What is Drug Driving? Learn About Offences, Convictions, and Solution

Mixing drugs and driving can get the driver charged with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) when they are unfit to drive but were still operating a vehicle. Drug-impaired driving or DUI is an offence in which a small amount of a certain drug can impair a driver’s motor skills, balance and judgment, perception and attention on the roads. DUI charges are becoming more common day-by-day as drug-impaired driving has increased over the past few years.

The term ‘drug’ is not limited to illegal drug and substances. DUI charges are applicable if somebody is unfit due to the over-the-counter and/or prescription medication. If you live in Winnipeg, Canada, remember that drinking and driving are against the law, and don’t let this take a toll on your future. Contact the best drug offense lawyers in Winnipeg and get informed about the charges you might face if you have been mixing drugs and driving. In Canada, generally the DUI offence can summon convictions such as:

• A sentence of six months of imprisonment
• A fine of $5000
• Both of the above

There exist punishments with shorter prison sentences and small fines but keep in mind that they still result in a loss of your license and produce a criminal record. DUI prosecutions in Canada are either treated as summary conviction offences that do not require a trial or indictable offences that require a trial by judge or jury. Summary offences are considered less severe than indictable misdemeanours and fortunately, are rarely applicable to DUI prosecutions. Both types of offences are stated in Canadian federal laws and the legislation of provinces and territories. Any of these offences can be waived off by way of a legal procedure known to legal experts.

How Can I Do This?

If you’re uncertain of the best DUI penalty lawyers in Winnipeg, then we'd like to inform you that it's us. Choose us. Gerri Wiebe is the leading firm with trustworthy, competent lawyers in Winnipeg that is BBB-accredited; it means our company meets accreditation standards. We have defense attorneys that can help you until all the charges against you have been proven false. Whether you’re involved in a driving offence or drug offence or both, our team of attorneys can defend your case. We build evidence in your favour. We also review the evidence against you presented by the prosecution and provide our opinion on the likelihood of success in your case. We don’t act until we've considered the specifics of your case so that we can make an informed decision. Whether you want to defend the allegation or minimize the penalty, we are available to resolve any concerns you may have regarding your case.

The Consequences of DUI Allegation

In case you’re taking a DUI charge too lightly, be aware that the consequences of drug-impaired driving convictions are far-reaching and may result in:

• Loss of independence
• Loss of job
• A criminal record
• Increase in car insurance payments
• Difficulty getting into countries likes the US

Some Facts of Drug-Impaired Driving

1. Driving is considered as an offence if any of 17 controlled drugs are present in a specified level in your blood – including medical and illegal drugs.
2. Each drug has restrictions. For illegal drugs, the limits are set very low.
3. Police can screen for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside and test for other drugs including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at the same time.
4. Officers can arrest the drivers that pass the roadside check and are suspected unfit.

Conclusion

Driving is meant to be safe while drugs are dangerous. Combining two of them not only hinders your ability to drive but poses a threat to yourself, the passengers in your car and other people on the road. Even if you feel slightly incapable of driving, you may be intoxicated, so the safest option is to let someone sober drive. If you have more questions, consult with our driving lawyers in Winnipeg.