R. v. S.O.

(Rocky Mountain House, P.C. - Suspended Driving).  SO was investigated after a minor dirt bike mishap in the ditch along a secondary highway near Sundre, Alberta. While a couple of SO's friends were investigated for impaired driving, SO ran into trouble due to licensing issues.  David Chow successfully defending one of SO's friends who was charged with both impaired driving and operating a motor vehicle with blood-alcohol above the legal limit. SO was not charged criminally but was accused of a number of Traffic Safety Act violations; to include driving while suspended. Though the ticket for "suspended driving" was not a Criminal Code infraction, it was an offence that could have had a dramatic impact on the future of SO's driving privileges. The ability to drive is important for so many reasons. Driving is often critical to employment and to one's family life. Ultimately, the Crown agreed to withdraw the suspended the driving charge in exchange for a plea to a lesser Traffic Safety Act offence. This plea resulted in a relatively small fine, did not result in license demerit points and did not result in any additional consequences for SO's driving privileges. On December 1st, 2020 the Alberta Government triggered new law that further empowers police officers to massively disrupt a person's ability to drive based on the officers grounds to believe the motorist may be impaired. This law is contained in the Provincial Administrative Penalties Act and is effectively managed by SafeRoads Alberta. If you have received immediate roadside sanctions, call a Roadside Sanctions Lawyer in Alberta; he or she may be able to help. David Chow offers a free consultation and affordable rates.