Impaired Driving · Over 80 · Refusal
Charged With Impaired Driving in Brampton?
What you do in the first weeks matters — some options in Ontario come with real deadlines. Talk to a criminal defence lawyer before you decide anything. The first call is free and confidential, in English or Punjabi.
- English & Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)
- Urgent calls answered day or night
- Courts across Brampton & the GTA
Impaired Driving Defence in Brampton
Charged? Don't Plead Guilty Before You Get Advice.
An impaired driving charge feels like the end of something — your licence, your job, maybe your record. It isn't. A charge is an allegation the Crown still has to prove, and what you do in the first weeks often matters more than anything that happened at the roadside.
Understanding What You're Facing
Two separate processes start the moment you're charged. The first is automatic: the 90-day licence suspension, the vehicle impoundment and the administrative penalties happen regardless of guilt. The second is the criminal case — the one that decides whether you end up with a conviction, a criminal record, a year-long suspension and an ignition interlock. Ontario's impaired driving penalties changed twice in 2026, and they are heavier than most people expect.
Why Early Advice Matters
Some options come with real deadlines — Ontario's reduced-suspension program can require a decision within 90 days of the offence date. And every impaired case turns on details: the reason for the stop, the breath demand, the testing procedure, the timing, the paperwork. A careful review of the Crown's disclosure is where a defence starts, and it is exactly what happens after your first call.
The first consultation is free and confidential, in English or Punjabi. Urgent calls are answered day or night, and impaired, over-80, refusal and drug-impaired charges are defended in courts across Brampton and the GTA.
Impaired Driving Questions, Answered
Will I lose my licence for a first impaired driving charge?
Your licence is suspended for 90 days immediately (the roadside administrative suspension) — that happens before any court decision. If you are later convicted, Ontario imposes at least a one-year suspension plus an ignition interlock requirement — and for offences committed on or after July 1, 2026, installing the interlock device is mandatory. Ontario's reduced-suspension streams can shorten the time you're fully off the road. What actually happens in your case depends on decisions made early — which is exactly what we talk through in a free consultation.
Can I drive before my court date?
Not during the 90-day administrative suspension. After it ends, in most cases you can reinstate your licence (the provincial reinstatement fee applies) and legally drive while the criminal charge is still before the court — provided no bail condition, court order or other suspension applies to you. Many people don't know this and assume they're off the road until trial.
I refused the breathalyzer — is that better or worse?
Refusing or failing to provide a sample is its own criminal offence, and it carries a higher minimum fine ($2,000) than a first impaired charge. At a lawful stop, police can demand a roadside breath sample without needing any suspicion, so refusal is not the loophole many people believe it is. If you've been charged with refusal, get advice — the case against you still has to be proven.
I wasn't even driving — the car was parked. Can they charge me?
Yes. The law covers having "care or control" of a vehicle, not just driving it — people are charged while sitting or sleeping in a parked car. Whether the Crown can prove care or control on your facts is a real issue in these cases, and it's worth having reviewed.
Will a conviction give me a criminal record?
Generally yes. Because impaired driving carries a mandatory minimum fine, a finding of guilt cannot normally be resolved by a discharge — so a conviction means a criminal record. Avoiding one usually requires the charge being withdrawn, an acquittal, or, in appropriate cases, a resolution to a non-criminal offence. No lawyer can promise any of these outcomes; the starting point is a careful review of your case.
I'm not a Canadian citizen. How serious is this?
Very. Impaired driving is treated as "serious criminality" under Canadian immigration law, so a conviction can affect permanent residents and people on work or study permits — up to and including inadmissibility. If you are not a citizen, get legal advice before agreeing to any plea. Consultations are available in Punjabi as well as English.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
It depends on the case — how complex it is and how far it needs to go. The first consultation is free and confidential, and fees are explained clearly before you decide anything.
Two Things Are Happening to You at Once
An impaired charge in Ontario starts two separate processes. Most people mix them up — and make decisions based on the wrong one.
