Drive Over 80 mgs Charge in Ontario - Experienced Legal Help to Fight Impaired Driving Allegations
Charged with impaired driving in Ontario? A conviction for driving over 80 mg can result in a suspended licence, criminal record, fines, and even jail. At Sadro Law, we build strong, strategic defences to protect your future.
Understanding the Drive Over 80 mgs Charge in Ontario
A drive over 80 mgs charge in Ontario refers to a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. This offence is legally defined as operating, or having care or control of, a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 80 milligrams of alcohol or more in 100 millilitres of blood. Commonly known as an “Over 80” charge, it applies when your BAC meets or exceeds this legal limit, regardless of whether signs of impairment are present. This is the legal limit across Canada, and exceeding it—even slightly—can result in serious legal and personal consequences.
You may face an over 80 charge if:
- A breathalyzer or Intoxilyzer test indicates your BAC is over 0.08
- You are found in care or control of a vehicle, whether it’s moving or not
- You refuse to provide a breath sample, which may lead to similar penalties as failing the test
These charges often arise from:
- RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) roadside checks
- Traffic collisions or erratic driving behavior
- Situations where police suspect alcohol consumption and initiate screening
At the roadside, officers use Approved Screening Devices (ASDs). If your test result suggests a BAC above the threshold, you may be taken to a police station for testing with an Approved Instrument, such as the Intoxilyzer. These results are crucial for the prosecution and must be obtained according to strict procedural rules to be admissible in court.
Being charged with driving over 80 doesn’t mean you’re guilty—but it does trigger a legal process involving both criminal and administrative penalties under Ontario law. These may include:
- Immediate 90-day roadside licence suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Completion of Ontario’s Back on Track program
- Installation of an ignition interlock system
- Long-term effects such as heightened insurance premiums, a criminal record, and even jail time
For many people, a drive over 80 charge is their first experience with the criminal justice system. It’s a serious matter—but there are ways to respond strategically. Getting experienced legal support early can make a difference.
At Sadro Law, we carefully examine every detail of your case: how evidence was collected, whether procedures were followed, and whether your Charter rights were respected. A strong defence may help reduce penalties, protect your record, or even lead to a dismissal, depending on the circumstances.
If you’re facing a drive over 80 charge in Ontario, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Understanding your legal rights and options early on gives you the best chance to limit the impact the charge may have on your future.
Common Scenarios That Lead to a Drive Over 80 mgs Charge
Being charged with driving over 80 mgs can happen in a variety of situations—some of which may seem routine or even unexpected. In Ontario, law enforcement officers have the authority to demand roadside testing under a wide range of circumstances. Understanding how these charges commonly arise can help you recognize your legal rights and the importance of acting quickly if you're facing one. Below are some of the most typical scenarios that lead to this type of charge:
1. RIDE Program Checkpoints
One common scenario is being stopped at a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program checkpoint. These are sobriety checkpoints set up by police where drivers are screened for alcohol. Even if you're not exhibiting any signs of impaired driving, you may be randomly selected and tested. Police can now demand a breath sample without reasonable suspicion under federal mandatory alcohol screening laws.
2. Late-Night or Weekend Traffic Stops
Impaired driving tends to be more common during late-night hours and on weekends. During these times, law enforcement often increases its presence and scrutiny, leading to a higher chance of being stopped and assessed. Officers may develop reasonable suspicion based on indicators like the odour of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady movements, or a person’s admission to drinking.
3. Admitting to Alcohol Consumption
Sometimes, in an attempt to be honest, people admit to having a drink when speaking with an officer. While this honesty is commendable, it might give the officer reasonable grounds to request a roadside test, especially if other signs of impairment are present. Even a simple admission can trigger mandatory screening in some situations.
4. Failing a Roadside Screening Device
If you take a test using an Approved Screening Device (ASD) and the result shows a warning or a fail, further testing will likely follow. If the ASD indicates a “fail”, police may arrest you and bring you to a station for testing on an Approved Instrument. A confirmatory breath test can result in charges if the BAC is over the legal limit.
5. Being Found in Care or Control of a Vehicle
You don't actually need to be driving to face a charge. Simply being in care or control of a vehicle while impaired—such as sitting in the driver's seat with the ability to set the vehicle in motion—can lead to the same legal ramifications. Courts look at factors like the keys’ location, intent, and ability to operate the vehicle.
6. Refusing a Breath Test
It's important to know that refusal to take a legally requested breath test can lead to charges that carry similar consequences to those of a driving over 80 mgs offence. Refusing or failing to comply with a lawful demand constitutes a distinct criminal offence under the Criminal Code.
7. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Any involvement in a motor vehicle accident often prompts increased scrutiny from law enforcement. Police are authorized to demand a breath sample following a collision, even without signs of impairment, under recent amendments to the Criminal Code.
