{"id":5770,"date":"2024-06-11T17:19:11","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T17:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/?page_id=5770"},"modified":"2026-09-14T11:09:29","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T11:09:29","slug":"impaired-driving-dui-lawyers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/impaired-driving-dui-lawyers\/","title":{"rendered":"DUI &amp; Impaired Driving Lawyers in Victoria"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1440px + 50px );margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>If you or someone you love has been accused of impaired driving in Victoria, you probably have one question: what happens now?<\/p>\n<p>Our Victoria team has defended drivers across Vancouver Island since 2021. There is a big difference between a charge and a conviction.<\/p>\n<p><b>Let us protect you:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>40+ combined years of criminal defence experience.<\/li>\n<li>Winner of the Consumer Choice Award for Best Criminal Defence Firm in Victoria.<\/li>\n<li>75+ five-star Google reviews from clients across Vancouver Island.<\/li>\n<li>Featured on CBC News, CTV News, and Yahoo News.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/julia-hunter\/\">Julia Hunter<\/a> and our Victoria team are available 24\/7 for urgent arrests and bail hearings.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><h2>Charged with impaired driving? Here\u2019s what to do next<\/h2>\n<p><b>If you\u2019re charged with impaired driving in Victoria, take these three steps right away:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Stop talking to the police.<\/b> Politely decline to answer further questions until you have spoken with a lawyer. What you say to the police will be used against you.<\/li>\n<li><b>Write down everything you remember.<\/b> Note the time of the stop, what the officer said, and how any tests were conducted, while the details are still fresh.<\/li>\n<li><b>Call a lawyer before your first court date.<\/b> Licence suspension deadlines move fast. Early legal advice protects options that disappear if you wait.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Taking these steps gives your lawyer the best chance to challenge the case against you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p>&#8220;There have been many cases where the accused would have likely had their charges dropped had they not made statements to the police, such as: \u2018I know I made a mistake; I shouldn\u2019t have been driving\u2019 or \u2018What\u2019s the point of giving breath samples? I know I will blow over.\u2019 Remaining silent and saving your words for your lawyer is almost always the best option.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/julia-hunter\/\">Julia Hunter<\/a>, Criminal Defence Lawyer<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h2>What is impaired driving and over 80?<\/h2>\n<p>Canada doesn\u2019t use the term DUI. Instead, <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-320.14.html\">section 320.14 of the Criminal Code<\/a> outlines charges of impaired driving and \u2018over 80\u2019.<\/p>\n<p><b>The police can charge you if:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your ability to operate a vehicle, boat, or aircraft is affected by alcohol or drugs.<\/li>\n<li>Your blood alcohol concentration reaches 80 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood within two hours of driving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You don\u2019t need to be caught driving to be charged with impaired driving or over 80. If the police believe you had care and control of the vehicle, meaning you could easily have set it in motion, you can still face charges.<\/p>\n<p>The penalties are harsh. Calling us early in your case allows us to work quickly to limit the consequences.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h2>What happens if you\u2019re accused of impaired driving in Victoria?<\/h2>\n<p>Reducing road accidents is a priority for the Victoria, Oak Bay, and Saanich Police Services. That means drink-driving is treated seriously.<\/p>\n<p><b>British Columbia has operated a two-track system for impaired driving since 2010:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>An administrative Immediate Roadside Prohibition (under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca\/civix\/document\/id\/complete\/statreg\/96318_00\">BC\u2019s Motor Vehicle Act<\/a>). This can suspend your licence and impound your vehicle within minutes.<\/li>\n<li>A separate criminal charge under the Criminal Code, which can lead to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/fine-order\/\">fine<\/a>, jail time, and a criminal record.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Both tracks result in license suspension, but only the second-track charges lead to a criminal record.<\/p>\n<h3>What is an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) in BC?<\/h3>\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/immediate-roadside-prohibition-lawyers\/\">Immediate Roadside Prohibition<\/a> is a licence suspension that BC police can issue right at the roadside. This is based only on your breath sample.<\/p>\n<p>The suspension applies immediately, even if you are never criminally charged. It runs separately from any Criminal Code case. As a result, the IRP is usually the fastest and most common consequence of an impaired driving stop in Victoria.