How can an Impaired Driving Charge impact you?
Under Ontario’s criminal code, an impaired driving conviction in Richmond Hill results in mandatory penalties even if the accused has no prior criminal record. The minimum sentence for a first-time conviction is a $1000 fine, enrollment in an alcohol education course, one-year driver’s license suspension, and one-year after-suspension enrollment in the ignition interlock program. Second conviction can result in 30 days in jail, three-year license suspension, and fines at the judge’s discretion. Third and subsequent convictions are marked by ever-increasing similar penalties. Along with these court-ordered penalties, are related fees, such as $475 plus tax for the alcohol course and fees for the interlock device installation. Other factors such as an accident, high breath sample readings or reckless driving can lead to penalties well above those prescribed by the minimum sentencing guidelines.