8. Erratic or Suspicious Driving
If you're swerving between lanes, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals, a police officer has good reason to pull you over for further investigation. Erratic driving often raises an officer's suspicions about possible impairment and can lead to a roadside test.
Understanding these scenarios can help you make well-informed and responsible decisions. If you do find yourself facing a drive over 80 mgs charge, seeking proper legal counsel is crucial. Sadro Law specializes in handling such cases and can provide the guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Drive Over 80 mgs Charge
Facing a drive over 80 mgs charge can be overwhelming, and understanding why you need a lawyer's assistance is crucial. In Canada, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood is a serious criminal offence under the Criminal Code. The implications of this charge go beyond simple fines and can impact your life in various ways.
Being charged with a drive over 80 mgs offence is a serious matter with important legal and personal consequences. To navigate the complexities, build a strong defence, and minimize the impact on your life, having a lawyer by your side is essential. If you find yourself facing this charge, consider reaching out to Sadro Law for expert guidance through these challenging times.
Our Defence Strategies for Over 80 Charges
When facing over 80 charges in Ontario, having a clear and effective defence strategy is essential. Each case is unique, and at Sadro Law, we focus on safeguarding your rights while thoroughly examining all available options to secure the best possible outcome.
Here’s a look at some of the core defence strategies:
Outcome Scenarios with Professional Legal Support
When you're facing an over 80 charge or other impaired driving-related offence in Ontario, the potential outcomes can vary significantly—and having strong legal representation can make a meaningful difference. At Sadro Law, we assess every detail of your case and work strategically to pursue the best available result. While no outcome can ever be guaranteed, here are some common scenarios that may be possible with experienced legal support:
List of Services
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Withdrawal or dismissal of the chargeList Item 1
In certain instances, charges may be completely withdrawn or dismissed. This can happen if there are significant flaws in the evidence collection process, or if there's an infringement of your Charter rights. When the Crown assesses that there's no reasonable prospect of a conviction, or if the public interest wouldn't be served by continuing the case, the charges may be dropped.
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Avoiding a criminal record or jailList Item 2
With skilled legal advocacy, it might be possible to resolve the matter without resulting in a criminal record or imprisonment. Depending on your history and the unique aspects of your case, options like a discharge or a plea to a non-criminal offence could be explored. However, for over 80 offences, a criminal conviction and mandatory penalties apply upon finding of guilt. Avoiding a conviction is essential for safeguarding your employment opportunities, travel freedom, and future prospects.
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Reduced licence suspension or conditional sentenceList Item 3
A conviction for over 80 typically comes with a mandatory licence suspension and other penalties. However, where justified, we advocate for access to Ontario’s Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program, which may permit early licence reinstatement with interlock conditions. This can significantly reduce the effect on your daily life.
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Resolution through plea bargaining when appropriate
Not every case is suited for trial. If the evidence is compelling or the risks of proceeding are substantial, negotiating a resolution could be the most practical approach. Plea bargaining may lead to reduced charges or lighter penalties, providing a resolution that brings greater certainty and less stress.
At Sadro Law, our priority is to achieve the best possible outcome for your distinct circumstances. We invest time in understanding your objectives and devise a defence strategy that safeguards your rights and future. If you're dealing with impaired driving charges, reach out to Sadro Law to explore your options and begin building a path forward.
Why Choose Sadro Law for Over 80 Defence
At Sadro Law, we specialize in defending individuals faced with impaired driving charges, including the serious over 80 offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. We recognise the significant implications of these charges: your driver's licence, your personal and professional reputation, and, ultimately, your freedom.
If you are dealing with an Over 80 charge or related impaired driving allegations in Ontario, Sadro Law is prepared to assist you. We approach each case with a blend of experience, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve been charged with over 80 in Ontario, it’s natural to have questions about what happens next and how a lawyer can help. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions clients ask when facing an over 80 charge.
A Commitment to Excellence Across All Legal Services
At Sadro Law, we recognize that navigating the legal system in Toronto can be one of life's most challenging experiences. That's why we prioritize a personalized approach for each client to ensure your needs are meticulously addressed. Across our diverse range of services, whether you're dealing with criminal charges, navigating the complexities of licence suspensions, or seeking to remove a criminal record, we bring a wealth of experience and tailored strategies to the table. Our team, based in Toronto and proficient in areas such as assault and impaired driving cases, collaborates with you to develop a robust legal strategy aimed at achieving your goals. With Sadro Law, you can expect dedicated attention, expert guidance, and a steadfast commitment to securing a favorable outcome.
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Facing a drive over 80 mgs charge in Ontario? Sadro Law acts fast to protect your licence, your record, and your future. We build strategic, evidence-focused defences to challenge BAC readings, unlawful stops, procedural errors, and Charter breaches, guiding you through every step of the process. Get immediate legal support, when your freedom and driving privileges are at stake, every moment counts.
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