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Understanding DUI Charges in New Brunswick

Impaired driving charges in New Brunswick can carry serious consequences, including licence suspensions, fines, criminal records, increased insurance costs, and possible jail time for repeat offences.

Charges may involve alcohol impairment, drug impairment, refusing a breath sample, or operating a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit. Understanding the specific charge you are facing is an important first step in preparing your defence and protecting your future.

Every impaired driving case is different. The circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, roadside investigation, breath testing procedures, and police conduct can all play an important role in the outcome of a case.

Common Types of DUI Charges

There are several different impaired driving offences under Canadian law, and each type of charge involves different legal issues, procedures, and possible penalties.

  • Over 80 Charges
    An over 80 charge alleges that a driver operated a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit.
  • Refusal Charges
    Refusing to provide a lawful breath sample can result in criminal charges and penalties similar to impaired driving convictions.
  • Impaired Driving
    Police may lay impaired driving charges when they believe alcohol or drugs affected a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
  • Care and Control
    A person may still face impaired driving allegations even if the vehicle was parked or not actively being driven.

Understanding Your Legal Options

A DUI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. Impaired driving cases are often highly technical and may involve legal issues related to traffic stops, roadside investigations, breath testing procedures, disclosure of evidence, and Charter rights protections.

Depending on the circumstances, a conviction may result in licence suspensions, fines, criminal records, increased insurance costs, and possible jail time for repeat offences. Because every case is different, understanding your legal options early can be an important part of preparing your defence.

If you have been charged with impaired driving, over 80, refusal, or a related driving offence in New Brunswick, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help you better understand the process and the next steps available to you.

DUI Frequently Asked Questions

An over 80 charge alleges that a driver operated a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit under Canadian law.

Impaired driving relates to a person’s ability to operate a vehicle being affected by alcohol or drugs, while an over 80 charge specifically relates to blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit.

Refusing to provide a lawful breath sample can result in criminal charges and penalties similar to impaired driving convictions, including licence suspensions, fines, and driving prohibitions.

A person may face a care and control charge even if the vehicle was parked or not actively being driven. Police may allege the individual had the ability or intention to operate the vehicle while impaired.

Yes. Police may lay drug-impaired driving charges if they believe cannabis or another substance affected a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Many impaired driving allegations in New Brunswick involve immediate roadside licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments following a traffic stop or arrest.

Depending on the circumstances and prior driving history, penalties may include fines, licence suspensions, criminal records, increased insurance costs, driving prohibitions, and possible jail time.

A conviction for impaired driving, over 80, or refusal can result in a criminal record, even for a first offence.

Impaired driving cases are often highly technical and may involve issues related to police procedure, roadside testing, breathalyzer evidence, disclosure, and Charter rights protections.

Because impaired driving cases can carry serious legal and long-term consequences, many individuals choose to speak with a lawyer to better understand their rights, legal options, and possible defence strategies.

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