WALKERTON & BRUCE COUNTY • IMPAIRED DRIVING DEFENCE
Walkerton & Bruce County • Criminal Defence Lawyer
Charged with impaired driving, Over 80 or refusing a breath test in Walkerton or anywhere in Bruce County? Brian Starkman defends drinking and driving charges at the Walkerton Courthouse, with a confidential case review as your first step.
CHARGED IN BRUCE COUNTY
Your Charge Is Serious. So Is Your Defence.
Whether you were stopped on Highway 21 along the lakeshore, Highway 9, or a rural road on the way home from the cottage, an impaired driving charge in Bruce County puts your licence, your record and often your job at risk, and the clock starts at the roadside. Your licence is suspended right away, your vehicle may be impounded, and you are given a date to appear in court.
Brian Starkman’s practice is built around drinking and driving defence. He reviews how the stop was made, how the breath tests were taken and whether your Charter rights were respected, then gives you a straight answer about your options.
Over 80
A blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg or more per 100 mL of blood within two hours of driving.
Impaired by Alcohol or Drugs
Charges based on an officer’s observations of your driving, behaviour or drug evaluation.
Refusing a Breath Sample
Failing or refusing to comply with a roadside screening or breath demand.
YOUR COURTHOUSE
Walkerton Courthouse
The Walkerton Courthouse at 207 Cayley Street is the courthouse for the County of Bruce. Impaired driving charges laid in Walkerton, Kincardine, Port Elgin, Southampton, Hanover, Wiarton, Tobermory and the rest of Bruce County are heard here, in the Ontario Court of Justice, which shares the building with the Superior Court of Justice.
Many Bruce County cases involve drivers who live elsewhere, so it helps that early appearances can usually be handled without making the trip to Walkerton.
If you are not sure where or how to attend, call us before your court date.
207 Cayley Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
Criminal court office: (519) 881-2333
Cayley Street, Walkerton.
What to Expect in a Bruce County Impaired Driving Case
1. First Appearance
Your date is on your release paperwork. Early appearances are for case management, not trial, and your lawyer can often appear for you.
2. Disclosure Review
The Crown provides its evidence: breath test records, video and officer notes. This is where Charter and testing issues are found.
3. Resolution or Trial
With the evidence reviewed, you decide whether to fight the charge at trial or pursue the best available resolution.
Your Licence
The roadside suspension and impoundment are separate from the court case and start right away, before any finding of guilt.
TRACK RECORD
Recent Impaired Driving Results
Charged with impaired driving and driving over the legal limit of alcohol
Michael V. – Aug 20 -The defendant was charged with impaired driving and driving over the legal limit of alcohol. Prior to trial, the prosecutor offered a resolution that was accepted by the defendant. The defendant was allowed to plead guilty to the traffic offence of careless driving for a fine and a period of probation where he was required to drive with an ignition interlock installed in his vehicle. After he pled guilty to careless driving, the prosecutor withdrew both criminal charges.
Prosecutor withdrew both criminal charges.
Beant K. – May 4 – The defendant was charged with impaired driving and driving over the legal limit of alcohol. Prior to trial, the prosecutor offered a resolution that was accepted by the defendant. The defendant was allowed to plead guilty to the traffic offence of careless driving for a fine and a period of probation where he was required to drive with an ignition interlock installed in his vehicle. After he pled guilty to careless driving, the prosecutor withdrew both criminal charges.
Charged with impaired driving and driving over the legal limit for alcohol
Kirat S. – March 19 – The defendant was charged with impaired driving and driving over the legal limit for alcohol. On the date set for trial, the matter could not proceed as the arresting officer was testifying in another matter in another jurisdiction. On the second date set for trial the matter could also not be reached because of other matters on the list that had higher priority. Rather than adjourn the matter to a third trial and run the risk that the matter might go beyond the period within which trials are constitutionally-mandated to conclude, the prosecution agreed to a resolution. The defendant was allowed to plead guilty to the non-criminal traffic offence of careless driving for a fine and a period of 1 year where he was required to drive with an ignition interlock device in his vehicle. After the defendant pled guilty to careless driving, both criminal charges were withdrawn.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts.
BRUCE COUNTY FAQ
Walkerton & Bruce County Impaired Driving Questions
Where will my Bruce County impaired driving case be heard?
Criminal charges laid anywhere in Bruce County are heard at the Walkerton Courthouse, 207 Cayley Street, Walkerton. That includes charges from Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Hanover, the Bruce Peninsula and the rest of the county. Early appearances are usually held virtually, which matters if you were charged while visiting and live a long drive away.
Do I have to attend every court date in person?
Not always. Many early appearances are case management dates, and in most impaired driving cases your lawyer can appear on your behalf or you can attend virtually. You will need to attend your trial. We will tell you exactly which dates require you.
My licence was suspended at the roadside. Is that part of the court case?
No. The immediate roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment are administrative penalties under Ontario law and start right away. The criminal charge is dealt with separately in court, and it carries its own penalties if there is a conviction.
What penalties does a first conviction carry?
A first conviction carries a mandatory minimum fine, which is higher for higher blood alcohol readings, a driving prohibition of at least one year and a criminal record. Insurance costs usually rise sharply as well. Ontario’s ignition interlock program can shorten the time off the road for some drivers.
Can I be charged if I was not actually driving?
Yes. You can be charged if police believe you were in care or control of the vehicle, for example sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car. Whether the charge holds up depends on the facts, and it is often a strong area of defence.
How soon should I contact a lawyer?
As soon as possible, and ideally before your first court date. Early advice protects your options, and evidence such as video footage is easier to request early.
What if I’ve been charged with another criminal offence?
If you or someone close to you has been charged with a criminal offence, contact Starkman Law for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. If Starkman Law isn’t the right fit for your case, we can help point you in the right direction.
Also serving Collingwood, Guelph, Kitchener, Toronto and communities across Ontario.
CONFIDENTIAL CASE REVIEW
Tell Us What Happened
Send a few details about your Bruce County charge and Brian Starkman will review your situation confidentially. Prefer to talk now? Call any time.