Impaired Driving / DUI Advice

[valo403]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

Dear Valo403: In the words of the great Daniel Tosh:

"na-na na-na boo-boo stick your head in doo-doo - I'm better than you"

Just buggin - glad to see more comments showing the real risk to a DUI on your future travel.

Haha, wise words from a wise man.

You're right, there's definitely a risk that entry could be denied (although that risk is present pretty much anytime with the breadth of power that is granted to border guards) my point was really just that it's not a death sentence on travel. I completely agree with you on the idea of spending money now to avoid the criminal charge if it's at all possible. It might not be possible, but it's an option that really should be explored, and there's certainly nothing wrong with doing so.

[THE SCUD]

So many thanks being doled out ... this thread has become a CP drunk driving hug-fest.

[Titan]

In my limited experience the lawyers that specialize in DD defence will meet with you to establish your case and determine if it is worth spending the money. They have literally seen hundreds of these cases and have a pretty good idea if you have a shot. They will also be able to advise on the best plea arrangement that will be accepted by the Crown.

At least talk to a lawyer that specializes in this stuff. Not all lawyers are created equal. You don't want a jack of all trades doing your criminal work. Ask for references. Talk to a few of them.

[casucks]

Originally Posted by mikey_the_redneck

Sheesh...

It's too bad you have to go through that for having a few drinks after work...

There is virtually no reason that car companies can't install systems in all new cars to deter drunk driving....

Great idea!! I think you need to get on this and start a petition!

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Titan

In my limited experience the lawyers that specialize in DD defence will meet with you to establish your case and determine if it is worth spending the money. They have literally seen hundreds of these cases and have a pretty good idea if you have a shot. They will also be able to advise on the best plea arrangement that will be accepted by the Crown.

At least talk to a lawyer that specializes in this stuff. Not all lawyers are created equal. You don't want a jack of all trades doing your criminal work. Ask for references. Talk to a few of them.

This is by far the best advice in thread. And these initial "chats" are free, so you should have a pretty good idea of what your outlook is before you spend any money. DO NOT go talking to the Crown without talking to a lawyer, and do not enter any plea without disclosure. The long-term cost of being "guilty" will far outweigh the legal fees.

[VO #23]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Personally I don't think that I would want to meet with a Crown Prosecutor without a lawyer by my side.

I don't think that the Crown Prosecutor would have your best interest at heart, all he's seeing is quick conviction.

Not true at all. Canadian Crowns are not supposed to necessarily go for convictions - they are there to ensure justice is done. They also have great disclosure requirements and often will tip their hand as to type of sentencing they will go after should they go to trial as a starting place to perhaps make a plea arrangement. Crown prosecutors aren't your best friend, but they are hardly there to lock you up and throw away the key until the end of time.

[VO #23]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

This is by far the best advice in thread. And these initial "chats" are free, so you should have a pretty good idea of what your outlook is before you spend any money. DO NOT go talking to the Crown without talking to a lawyer, and do not enter any plea without disclosure. The long-term cost of being "guilty" will far outweigh the legal fees.

This is true, but a good Crown would not get anywhere near a witness without his/her lawyer and/or some third-party present.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by VO #23

Not true at all. Canadian Crowns are not supposed to necessarily go for convictions - they are there to ensure justice is done. They also have great disclosure requirements and often will tip their hand as to type of sentencing they will go after should they go to trial as a starting place to perhaps make a plea arrangement. Crown prosecutors aren't your best friend, but they are hardly there to lock you up and throw away the key until the end of time.

I don't know of any legal system where the crown/state is supposed to go for convictions over ensuring justice is done, that doesn't mean it's advisable to discuss your case without counsel.