Criminal Code Driving Offences
Being charged with a criminal driving offence can be overwhelming and confusing—especially when the incident happens suddenly or during a routine traffic stop. Whether it involves allegations of impaired driving, dangerous operation, or a serious accident, these charges can have a lasting impact on your license, record, and freedom.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we provide experienced defence for individuals charged with criminal driving offences throughout British Columbia. We carefully examine police conduct, roadside testing procedures, and the evidence against you to build a strong and strategic defence.
Whether this is your first offence or a more complex case involving injury or prior convictions, we’re here to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
DUI & Impaired Driving
Impaired driving—by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both—is one of the most commonly prosecuted criminal offences in Canada. You can be charged even if your driving wasn’t erratic or dangerous, as long as police have reasonable grounds to believe you were impaired.
Key issues in DUI cases include:
- Lawfulness of the traffic stop or roadside demand
- Proper administration of breath or blood tests
- Time between driving and sample collection
- Medical conditions or prescription medications affecting results
Consequences of a conviction can include:
- Mandatory driving prohibition
- Heavy fines or jail time
- Criminal record
- Mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs
- Increased insurance premiums
We challenge unreliable test results, improper procedures, and Charter breaches to seek dismissal, reduction, or resolution of charges.
Over 80 (Exceeding Legal Blood Alcohol Limit)
An “Over 80” charge refers to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, regardless of whether you appeared impaired.
These cases are highly technical, relying on:
Timing and accuracy of breath or blood samples
Calibration and maintenance records of testing devices
Qualified technician procedures
Legal timelines under Canada’s impaired driving laws
Our lawyers are skilled in scrutinizing this evidence and challenging any procedural or scientific flaws that could affect the validity of the charges.
Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving involves operating a vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to the public, having regard to all of the circumstances. This can include:
- Excessive speeding or aggressive driving
- Weaving through traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Causing or contributing to an accident
Unlike traffic tickets, dangerous driving is a criminal offence and can result in:
- A criminal record
- Licence suspension
- Jail time in serious cases
- Increased penalties where bodily harm or death occurred
We work to establish context—such as road conditions, distractions, or honest mistakes—that may reduce the charge or help you avoid a conviction altogether.
Criminal Negligence Causing Death or Bodily Harm
This is among the most serious driving-related offences under the Criminal Code. Criminal negligence is alleged when a person shows a wanton or reckless disregard for the lives or safety of others while operating a vehicle.
These cases often involve:
- Serious or fatal collisions
- Allegations of prolonged high-risk driving behaviour
- Combination with alcohol, drugs, or prohibited driving status
A conviction can carry lengthy prison sentences, especially where someone is injured or killed.
These cases require meticulous legal and factual analysis, expert reconstruction, and strong trial advocacy. At Stern Shapray, we work closely with forensic experts and investigators to examine every angle and defend your rights at every stage.
A criminal driving charge can disrupt your life—but it doesn’t have to define your future. If you’ve been charged, we encourage you to seek legal advice before making any decisions. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in your outcome.