A DUI in Calgary is a serious offence, as it is deemed a Criminal Charge by the Canadian Criminal Code.
If you are caught operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will face punishments that can impact your livelihood, including your job, insurance and international travel. Significantly, you will get a criminal record on your name.
We take a look at the impact of a DUI record and how it impacts your life.
What Can DUIs Impact?
Having a DUI on your record can impact several aspects of your life, including the following:
- Your employment might be affected. Although there is no law saying that you won’t get a job if you get a DUI, employers will less likely consider a person with a criminal charge to their name. You might also miss out on potential job opportunities.
- Insurance rates and accessibility. Insurance companies will charge a higher premium on you driving a vehicle if you have a DUI record. Since you’re already considered a danger, you might pay hundreds of dollars extra to be insured or be denied completely.
- You will most likely lose your licence and be forced to participate in Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program for 12 months or more, alongside attending the Planning Ahead and IMPACT educational programs.
- It might impact your ability to travel overseas. Many countries, including the USA, also consider DUIs a criminal offence, so they might refuse your entrance. We have more information on entering countries with a DUI in our post here, “Entering The US With A DUI“.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record?
According to Transportation Alberta, the Province keeps a “10-year record of these offences, the same period we use for tracking criminal impaired driving convictions and among the longest in Canada.”
(Learn about “What Happens When You Get a DUI Charge in Calgary?” right here)
How Do I Remove a DUI from My Record?
Hire a DUI Lawyer
If you get charged with a DUI, it’s best to seek legal counsel and support from a DUI lawyer, who can help you fight the charge. They can build a case around your defence, helping you avoid getting a record to your name. It’s better if you do this earlier than later.
If you do get a DUI on your record, your lawyer can advise you on the next steps to help mitigate the damage to your career and life.
In some cases, you might get your DUI charged as a summary conviction rather than a criminal offence, so it will not impact your livelihood significantly.
Get a Pardon
The last thing you could do is seek a Pardon from the Canadian Government. This process involves submitting an application and proving to the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) that you are no longer a danger to society.
To do so, you will have to:
- Wait the requisite time period (between five to 10 years) after the record was imposed
- Have supporting documents from the RCMP, completed courses, and even professionals that highlight that you no longer carry a threat on the road
Ideally, it’s best if you apply with the support of your DUI or criminal lawyer, as they can guide you on the best course of action and the documents required.
It takes an average of 12-24 months for a pardon/record suspension application to be processed and granted. If you are approved, the pardon seals that portion of your criminal record but doesn’t remove it entirely. Therefore, employers and insurance companies won’t be able to see it.
If you are unsuccessful, you will have to wait one year before submitting a second one.
Joel Chevrefils of Alberta Criminal Defence Lawyers is here to defend you against all criminal charges. When charged with a criminal offence, such as impaired driving, domestic violence, or DUI, the first thing you should do is call your trusted Calgary criminal defence lawyer. His professionalism can help you with all concerns regarding your charges and the complex nature of Canada’s legal system. Chevrefils can help you with your charges in and outside Calgary, including Provincial Courts in Cochrane, Airdrie, Okotoks, Red Deer and Edmonton. Trust your case to Calgary’s most experienced criminal lawyer. Call Alberta Criminal Defence Lawyers today at (403) 830-1980.
