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CRIMINAL LAW - Frequently Asked Questions

If I have provided a sample of my breath and my readings are above the legal limit, is there still a defence for me?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are several defences available. There are defenses such as Charter violations (rights to counsel, search and seizure, unreasonable delay) that can be raised. There are technical defenses such as machine calibration, proper operation of Breathalyser machine, and wording of the demand. There are also expert defences such as the Carter defence when a defence toxicologist is used to calculate a persons Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) based on the amount of drinks that an individual has consumed.

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This information is a brief summary for information purposes only and is applicable only in the Province of Ontario. It is not intended to be legal advice. Full and complete legal advice can only be given by a lawyer who has detailed information about your individual circumstances.