Track 1 — Automatic (already happening)
The Licence & Roadside Consequences
- 90-day licence suspension, immediately, at the roadside
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- $550 administrative penalty, a mandatory education or treatment program (new in 2026), and the $281 licence reinstatement fee
- These happen regardless of guilt — they are not the criminal case
- In most cases you can reinstate and drive after the 90 days while your charge is still before the court (provided no bail condition or other suspension applies)
Track 2 — The fight that matters
The Criminal Charge
- Minimum $1,000 fine on a first offence — higher with a high breath reading ($1,500–$2,000) or refusal ($2,000)
- At least a 1-year Ontario licence suspension on conviction
- Mandatory ignition interlock for offences committed on or after July 1, 2026
- A criminal record — with everything that means for work, travel and immigration
- This is the part a defence lawyer fights
Penalty figures current as of July 2026 — Ontario's impaired driving rules changed on January 1 and July 1, 2026. Sources: ontario.ca; Criminal Code ss. 320.14–320.27.
A Decision With a Deadline
For many first offenders, Ontario's ignition-interlock program (Stream A) can shorten the time you're completely off the road — but it generally requires a guilty plea and sentencing within 90 days of the offence date, and it applies to alcohol-related offences (drug-impaired convictions are not eligible).
Why that deadline cuts both ways
- Plead early to enter Stream A and you may drive sooner — but you accept a criminal record to do it
- Fight the charge, and if it ends in a withdrawal or an acquittal, there is no conviction at all
- Choosing wrong in either direction is expensive — this is exactly the decision to make with advice, not under panic
You may have more of a defence than you think
- Full disclosure review: the stop, the demand, the arrest, your right to counsel
- Breath-testing procedure, device and operator compliance, timing issues
- Charter challenges where your rights were breached
- Honest outcomes range from withdrawal or acquittal to resolutions that protect what matters most — every case turns on its own facts, and no result can be promised
Not a Canadian Citizen? Read This First
Since December 2018, impaired driving is classed as “serious criminality” under Canadian immigration law. A conviction can affect permanent residents and people on work or study permits — up to and including inadmissibility. If that's you or someone in your family, get legal advice before any guilty plea. We can explain everything in Punjabi or English.
What Happens Next
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Call — it's free and confidential
Tell me what happened, in English or Punjabi. You'll leave the call understanding your charge, the deadlines that apply to you, and your realistic options. No obligation.
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Your first court date is handled
A first appearance is administrative — it is not the trial, and you don't plead that day. As your counsel I can deal with it and obtain the Crown's disclosure so we can see the actual evidence.
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The case gets reviewed properly
The stop, the breath demand, the testing, the paperwork, the video — impaired cases are technical, and they're defended on details.
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You decide with clear advice
Fight it, resolve it, or use a program option like Stream A — you make the call knowing exactly what each path means for your licence, your record and your future.
A Lawyer You Deal With Directly
- You speak with me — not an intake service or interpreter
- English & Punjabi, directly with your lawyer
- Urgent calls answered day or night — arrests don't wait for business hours
- Defends impaired, over-80, refusal and drug-impaired charges in courts across Brampton & the GTA
- Free, confidential first consultation
- Licensed lawyer — Law Society of Ontario (#71436B)
- Every option explained clearly before you decide anything
What Clients Say
I had a great experience working with Guruveer Sangha Law. Mr. Sangha was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer my questions. He guided me through my matter with patience and kept me informed throughout the process. I appreciate his support and would recommend his services to anyone looking for reliable legal assistance. Thank you for your help
I had an excellent experience working with Mr Sangha. He is highly experienced, strategic in his approach, and an exceptional speaker both inside and outside the courtroom. His knowledge and professionalism gave me confidence throughout the entire process. He took the time to explain everything clearly and always had a well-thought-out plan. I truly appreciated his dedication and ability to advocate effectively on my behalf. I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a skilled and reliable lawyer.
Ready to Talk?
Free, confidential consultation — in English or Punjabi. Call, message, or send the form above.