Regina DUI Lawyer

Getting a DUI charge in Regina is a serious offence and can leave you facing long term implications. DUI charges or impaired driving is when someone is found to be operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Criminal Code of Canada as well as the Saskatchewan Highway Traffic Act (HTA) outline the penalties involved in a DUI charge. You may face vehicle impoundment, license suspension, a permanent criminal record, fines, and even jail time.

Impaired driving is a technical and complicated area of the law. There are constant changes being made to the law and thus it is crucial that you have the best representation on your side. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal issues, protect your rights, and create a strong defence based on the particulars of your case.

The Role of a DUI Lawyer

A DUI lawyer in Regina will work strategically to help build you a strong defence. Not only this, but they will also make sure to safeguard you rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They will analyze your interaction with law enforcement, and provide information regarding unreasonable search and seizure, arbitrary detention, and unlawful arrest. If the police have violated your Charter rights when collecting evidence from you or arresting you, your criminal defence lawyer can bring this up to strengthen your defence.

DUI lawyers know what information will be helpful to your case, and will be able to gather the right evidence, and speak to the right witnesses and experts.

Further, a DUI lawyer knows the importance of words, and can help you protect yourself from self-incrimination.

Most importantly, a DUI lawyer will examine your case and identify the strongest defences to utilize against the Crown Prosecutor. An effective defence could result in the severity of your penalty being reduced, or even your charges being dropped.

Finding the Right DUI Lawyer in Regina

An impaired driving charge is a big deal and could result in serious consequences. This is a niche area of the law and has many technicalities. This, it is important that you hire a skillful lawyer who is experienced in handling DUI cases. Their specialized knowledge will be vital in your defence. As each province has varied and specific traffic rules, a DUI lawyer from your region will be most suited to your needs.

During your consultation with your DUI lawyer, ensure that you are bringing forth any questions you have so that you know exactly what is going on with your case. For example, you may be wondering how long DUI cases go on for, whether or not you can still drive during your case, if you’ll be facing any kinds of legal penalties, and other concerns.

Further, you may want to ask your lawyer about their experience handling cases like yours. How many DUI cases have they handled, and how many they have won. This will be helpful to you in considering whether or not your lawyer will be able to help you.

Another way to choose a DUI lawyer is to conduct your own research online. Today, with a simple Google search you can find ratings, reviews, and testimonials about a wide variety of DUI lawyers and firms online. Through these sources, you will be able to see how a lawyer’s clients felt about working with them, which could be helpful when choosing your own representation.

Common DUI Defence Strategies

While a DUI charge can seem insurmountable, it is important to remember that that are defences that can be used to beat charges against you. Your DUI lawyer will examine your case to determine which defences would be best suited to your case. There are many defences that can be raised, however some of the common ones are as follows:

• Procedural Issues: If the police or prosecutor fail to perform some aspect of the investigation correctly, you may be able to use this to your advantage. For example, if the police collects breath samples incorrectly, you may be found not guilty.
• Charter Issues: It may be the case that the police has violated your Charter rights at some point during the investigation. For instance, the police may have used an unnecessary amount of force on you when collecting evidence. This could potentially constitute a Charter violation and could mean that the evidence collected can’t be used in the trial.
• Factual Inconsistencies: There could be factual misunderstandings in your case. For example, if you consumed or used the substance in question after you stopped operating the vehicle, you could potentially use that as a defence.

Costs and Fees for DUI Lawyers

Understanding Lawyer Fees

Lawyer fees can be a daunting part of the legal process to think about. However, getting the help of the lawyer to protect you from a DUI charge is beyond just taking part in a legal process. It is something you are doing for the betterment of your future. A DUI charge could impact your life in significant ways, so it is crucial that you get the help you need to protect yourself.

There is no standard DUI lawyer fee. They can differ, depending on the firm or lawyer you choose to hire. Usually, more experienced DUI lawyers will have higher fees. This is typically due their greater likelihood for success and their demand in the market. It is important to do your research and understand what exactly you are paying for when you hire a DUI lawyer.

Cost and Fee Structuring

Cost structures for DUI lawyers can vary, as there is not one standard method. However, there are three main groups that encompass most structures:

1. Contingency Billing: DUI lawyers are not allowed to employ a contingency billing structure for their payment. Contingency billing is when the lawyer’s payment is dependent on the outcome of the case. The lawyer is not paid in the duration of the case and receives payment after their client recovers some amount of money.
2. Hourly Billing: The hourly billing model is when the client pays based on how much time the lawyer spends on their case. In this system, even the minutes within the hour are counted, meaning you could be charged for phone calls and even emails. This could be advantageous to you if your case is relatively short in duration. However, it is difficult to know how long your DUI case will last. In this model, the longer it lasts, the more you will have to pay.
3. Flat Rate Billing: This payment system is based upon a pre-arranged total fee. The client is told by the lawyer what services they will receive and how much it will cost. This involves the DUI lawyer using their experience and expertise to recognize how much time and effort will go into your DUI case. Based on this, they will be able to give you a set amount that you have to pay. The advantage to this kind of billing model is the transparency – you will know right from the beginning how much you have to pay. Further, your costs will not increase as the days go on.

We employ the flat rate billing model at our firm. Our DUI lawyers are experienced in the field and have a strong understanding of what it will take to defend your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a DUI lawyer help if I have failed a breathalyzer test?

Yes – even if you have failed a breathalyzer test, it is possible that our lawyers will be able to help you. However, this will be dependent on the details of your case.

What are the potential consequences of a DUI conviction in Regina?

Even a first-time DUI offence can have damaging consequences. You could face a $1000 fine, a jail sentence, or a license suspension.

How can a DUI lawyer help reduce or dismiss charges?

A DUI lawyer can work with you to examine your case and build a strong defence.

What should I look for when choosing a DUI lawyer in Regina?

It is important to do your research when looking for a DUI lawyer. It would be in your best interest to find a lawyer who is knowledgeable in this area of law and has experience fighting DUI cases.

Conclusion

Getting a DUI charge in Regina is serious. You could be facing heavy fines, license suspension, jail time, and even a permanent criminal record. Therefore, it is important to hire a DUI lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable.

A DUI lawyer can help defend you, protect your rights, and aide you in navigating the complicated legal system. They can identify the defence strategies and bring to light any unlawful actions by the police, to mitigate the severity of your consequences, or even to get your charges dismissed entirely.