<\/p>\n<p><b>If you blow in the warning range (a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to 0.08), your penalty increases with each warning in a five-year period:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><style>\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .scd-table thead { display: none; }\n  .scd-table tr { display: block; margin-bottom: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; }\n  .scd-table td { display: block; padding: 10px 14px; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left !important; }\n  .scd-table td:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .scd-table td::before { content: attr(data-label); display: block; font-weight: bold; color: #c12127; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"scd-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 28%; text-align: left;\">IRP LEVEL<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 24%; text-align: left;\">LICENCE SUSPENSION<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 24%; text-align: left;\">VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 24%; text-align: left;\">FINE<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"IRP Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Warning, 1st in 5 years<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Licence Suspension\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">3 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Vehicle Impoundment\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">3 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Fine\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">$200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"IRP Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Warning, 2nd in 5 years<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Licence Suspension\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">7 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Vehicle Impoundment\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">7 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Fine\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">$300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"IRP Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Warning, 3rd+ in 5 years<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Licence Suspension\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">30 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Vehicle Impoundment\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">30 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Fine\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">$400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"IRP Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\"><b>Fail (over 0.08 or refusal)<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Licence Suspension\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">90 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Vehicle Impoundment\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">30 days<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Fine\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;\">$500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\" style=\"margin-top:25px;\"><p><b>If you blow over 0.08, or refuse to provide a breath sample, you will typically face:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition.<\/li>\n<li>A possible referral to the Responsible Driver Program.<\/li>\n<li>A possible referral to the Ignition Interlock Program before your licence is reinstated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You need to appeal your IRP within 7 days. Our lawyers can help you do that.<\/p>\n<h3>What are the criminal penalties for impaired driving in Victoria?<\/h3>\n<p>The police can still charge you with impaired driving if you are within the warning range, blow over 0.08, or refuse a lawful breath test.<\/p>\n<p>If police proceed with a criminal charge, whether instead of or alongside an IRP, the Criminal Code sets out the penalties.<\/p>\n<\/div><style>\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .scd-table thead { display: none; }\n  .scd-table tr { display: block; margin-bottom: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; }\n  .scd-table td { display: block; padding: 10px 14px; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left !important; }\n  .scd-table td:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .scd-table td::before { content: attr(data-label); display: block; font-weight: bold; color: #c12127; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"scd-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 25%; text-align: left;\">CRIMINAL OFFENCE<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 35%; text-align: left;\">MINIMUM PENALTY<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 40%; text-align: left;\">MAXIMUM PENALTY<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Criminal Offence\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>First offence<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">$1,000 fine, plus a criminal record.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">2 years less a day (summary) or 10 years (indictment).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Criminal Offence\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>Second offence<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">30 days in jail.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">2 years less a day (summary) or 10 years (indictment).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Criminal Offence\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>Third offence<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">120 days in jail.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">2 years less a day (summary) or 10 years (indictment).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Criminal Offence\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>Causing bodily harm<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Same mandatory minimums as above apply.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">2 years less a day (summary) or 14 years (indictment).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Criminal Offence\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>Causing death<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Same mandatory minimums as above apply.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Life in prison. The Crown must proceed by indictment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><h2>How can a Victoria impaired driving lawyer help?<\/h2>\n<p>Exactly how we help depends on whether you are facing an Immediate Roadside Prohibition alone or a criminal charge as well.<\/p>\n<h3>Challenging IRP sanctions<\/h3>\n<p>With an IRP, our team can help you challenge your prohibition within the 7-day deadline.<b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>The appeal must be on one of the following grounds:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You were not the driver.