Are you facing the legal consequences of an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), or charges of impaired driving (DUI), careless or dangerous driving in Duncan or the Cowichan Valley? While it may be tempting to view a charge for driving offences as lesser than other criminal charges, the reality is that they can have severe, lifelong consequences. From license suspension through to a permanent criminal record that impacts your future employment, motor vehicle offences in British Columbia carry strict and grave consequences. Your best chance of shaping a positive outcome lies in enlisting the help of an experienced criminal defence lawyer to help you navigate the legal complexities you’re facing.
The Sarah Leamon Law Group has helped many people facing the consequences of driving offences successfully present their cases at the Duncan Provincial Courthouse (238 Government St) and throughout British Columbia. We leverage our expert knowledge of driving laws and the criminal code of Canada to help our clients navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcomes for their cases.
How An Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer Can Help With Driving Offences in Duncan
Skilled legal representation is indispensable when navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding driving offences in British Columbia. The provincial laws surrounding offences such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) are intricate and complex. The results of a conviction will be life-changing, from the impounding of vehicles and the suspension of your licenses through to federal charges and the potential for a permanent criminal record. If you are facing these charges, you need the expertise and experience of a criminal defence lawyer to help you challenge and mitigate the impact of the charge and ensure your legal rights and freedoms are protected at every step.
The Sarah Leamon Law Group combines expert legal knowledge with a personalized client approach that will help defend you throughout the entire legal process. The Crown and law enforcement will do everything they can to build a successful case around your charge. You need someone adept at scrutinizing the legalities of evidence collection and procedures, identifying potential legal defences, and challenging procedural irregularities that may impact your case on your side. In DUI and IRP matters, where the consequences can be severe, engaging strong, experienced legal representation is essential to mitigate penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment.
Given the potentially severe and long-term ramifications of even the lightest driving offences, including impacts on your insurance premiums and employment opportunities, investing in professional legal representation is a prudent and strategic way to safeguard your rights and future.
Things You Should Know About DUIs and IRPs in British Columbia
In British Columbia, impaired driving, often called Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) are serious driving offences with distinct legal consequences.
What is a DUI?
DUI offences are those related to the operation of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In particular, when drivers are caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above 0.08%, or in the ‘warn range’ of 0.05% and upward. But not all DUIs are alcohol-related. This offence covers a range of impairing substances, including illicit drugs and even prescription medications.
Client Testimonials
Read more reviews from past clients:
Google Reviews or Lawyer Ratingz
Dealing with the Sarah Leamon Law Group was an absolute pleasure. They were friendly and efficient in communicating with me, and dealt with my case in a timely manner. They were thorough and meticulous in putting together a strong case that resulted in a WIN. Highly recommend their services.
K.R., Google Review
Sarah Leamon is amazing! She got back to me right away even though she was out of office! She not only jumped on my file quickly, she also got my prohibition reduced from 7 Months to 3 Months a BIG win in my eyes!!
Lawyer Ratingz Review
From my initial contact with Sarah, providing me with detailed information on next steps, to answering all my questions throughout the process and the representation (thank you, Hyemin!), the service offered by Sarah Leamon Law Group was top notch. Would highly recommend.
S.S., Google Review
Hyemin at Sarah leamon law group is a very respectful, kind, and bright lady. Their team was thorough with my case making the process less worrisome. Would recommend 10/10.
M., Google Review
Have had Sarah as my go-to for any and all my traffic issues. She is very compassionate and is excellent at explaining every part of the process and keeping your stress level way down. Multiple times ive hired Sarah and i am always completely confident she will get the best result, as she has done time and time again. wouldn't go anywhere else, definitely #1 in my eyes!
M.W., Google Review
Dealing with the Sarah Leamon Law Group was an absolute pleasure. They were friendly and efficient in communicating with me, and dealt with my case in a timely manner. They were thorough and meticulous in putting together a strong case that resulted in a WIN. Highly recommend their services.
K.R., Google Review
Sarah Leamon is amazing! She got back to me right away even though she was out of office! She not only jumped on my file quickly, she also got my prohibition reduced from 7 Months to 3 Months a BIG win in my eyes!!
