Five Useful Facts About Impaired Driving And DUI Law

1. You Can Get A DUI For Driving After Taking The Medicine Your Doctor Gave You

If you’re like most people, the term DUI makes you think of alcohol abuse or illicit drug use. In truth, more than a few people were convicted of this crime after taking legitimately prescribed medication. In fact, you can even get a DUI after taking an over-the-counter medicine like Benadryl. In the case of medication, there is no firm legal “limit” that you can have in your blood. Therefore, police officers are overly aggressive at times when it comes to charging this type of DUI.

Read and follow all medication instructions. This includes not driving after taking medicines that make you feel drowsy or impaired. If a police officer asks you about your medication use or history, you do not have to answer. So long as you are not driving impaired, your medication situation is no one’s business but your own. In addition, your right to remain silent is a fundamental part of Canadian law. Field sobriety tests have been debunked as inaccurate and pointless. If an officer asks you to conduct a roadside reflex test, know that this is just wasting your time and the officer’s time as well.

2. You Don’t Have To Start Your Car To Get A DUI

According to Canadian law, you can get a DUI even if you haven’t started your vehicle. The way the law is written, it is illegal to have control of a car while drunk or impaired. If you decide to sleep in the back of your car with your car keys in your pocket, this might not be nearly as safe as you imagine.

3. Impaired Driving Is One Of The Most Common Criminal Charges In Canada

In any particular year, DUIs and related charges account for 12 percent of all Canadian criminal charges. This is a serious issue that deserves consideration and thought on the part of many relevant actors in society.

4. Driving Under The Influence Is A Serious Crime

Most people realize that driving impaired is deeply irresponsible. After all, vehicles are extremely heavy objects that can become incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands. The alcohol driving limit is designed to keep the roads relatively safe. Although there’s no way to entirely eliminate impaired driving, there is no question that appropriate DUI laws help keep vulnerable people safe.

5. A Qualified DUI Lawyer Can Save Your Reputation And Your Career

There can be no doubt that police and prosecutors do occasionally make mistakes. If you’ve been falsely accused of driving under the influence, you’ll want to do everything you can to fight for your freedom. A great lawyer can help you beat an unfair criminal charge.