<\/li>\n<li>The breath testing process was not followed correctly.<\/li>\n<li>The device or the result was unreliable.<\/li>\n<li>Your prohibition should be shorter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Defending you in a criminal impaired driving case<\/h3>\n<p>In criminal cases, there may still be room to change how your case unfolds if you contact us before your first court date.<\/p>\n<p>Being held after a charge is uncommon in a standard first-time case. If it happens to you, we can represent you at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/bail-hearings\/\">bail hearing<\/a> at the Victoria Courthouse.<\/p>\n<p><b>Typical release conditions include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A driving ban.<\/li>\n<li>Reporting requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Abstaining from alcohol or drugs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Depending on circumstances, we then consider ways to minimize the consequences for you:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Examine the full Crown disclosure.<\/b> We compare the video, the officer\u2019s notes, and the breath certificate to identify gaps that raise doubts.<\/li>\n<li><b>Check whether your Charter rights were respected.<\/b> This includes your right to know why you were detained, your right to speak with a lawyer before a formal test at the station, and whether police had lawful grounds to stop you in the first place.<\/li>\n<li><b>Look at treatment-based sentencing options.<\/b> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-320.23.html\">section 320.23(2) of the Criminal Code<\/a>, a court does not have to impose the mandatory minimum penalty if you complete an approved treatment program. That can be a meaningful path for some clients.<\/li>\n<li><b>Negotiate toward a non-criminal resolution.<\/b> Where the evidence supports it, this can mean a plea to a Motor Vehicle Act offence rather than a Criminal Code conviction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Another option is to proceed to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/trial-process\/\">full trial<\/a>. Most impaired driving cases in Canada don\u2019t go to trial. If your case goes the distance, however, we can represent you at the Victoria Courthouse on Burdett Avenue.<\/p>\n<p>We will work to prevent a criminal record. If necessary, we can also help you plan around any licence, interlock, or program requirements that come with the outcome.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><h2>What typical defences do we pursue at trial?<\/h2>\n<p><b>Every case is different, but common defences to impaired driving charges include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Charter breaches.<\/b> If police did not follow proper procedure during your stop, arrest, or breath testing, the evidence against you may be excluded.<\/li>\n<li><b>Faulty breathalyzer results.<\/b> Equipment errors or improper testing procedures can undermine the Crown\u2019s case.<\/li>\n<li><b>Involuntary intoxication.<\/b> If you didn\u2019t knowingly consume the substance that impaired you, this can challenge a key element of the charge.<\/li>\n<li><b>No care and control.<\/b> If you were not in a position to operate the vehicle, the charge may not hold up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We review the full police file, including video footage and breath test records. That way, we can identify the defence that gives you the strongest chance of success.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><h2>Testimonials<\/h2>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s what clients have said about us. Remember that past results do not guarantee future outcomes.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-3 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cCompetent, capable, and empathetic\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cAttorney <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/julia-hunter\/\">Julia L. Hunter<\/a> provided me with her advice in criminal law, and thanks to her diligent, agile, and professional management, we achieved a successful outcome. Communication with her was always very fluid, and I felt supported in every way. If I had to recommend a competent, capable, and empathetic lawyer, I would not hesitate to say that Julia is the person who embodies these qualities.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>D.N-Z.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-4 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cInsightful, smart, logical and prompt\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cJulia was very helpful in getting a desired outcome. Insightful, smart, logical and prompt. I am very happy with her service.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>D.C.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-5 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cFantastic to work with from start to finish\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have to express my sincere appreciation to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/julia-hunter\/\">Julia Hunter<\/a> with Strategic Criminal Defence in Victoria, BC. Julia was fantastic to work with from start to finish. After speaking with Julia during the initial phone consultation, I felt comfortable and very confident with her representing me in the legal matter that I was in. Julia was thorough, informative, responsive to emails\/calls, and had fantastic communication skills. The outcome in my case was favourable.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>M.C.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-18\"><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-5770-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-5770-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-5770-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-5770-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-5770-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-c50bf8a0fe3bfd622 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-c50bf8a0fe3bfd622 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-c50bf8a0fe3bfd622 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"c50bf8a0fe3bfd622\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5770-1\" data-target=\"#c50bf8a0fe3bfd622\" href=\"#c50bf8a0fe3bfd622\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Will I lose my licence right away if I\u2019m charged with impaired driving in Victoria? