People facing a driving while prohibited charge in British Columbia may think that proving the case would be fairly straightforward. The police say a person was prohibited, the person was driving, and that, you would think, would be enough for a prosecutor to prove their case. That is not quite how it works in British […]
You are pulled over by the police, and the officer makes you blow into a hand-held breathalyzer. You understand that the officer is conducting a roadside investigation. The officer uses words such as “in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Code” before you blow into the handheld breathalyzer. All of this takes place while
Is an IRP a Criminal Offence? Continue Reading »
One of the most common things people say after an IRP or DUI charge is “the reading must have been wrong.” In some cases, they’re right. Breathalyzer devices, including the Approved Screening Devices (ASDs) used at roadside, are not infallible. Understanding how they can fail is important if you’re considering challenging a result. What Is
What If the Breathalyzer Reading Was Wrong? How Approved Screening Devices Fail Continue Reading »
Having your vehicle impounded is one of the most immediately disruptive consequences of a DUI stop in BC. On top of everything else happening in an already stressful situation, you’re left wondering where your car is, how long it’ll be gone, and how much this is going to cost. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what
What Happens to Your Car After a DUI Impound in BC Continue Reading »
If you’ve just been charged with a first DUI in British Columbia, the fear of going to jail is probably near the top of your mind. Let’s address it honestly: for most first-time offenders, jail is not the outcome. But the situation is a lot more nuanced than that. The Minimum Penalties for a First
Will I Go to Jail for My First DUI in BC? What Actually Happens Continue Reading »
If you’ve just received an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), you’re probably stressed, and that’s completely understandable. Many people feel anxious about calling a lawyer, especially if it’s the first time they’ve ever had to do so. We want you to know: there’s nothing to worry about. When you call us, you’ll typically be speaking with
What Happens When You Call Us About an Immediate Roadside Prohibition Continue Reading »
By Deandra Grant, J.D., M.S. (Pharmaceutical Science), Deandra Grant Law, Dallas, Texas and Kyla Lee, Acumen Law Corporation, Vancouver, British Columbia One of the most common questions DWI defense attorneys in the United States hear from clients has nothing to do with courtrooms or probation. It’s this: “Will I still be able to go to
If you’re reading this right now, there’s a good chance you’re either sitting on the side of the road or you just got home from a very stressful traffic stop. Either way, take a breath. Here’s what you need to know. Being pulled over for impaired driving in British Columbia is one of the most
What To Do If You’re Pulled Over for Suspected Impaired Driving in BC Continue Reading »
R. v. Singer, 2026 SCC 8 If police have ever shown up at your home in connection with an impaired driving investigation, you may have wondered whether they had the right to be there. Today, the Supreme Court of Canada answered that question and the answer is more complicated than either side wanted. What Happened
Police at Your Door: Know Your Rights After Singer Continue Reading »
This is one of the most common questions people ask after a DUI stop in BC: “Should I just refuse to blow?” The short answer is no. And the longer answer is still no, but it’s worth understanding exactly why. The idea that refusing a breath test somehow helps you is a myth that gets
Should I Blow? What Happens If You Refuse a Breath Test in British Columbia Continue Reading »
The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are disorienting, exhausting, and often frightening. Here’s a clear picture of what’s actually happening during that time and what you need to be doing. The Arrest and Initial Processing When police have reasonable grounds to believe you’ve committed an impaired driving offence, either being over .08, being
24 Hours After a DUI Arrest in Vancouver: What Happens and What You Should Do Continue Reading »
If you’ve just been handed an Immediate Roadside Prohibition notice in British Columbia, you’re probably holding a piece of paper and wondering what it actually means for your life. Let’s break it down clearly. What Is an Immediate Roadside Prohibition? An Immediate Roadside Prohibition, commonly called an IRP, is a provincial driving prohibition issued by
Immediate Roadside Prohibition in BC: What It Is and What Happens Next Continue Reading »
