Cost of an Impaired Driving Conviction in Calgary

Criminal Penalties Under Alberta Law

Alberta’s impaired driving penalties are among the harshest in the country. Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, the legal and financial consequences increase with each offence.

First Offence

• Mandatory Fine: A minimum fine of $1,000 upon conviction.
• Licence Suspension: Immediate roadside licence suspension followed by a mandatory 1-year driving prohibition.
• Ignition Interlock Program: To regain driving privileges, you may be required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program at your own cost (installation, monthly fees).
• Criminal Record: A conviction leads to a permanent criminal record, which may affect employment and travel opportunities.

Repeat Offences

• Mandatory Jail Time:
  • Second offence: Minimum 30 days in jail
  • Third or subsequent offences: Minimum 120 days in jail
• Longer Licence Suspensions: You may face prohibitions of 3 years or longer depending on the number of offences.
• Vehicle Seizure: Police may seize your vehicle for extended periods, especially for repeat offences or high blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Additional Financial Costs

• Court Fees: Mandatory victim surcharge and other administrative court costs.
• Reinstatement Fees: Cost to reinstate a suspended licence can run into several hundred dollars.
• Alcohol Education & Treatment Programs: Completion of Planning Ahead or IMPACT program, which requires a fee.
• Increased Insurance Rates: A DUI can raise your insurance premiums by thousands annually or make it difficult to find coverage at all.
  
  

Impact on Auto Insurance in Calgary

Immediate Cancellation or High-Risk Coverage

• Most insurance companies in Alberta immediately cancel coverage upon learning of a DUI conviction.
• Drivers are often forced to seek high-risk auto insurance through specialized providers, which offer limited options at a premium price.

Significant Premium Increases

• A single impaired driving conviction can result in a premium increase of up to 300%.
• For many Calgary drivers, annual insurance costs may skyrocket from $1,500 to over $6,000.
• These elevated rates can remain in place for at least 3 to 5 years, even after completing court requirements and reinstating your licence.

Long-Term Financial Burden

• The financial impact extends well beyond legal fees and fines.
• You may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device, and insurers may factor this into ongoing premiums.
• A criminal record for impaired driving can also impact your ability to secure vehicle financing, rentals, or commercial driving positions, further straining your finances.

In Calgary’s competitive insurance market, a DUI conviction can significantly limit your options. Consulting a local criminal defence lawyer may help reduce charges and potentially protect your long-term financial standing.

Other Financial Consequences

Vehicle Towing and Storage Fees

• If you’re arrested for impaired driving, your vehicle may be impounded on the spot.
• In Calgary, towing fees typically range from $150 to $300, with daily storage fees averaging $25 to $35 per day.
• If your vehicle is held for 30 days, you could be looking at over $1,000 just to retrieve it.

Mandatory Education or Treatment Programs

• Convicted drivers must often complete programs such as Planning Ahead or IMPACT, both required by Alberta Transportation.
• These programs are not free; fees range from $250 to $500, depending on the course and provider.
• Failure to complete these programs can delay licence reinstatement, adding further indirect costs.

Job Loss, Especially in Driving-Related Roles

• If your employment involves driving company vehicles, a DUI conviction may lead to immediate job termination.
• Many employers require a clean driving abstract; a criminal record could prevent future job opportunities, particularly in sectors like transportation, logistics, and public service.
• Losing your job can mean lost income, missed benefits, and potentially even difficulty securing future employment due to a tarnished record.

Travel and Immigration Issues

Restricted Entry to Countries Like the U.S.

• The United States considers impaired driving a criminal offence, and border agents have the discretion to deny entry, even for a first offence.
• Calgary residents travelling for work, vacation, or family reasons may find themselves turned away at the border, particularly if the conviction is recent.
• Entry bans can last several years, and waivers or permits to enter the U.S. require time, paperwork, and additional costs.

Delays in Immigration or Work Permits

• A DUI conviction can cause serious issues if you are applying for:
  • Permanent residency
  • Citizenship
  • Study or work permits
• Immigration officers in Canada and abroad may see a conviction as evidence of criminal inadmissibility.
• You may be required to provide police certificates, undergo extra background checks, or face processing delays, especially if applying through IRCC or foreign immigration offices.

How a Calgary DUI Lawyer Helps Minimize Costs

Negotiating Lesser Penalties

• A Calgary DUI lawyer can work with the Crown prosecutor to negotiate a plea deal or reduced charges (e.g., careless driving instead of DUI).
• Lesser penalties may mean lower fines, shorter licence suspensions, and no criminal record, depending on the circumstances.
• Lawyers may also help clients gain early access to the Ignition Interlock Program, which can restore driving privileges sooner.

Challenging Admissibility of Evidence

• Defence lawyers are trained to spot errors in police procedures, Charter rights violations, or faulty breathalyzer calibrations.
• If key evidence is found to be inadmissible, charges may be withdrawn or dismissed.
• Successful challenges can prevent a conviction altogether, saving clients from fines, insurance hikes, and employment consequences.

Avoiding Conviction When Possible

• In some cases, a lawyer may help you avoid a criminal conviction entirely through diversion programs or by raising reasonable doubt in court.
• They can also advise on voluntary treatment programs, which show rehabilitation and may influence sentencing.
• A dismissed or downgraded charge means you may avoid a criminal record, protecting your job, travel rights, and future insurance rates.

In Calgary’s strict legal environment, a knowledgeable DUI lawyer offers more than just legal defence—they provide cost-saving strategies, peace of mind, and a chance at a second start.