Lawyer Ratingz Review
From my initial contact with Sarah, providing me with detailed information on next steps, to answering all my questions throughout the process and the representation (thank you, Hyemin!), the service offered by Sarah Leamon Law Group was top notch. Would highly recommend.
S.S., Google Review
Hyemin at Sarah leamon law group is a very respectful, kind, and bright lady. Their team was thorough with my case making the process less worrisome. Would recommend 10/10.
M., Google Review
Have had Sarah as my go-to for any and all my traffic issues. She is very compassionate and is excellent at explaining every part of the process and keeping your stress level way down. Multiple times ive hired Sarah and i am always completely confident she will get the best result, as she has done time and time again. wouldn't go anywhere else, definitely #1 in my eyes!
M.W., Google Review
Dealing with the Sarah Leamon Law Group was an absolute pleasure. They were friendly and efficient in communicating with me, and dealt with my case in a timely manner. They were thorough and meticulous in putting together a strong case that resulted in a WIN. Highly recommend their services.
K.R., Google Review
Sarah Leamon is amazing! She got back to me right away even though she was out of office! She not only jumped on my file quickly, she also got my prohibition reduced from 7 Months to 3 Months a BIG win in my eyes!!
Lawyer Ratingz Review
From my initial contact with Sarah, providing me with detailed information on next steps, to answering all my questions throughout the process and the representation (thank you, Hyemin!), the service offered by Sarah Leamon Law Group was top notch. Would highly recommend.
S.S., Google Review
Hyemin at Sarah leamon law group is a very respectful, kind, and bright lady. Their team was thorough with my case making the process less worrisome. Would recommend 10/10.
M., Google Review
Have had Sarah as my go-to for any and all my traffic issues. She is very compassionate and is excellent at explaining every part of the process and keeping your stress level way down. Multiple times ive hired Sarah and i am always completely confident she will get the best result, as she has done time and time again. wouldn't go anywhere else, definitely #1 in my eyes!
M.W., Google Review
What Are The Consequences of DUI?
Upon suspicion of impaired driving, law enforcement may administer field sobriety tests and breathalyzer assessments. Conviction for DUI carries severe penalties, including fines, mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs, license suspension, and even imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and whether it’s a repeat offence. Additionally, individuals convicted of DUI may be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.
What is an IRP?
Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) is an administrative penalty imposed when there are reasonable grounds to believe a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs. The IRP program is distinct from criminal charges associated with DUI, focusing on swift on-site administrative consequences. When issued an IRP, drivers face immediate penalties such as license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and fines. The severity of penalties escalates for repeat offences.
What Happens if I Get An IRP?
The IRP process is an administrative review separate from criminal court proceedings. Contesting an IRP needs skilled legal guidance to challenge the administrative process on a tight timeline, and success does not guarantee immunity from federal and criminal charges.
If you receive an IRP notice, you will lose your driving rights for up to three months, with the potential for further driving bans from the court. You will face fines and the possible impounding of your vehicle, potential mandatory provincial programs, and can again have a forced ignition interlock device on your car. They may also use the IRP to gather evidence for other federal charges.
Given the serious implications of DUI and IRP, seeking experienced legal representation is imperative. A criminal defence lawyer will help you navigate the intricacies of the Canadian legal system, challenge evidence and collection practices, and advocate for the best possible outcomes, including minimizing penalties, potential plea deals, and protecting your long-term driving privileges.
Hear From Our Clients
Sarah Leamon Law Group has carefully built our reputation over decades, creating a strong framework of trust not only with our clients, but our colleagues and the courts. Our commitment to protecting our clients’ legal rights and driving the best possible outcomes is as strong as ever. If you’re curious about the outcomes we’ve achieved, you are welcome to explore our successful case outcomes further.
Start Your Legal Journey With a Free Consultation
Being charged with a driving offence can leave you feeling helpless and alone, but the Sarah Leamon Law Group is here to help you get the best possible resolution to your legal woes. Take advantage of our free initial consultation today, and find out how we can help you build the best defence possible.