Criminal Driving Offences
Criminal driving allegations can escalate quickly and carry serious legal, financial, and personal consequences.
Ivy Law provides strategic representation for individuals facing Criminal Driving charges across Alberta and British Columbia. These cases often involve immediate arrest, vehicle seizure, license suspension, and restrictive bail conditions, even before any allegation is proven.
Our defence lawyers represent clients throughout Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Vancouver, Surrey, and Abbotsford, providing disciplined advocacy when liberty, driving privileges, and future opportunities are at stake.
Get the legal guidance you need. Contact IVY Law for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, understand your options, and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal Driving offences are governed by federal law and prosecuted aggressively in Alberta and British Columbia
- Charges may proceed summarily or by indictment depending on the circumstances
- Penalties can include jail, fines, driving prohibitions, and a permanent criminal record
- Bail conditions often restrict driving, alcohol or drug use, and travel
- Early legal advice can significantly affect bail, evidence, and long-term outcomes
Criminal Defence Representation
Criminal driving charges frequently result in immediate roadside investigations, arrest, and licence suspensions. Police often rely on roadside testing, witness observations, vehicle data, and post-incident reconstruction. Early legal intervention can affect release conditions, challenge police procedure, and ensure evidence is properly scrutinized from the outset.
Understanding Criminal Driving Offences
Criminal driving offences are set out in Part VIII.1 of the Criminal Code. Common allegations include dangerous operation, impaired operation, failure to stop after an accident, and flight from police.
Dangerous driving is governed by section 320.13 of the Criminal Code and focuses on whether the manner of driving was objectively dangerous to the public.
Impaired driving offences fall under section 320.14 of the Criminal Code and include impairment by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, as well as blood-alcohol or drug concentration offences.
Failing to stop at the scene of an accident is addressed under section 320.16 of the Criminal Code, while flight from police is governed by section 320.17 of the Criminal Code.
How We Help
- Review police procedure, roadside testing, and grounds for arrest
- Assess Charter compliance, including detention and right to counsel
- Analyze disclosure, breath or blood testing, and accident reconstruction evidence
- Advocate for bail and seek workable release conditions
- Engage the Crown to pursue withdrawals, reductions, or appropriate resolutions
The Defence Process
- Initial review of the charge, disclosure, and police investigation
- Strategic assessment of legal, evidentiary, and Charter issues
- Court advocacy through bail hearings, applications, and trial proceedings
- Resolution focused on minimizing penalties and protecting long-term consequences
Common Charges & Scenarios
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle under s.320.13 Criminal Code
- Impaired operation of a vehicle under s.320.14 Criminal Code
- Failure to stop after an accident under s.320.16 Criminal Code
- Flight from police under s.320.17 Criminal Code
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to questions clients frequently ask before working with our firm.
Administrative and court-ordered suspensions are common, particularly in impaired driving cases.
Yes. Custody is possible, especially where there are prior convictions, injuries, or aggravating factors.
Yes. Most criminal driving offences allow the Crown to proceed summarily or by indictment.
Given the seriousness of the penalties and long-term impact, early legal representation is strongly advised.
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The Right Next Step Starts with a Conversation
You don't need to have every answer before speaking with a lawyer. Sometimes, you simply need someone to listen, explain your options, and help you understand what comes next.
At Ivy Law, we're here to help you navigate life's legal challenges with personalized guidance and a clear path forward.