Fishing Frenzy

Impaired driving in Canada face severe penalties and they are enforced to the maximum. Numbers from show that 1,278 alcohol related deaths occurred in 2006 and that 300,000 more alcohol related car wreaks were reported. The majority of these car crashes involved property damage to those other than the driver.

An operator can be charged in Canada with a DUI even if the vehicle isn't moving. By observing the way a motorist drives, their speech, and balance among other things law enforcement will determine if they are impaired or not. A blood test is used to confirm field results.

According to Canadian law; first time offenders are hit with a fine. If there should be more than one occurrence it will result in the serving of jail time. Additionally the license of the offender will be revoked until the courts decide to reinstate it.

The Tackling Violent Crimes Act of 2008 resulted in officers being to request fluid samples to confirm drunk driving. Officers can stop someone who is suspected of impaired driving and administer a field sobriety test. The fluid samples are used confirm the offense. Drivers that refuse the providing of the samples can now be charged with a criminal offense.

Once convicted of DUI the fines can range from 600 to 1,000 dollars. Second time offenders can expect anywhere from 14 to 30 days in jail and on the third strike 90 to 120 days. Drivers that are found guilty also forfeit their license for up to three years.

The Canadian immigration law prevents people with criminal records from entering the country at the discretion of customs. This applies to people with an impaired driving conviction of any kid from any country. Because DUI is considered a felony it is rare that someone with this type of conviction is allowed in, but specialized entrance is allowable in some cases.

Applying for specialized entrance requires a few steps. There is a waiver of exclusion that is available through the main embassy in Washington, D. C. For those who cannot obtain the waiver from the embassy there are consulate offices across the United States that have them as well. After filing the paperwork there is a wait time of a couple of weeks, just like when applying for a passport.

With the increased security since September 11, 2011 the United States and Canada have penned an agreement to increase border security. Lying to a border agent will result in being banned from entering the country for several years, if not permanently.

With the consequences being so high when it comes to being caught driving impaired, one really must take into whether it is worth it or not. Not only will the occurrence give you a criminal record; but you will also forfeit your rights to pass freely between the two countries.

There should be no question as to if one should drink and drive. In just a few minutes the choice to get in a vehicle while impaired can change lives. Not only will the conviction be permanently on the record of the driver; but every day life changes and the road back can be a long and difficult one.