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DUI Law Blog
Plain-language guides to impaired driving law in Ontario — written by Jonathan Lapid from 25 years of defending DUI charges in Toronto courts.
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Fighting a DUI ChargeCan You Get Legal Aid for a DUI in Ontario?Sometimes. Legal Aid Ontario may cover a DUI if you meet its financial and coverage rules, but many first offences do not qualify. Duty counsel can still help.
Ignition Interlock & ProbationHow to Get Your Licence Back After a DUI in OntarioTo get your licence back after a DUI in Ontario, serve each suspension, finish Back on Track, pay reinstatement fees and meet the ignition interlock condition.
Fighting a DUI ChargeShould You Plead Guilty to a DUI in Ontario?Not before a lawyer reviews your disclosure. A guilty plea means a criminal record, mandatory penalties and a driving ban. Learn when an early plea may help.
DUI Penalties & ConsequencesWhat Is the 90-Day ADLS Licence Suspension in Ontario?The 90-day ADLS is an immediate Ontario licence suspension for an over 80 reading, a refusal or a drug evaluation finding, separate from your criminal case.
Ignition Interlock & ProbationOntario's Back on Track Program: Who Needs It and How It WorksBack on Track is the mandatory Ontario remedial program for impaired drivers: an assessment, education or treatment, then follow-up before licence return.
DUI Penalties & ConsequencesDo You Go to Jail for a First DUI in Ontario?Usually not. A first DUI in Ontario has no mandatory jail, only a minimum $1,000 fine, but a high reading, a collision or an injury can put jail on the table.
DUI Penalties & ConsequencesDriving While Disqualified: What It Actually Means and Why It’s Treated So SeriouslyIn Toronto, driving while disqualified is a serious offence. This guide explains the charges, 2026 penalties, and your defence options.
Roadside Stops & Your RightsHow Long Can a Breathalyzer Detect Alcohol?The real window depends on factors most people overlook. Learn what affects your BAC and what it means for your case.
Roadside Stops & Your RightsWhat Happens at a RIDE Checkpoint in Ontario?At a RIDE checkpoint, police can demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver. See what officers ask, your rights and what leads to arrest.
DUI Penalties & ConsequencesWill I Lose My Licence for a First DUI in Ontario?Yes. A first DUI in Ontario brings an immediate 90-day licence suspension, then a 1-year prohibition and suspension on conviction. Here is how it works.
Cannabis & Drug-Impaired DrivingThe Impacts Of Marijuana Legalization Regarding Impaired Driving (2026 UPDATE)Explore how marijuana legalization in Canada has impacted impaired driving trends. Updated for 2026 with the latest data and legal insights.
Cannabis & Drug-Impaired DrivingIs Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis the Same as Alcohol?Since the legalization of marijuana in Canada, questions have emerged regarding its safety as a controlled substance compared to alcohol ...