How to Avoid Impaired Driving Offences this Holiday Season

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How to Avoid Impaired Driving Offences this
Holiday Season

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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With the holidays just right around the corner,
you will soon start receiving invites to all
sorts of parties and events from friends and
family members, as well as corporate/business
events. All of these events can be fun and
exciting to attend. However, one of the biggest
mistakes people can make is thinking that law
enforcement is going to let things slide, just
because it's the holidays.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

3
You would be surprised by how many people think
being slightly intoxicated and getting behind the
wheel is okay at the holidays. They are under the
misconception, should they get stopped, as long
as they have not had too much to drink, they will
be let off with a simple warning and sent on
their way.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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However, if you are stopped at a RIDE Program
checkpoint or get pulled over by a law
enforcement officer and are asked to take a
breathalyzer test, and blow over the legal limit
for impaired or "over 80," you will be charged
with an impaired driving criminal offence.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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Even if you are just slightly impaired, but not
necessary "over 80," the police have a
responsibility to ensure you remain off the road
and not endanger other motorists. You will be
transported to the local police department,
arrested, and charged. 

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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The best way to avoid impaired driving offences
is to not drive whenever you drink, including the
holidays. There are several options for transport
throughout Ottawa, including public
transportation services, taxis, and private car
services when you do not have someone available
to be your designated driver.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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For corporate or other special events, where it
is being held in or near a hotel, consider
booking a room and staying the night, rather than
driving home. Some hotels may even offer a
discounted room rate for these types of events,
as long as you mention it when booking.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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It will cost you significantly less to spend the
money to stay a night in a hotel, where you can
get a decent night's rest, and ensure the alcohol
has passed out of your system before driving home.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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Did you know, if you are charged and convicted
for a first-time impaired driving offence, the
minimum fine is 1,000? This does not include
your criminal defence lawyer's fees, court costs,
increased insurance rates, and other costs you
could incur.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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Another way to avoid impaired driving is to stay
at home and not go out. Hosting a small party at
your home can be fun for everyone. Just mind the
noise levels if you live in an apartment or
condo. As the party's host, you should request
that anyone who is drinking surrender their keys
and plan on spending the night.

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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That way, not only do you avoid being charged
with impaired driving offences, but also help
your friends avoid being stopped and
charged. DISCLAIMER Please remember, the
information presented here is for educational
purposes only and should never be viewed as
actual legal advice

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595

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If you have been charged with an impaired driving
offence, please call Ottawa criminal defence
lawyer, Celine Dostaler at 613.695.8595 today for
a free 30-minute consultation. Source-
http//www.impairedlawdesk.com/blog/how-to-avoid-i
mpaired-driving-offences-this-holiday-season.php

• www.impairedlawdesk.com/
  613.863.8595