Edmonton, Alberta is one of the most visited provinces in Canada and is a hot spot for relaxing and dining out. Of course, these activities are often accompanied by drinking alcohol, which may lead to driving impaired. If you’re a non-Alberta resident caught driving impaired in the province, you’ll still face the same penalties as Alberta residents—plus those of your own province. This means you’ll still be arrested, subject to legal action, and possibly charged with a driving under impairment (DUI) charge. Thus, you’ll need the assistance of an experienced DUI defence team. Find out how to navigate this complex legal situation below.

What Happens When You’re Charged with an Out-of-Province DUI?

When you’re charged with an out-of-province DUI, your driving privileges may be revoked or suspended in one or both provinces. Once you’re charged, your home province will likely be alerted of the legal action taken in Alberta. This alert may lead to a license suspension or revocation, depending on that province’s governing legislation. Although your home province may revoke or suspend your driving privileges, any further legal action or court proceedings will take place in Alberta. Since out-of-province DUI charges can be complicated and overwhelming, you’ll need the best DUI lawyer, like the team at Haryett & Company, to handle the legalities.

Driving Impaired in Edmonton, Alberta

In Edmonton, driving over the legal limit for drug and/or alcohol consumption is a serious criminal offence. The maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is now 0.07 or 70 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood both federally and in Alberta. A BAC of 0.08 or higher is considered criminal impairment and carries serious penalties. Yet, even if your BAC is between 0.05 and 0.079, you may still face provincial penalties in Alberta. Since law enforcement no longer needs reasonable suspicion to administer drug and alcohol screening, you could be randomly subject to a breathalyzer. This heightens the possibility of being charged with a DUI. Failure to comply with this random test will result in a criminal charge.  Further, it does not matter whether the cause of impairment is as a result of alcohol or a drug; the consequences will be the same.

Penalties for a DUI Charge in Alberta

Since a DUI is a serious offence, you could face severe penalties. Depending on the severity of the offence, penalties may include:

·         Paying a fine of not less than $1000

·         Serving a prison sentence if the impairment results in an accident that causes serious injury(ies) or fatality(ies), or if the offender has a prior history of similar offences

·         Being prohibited from operating a motor vehicle for a minimum one (1) year

·         Completing all provincial reinstatement requirements, including mandatory participation in the Ignition Interlock Program

·         Significantly increased insurance premiums for 3-5 years

·         The acquisition of a criminal record

If you're not a resident of Alberta but you've been charged with a DUI, don't delay! Call us for more information on securing the legal advice you need.