continue Reading »
In Canada the police need a reason to pull people over. They don’t need much of a reason and occasionally it appears they fabricate the reason after the fact, but it doesn’t change the fact that they need to have a lawful reason to conduct a traffic stop. Sometimes drivers seem to hand the police
Don’t Make Yourself a Target Continue Reading »
If you are charged with a criminal offence that is by indictment or has the option to proceed by summary conviction or by indictment, you will be given a document which includes both a court date and a date for you to attend to the local police station for the purposes of identification and have
What you need to know about Fingerprinting Dates Continue Reading »
Cannabis and driving safety have long been topics of concern, particularly as cannabis becomes more widely available for recreational use. Recent research in Ontario provides new insights into how cannabis edibles impact driving performance, challenging the assumption that blood THC levels are a reliable indicator of driving impairment. Study Overview The Ontario study is groundbreaking
Understanding the Impact of Cannabis Edibles on Driving Continue Reading »
If your car is impounded for 30 days or longer, you can appeal the impoundment by filing an application for review of the impoundment. There is a process. It is designed to be somewhat obscure, but it is possible to dispute a vehicle impound. Time Limits The first thing you need to know is that
Disputing a vehicle impounded Continue Reading »
When the police take something you own, your first thought is can they do that? Can the police seize my property? We have strong devotion to our rights, and a strong sense of property rights in Canada. What’s yours is yours. Nevertheless, provided that the police operate within the bounds of the law, there are
Can the police seize my property? Can I get it back? Continue Reading »
A Notice of Intent to Prohibit is issued to a driver who is at risk of having their driving privileges prohibited due to an accumulation of driving penalty points. Before a Notice of Intent to Prohibit is issued, an ICBC Adjudication Representative will consider your five-year driving record whether you meet one or more of
How do I dispute a Notice of Intent to Prohibit my licence? Continue Reading »
Introduction The Driver Improvement Program (“DIP”) is a RoadSafetyBC initiative designed to enhance road safety in British Columbia (“B.C.”). The DIP identifies and intervenes with drivers who engage in high-risk and unsafe driving behaviour. These types of behaviour include speeding, driving while impaired, driving without insurance, and texting while driving. The aim of the DIP
What is the Driver Improvement Program Notice of Intent to Prohibit? Continue Reading »
We have represented thousands of clients who were issued immediate roadside prohibitions and administrative driving prohibitions. Several weeks ago, one client expressed that they were concerned when asked to do a sobriety test because the ground was wet and somebody had slipped while walking near the scene. We were confused when we heard this, because
The Myth of Walking in a Straight Line Continue Reading »
A Notice of Intent to Prohibit or an NOI is a letter sent by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles that is letting you know that the Superintendent may prohibit you from driving because of your driving record. The Superintendent will usually note in their letter that it is in the public interest to prohibit you
What the heck is a Notice of Intent to Prohibit? Continue Reading »
