DUI & Dangerous Driving Offences

What is a Criminal Driving Offence in Regina, Saskatchewan?

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, offences related to driving are serious criminal matters prosecuted by provincial Crown attorneys in Saskatchewan courts. These charges carry significant consequences, including criminal records, lengthy driving prohibitions, ignition interlock requirements, high fines, and possible incarceration.

Common criminal driving offences include:

Hit and Run (Fail to Stop) — leaving the scene of an accident.
Dangerous Driving — driving in a manner dangerous to the public given all circumstances (e.g., traffic, weather, visibility).
Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm — the same conduct with bodily injury to another person.
Dangerous Driving Causing Death — the same conduct resulting in another’s death.
Driving While Unauthorized
Impaired Driving (DUI) — operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Driving Over .08 BAC — having a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08 within two hours after driving.
Refusing or Failing to Provide a Breath/Drug Sample — criminal offence equivalent to an impaired driving charge

These are criminal charges, distinct from provincial or regulatory traffic tickets under The Saskatchewan Traffic Safety Act.

Potential Consequences in Regina

A conviction for any criminal driving offence has serious legal and personal consequences:

Criminal Record — lifelong implications for employment, travel, housing, and more.
Driving Prohibitions — minimum 12-month prohibition for many offences, and longer for dangerous driving causing bodily harm or death.
Ignition Interlock — court-ordered installation after conviction.
License Suspension & Vehicle Impoundment — administrative measures in Saskatchewan in addition to criminal penalties.
Fines & Jail Time — depending on the offence and severity (e.g., dangerous driving can result in up to 10 years; causing death up to life).

Questions and help on DUI / Criminal Driving offences

Do I have a defence?

DUIs and criminal driving more generally is a complex area of law that is constantly evolving, and due to the technical nature of these charges, they give rise to many possible defences. For instance, you may have a defence based on the type of evidence (or lack thereof) the Crown has against you, the wording of the Criminal Code itself, or the interpretation of the Criminal Code that is found in the case law. While people use language like “DUI” and driving “under the influence”, there are very specific ways the Crown Prosecutor must prove impairment in law. You may think that because you “blew over” you must be guilty, but that is simply not true in many cases. That is why it is imperative that you consult Nidesh Law Firm to identify all of the issues and defences that we can very likely raise and advance in your favour.

Many criminal driving cases involve pre-trial applications for the exclusion of evidence under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. You may be able to bring this type of application if the police breached any of your Charter rights during the investigation, arrest, or post-arrest detention period. Our lawyers have the experience and know how to expose these violations through vigorous and detailed cross-examination, coupled with persuasive and innovative legal arguments. Whether you are charged with a DUI, dangerous driving, or any other criminal offence, we can strategically advance the best arguments available to you based on our extensive knowledge and expertise in this area of the law.

How can we help?

Properly defending DUIs and other criminal driving cases requires expertise and experience. The offences themselves are highly technical and there is a massive body of case law that applies specifically to this area. Choosing a lawyer with extensive and up to date knowledge of criminal driving law and the relevant Charter litigation is key.

Every case requires a careful review to identify all of the relevant legal issues and determine the possible defences. You are entitled to review all of the Crown’s case against you and obtain legal advice before deciding whether or not to plead guilty. We understand that a criminal charge and the loss of your license is tremendously difficult to deal with. We will meet with you as quickly as possible to help you assess the strength and weaknesses of your case so that you can make the best decision.

Merv successfully defends criminal driving cases each year. If you are charged with a criminal driving offence, please contact Merv for a free initial consultation.