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"c50bf8a0fe3bfd622\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Yes, in most cases. Police issue an immediate roadside or administrative driving prohibition under BC\u2019s Motor Vehicle Act. That\u2019s separate from any criminal charge. You have only seven days to appeal this suspension, so contact a lawyer immediately to protect your ability to drive.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-caf3e34b9a39114f2 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-caf3e34b9a39114f2 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-caf3e34b9a39114f2 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"caf3e34b9a39114f2\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5770-1\" data-target=\"#caf3e34b9a39114f2\" href=\"#caf3e34b9a39114f2\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can I avoid a criminal record for a first-time impaired driving charge?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"caf3e34b9a39114f2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>It\u2019s possible. Depending on the evidence and your circumstances, our lawyers may negotiate a resolution, such as a reduced charge, that avoids a conviction. Every case depends on its specific facts, so speak with a lawyer early.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-9853bfae93cd70081 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-9853bfae93cd70081 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-9853bfae93cd70081 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"9853bfae93cd70081\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5770-1\" data-target=\"#9853bfae93cd70081\" href=\"#9853bfae93cd70081\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Do I have to take a roadside breath test in Victoria?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"9853bfae93cd70081\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Yes. Under the Criminal Code, all drivers must provide a breath sample when lawfully demanded by police, regardless of the reason for the stop. Refusing this demand is itself a criminal offence under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-320.15.html\">section 320.15<\/a>. The penalties are similar to those for impaired driving.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-757207fd165e2dfe8 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5770-1 .panel-757207fd165e2dfe8 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-757207fd165e2dfe8 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"757207fd165e2dfe8\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5770-1\" data-target=\"#757207fd165e2dfe8\" href=\"#757207fd165e2dfe8\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How much does an impaired driving lawyer cost in Victoria?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"757207fd165e2dfe8\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether it proceeds to trial. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your charge. We also provide a clear estimate before you commit to anything.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-6 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-19\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-7 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 25px 50px 25px 50px;\"><div ><style>.fusion-imageframe.imageframe-1{ margin-bottom : 25px;}<\/style><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"border-radius:8px;max-width:100px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"254\" height=\"300\" title=\"Julia Hunter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter-254x300.jpg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-53248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter-200x236.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter-400x473.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 254px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-20\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>Verified By: <b>\u00a0Julia Hunter, Criminal Defence Lawyer<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:15px;margin-left:0px;\"><div class=\"title-heading-left title-heading-tag fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:18;line-height:1.618;\">Last Modified: September 14, 2026<\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-21\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Julia Hunter is a senior criminal defence lawyer at Strategic Criminal Defence in Victoria, BC. She has appeared at every level of court in British Columbia and has defended clients on assault, impaired driving, theft, break and enter, and sexual offence charges. Before moving to defence work, she trained with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service and the Specialized Prosecutions Branch, giving her direct insight into how the Crown builds its case. Julia holds a Law Degree with Honours from Queen\u2019s University Belfast.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-7{width:100% !important;margin-top : 25px;margin-bottom : 25px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 25px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 25px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p style=\"margin-bottom: 15px\">An impaired driving charge can feel like your whole future is on the line. The penalties are serious, but you can fight them.<\/p>\n<p>A Victoria impaired driving lawyer can review every detail of your stop and challenge weak evidence. We will fight to protect your licence, record, and future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":53252,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5770","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Impaired Driving Lawyers Victoria | Strategic Criminal Defence<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you have been charged with Impaired Driving in Victoria, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. 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