Driving While Suspended or Disqualified

If you have been charged with driving while disqualified or suspended in Edmonton, it is critical to seek experienced legal representation.

Driving while disqualified or suspended is a serious offence under Alberta law, and the consequences can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. Geoff Green, a highly-rated criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton, has over 25 years of experience defending clients charged with driving offences, including driving while disqualified and driving while prohibited. Geoff is committed to providing a strong defence, helping you navigate the legal process, and working to reduce or eliminate the penalties you may face.

Understanding the Offence of Driving While Disqualified or Suspended in Alberta

Driving while disqualified or suspended is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and a further ticket under the Traffic Safety Act of Alberta.

This offence occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle after their licence has been suspended or they have been disqualified from driving due to a previous conviction, such as impaired driving, dangerous driving, or accumulating too many demerit points.

In Alberta, suspensions or disqualifications can result from various offences, including:

• Impaired driving
• Dangerous driving
• Careless driving
• Driving without insurance
• Hit and run

A charge of driving while prohibited can carry serious penalties, so it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable driving offence lawyer like Geoff Green to protect your rights and develop a strong defence strategy.

Potential Penalties for Driving While Disqualified or Suspended

The penalties for driving while disqualified or suspended in Alberta can be severe, including fines, jail time, and even a criminal record.

Depending on whether the charge falls under the Criminal Code or the Traffic Safety Act, penalties may vary:

• Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a conviction for driving while prohibited can result in:
  • A fine
  • Up to 10 years of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances
  • An extension of the driving prohibition
  • A criminal record that can affect future employment, insurance rates, and travel
  • Probation
• Under the Traffic Safety Act, driving while suspended can lead to:
  • Fines of up to $2,000
  • Additional licence suspensions
  • Possible jail time
  • Demerit points that further impact your driving privileges

Each case is different, and the outcome depends on the circumstances surrounding your offence. Geoff Green understands the complexities of these charges and works diligently to minimize penalties or have charges dropped altogether.

Defending Against Driving While Prohibited Charges

A strong defence is critical when facing charges of driving while disqualified or suspended in Edmonton. Geoff Green’s extensive experience allows him to explore every possible defence angle to challenge the charges against you. Common defences include:

Defence	Details
Mistaken Identity	In some cases, there may be confusion or error regarding the identity of the driver.
Lack of Proper Notice	If you were not adequately notified of your licence suspension or disqualification, it may be possible to argue that you were unaware you were not permitted to drive.
Unlawful Stop or Arrest	If the Edmonton Police Service stopped you without reasonable grounds, the evidence may be challenged in court.
Necessity	If a person is in imminent danger without a reasonable legal alternative, and drives while prohibited, there may be a defence if the harm avoided is proportionate to the harm avoided.

Geoff’s priority is to review every detail of your case and work towards the best possible outcome, whether that involves negotiating with the prosecutor or presenting a solid defence at trial.

How a Driving Offence Lawyer Can Help

Hiring an experienced driving offence lawyer in Edmonton can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

With over 25 years of criminal law experience, Geoff Green understands the importance of building a tailored defence strategy based on the specifics of your case. Whether you’re facing a criminal driving charge under the Criminal Code or a traffic offence under the Traffic Safety Act, Geoff will provide dedicated legal representation every step of the way.

Working with Geoff Green offers several key advantages:

• Thorough investigation: Geoff will carefully review the facts, evidence, and circumstances surrounding your charge to uncover any potential defences.
• Negotiation with prosecutors: In many cases, a skilled lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or penalties you face.
• Courtroom experience: Geoff is a seasoned trial lawyer, ready to present a compelling case in court to protect your rights and defend against the charges.

If you’ve been charged with driving while phohibited, disqualified or suspended, it’s essential to contact Geoff Green for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Impact of a Conviction on Your Life

A conviction for driving while disqualified or suspended can have far-reaching consequences on your life. Beyond the immediate penalties, such as fines or jail time, there are longer-term effects that can significantly impact your future:

• Criminal record: A conviction under the Criminal Code can lead to a permanent criminal record, limiting your employment opportunities and making travel more difficult.
• Insurance rates: Convictions for driving offences often result in dramatically increased insurance premiums, making vehicle insurance costly to maintain.
• Employment: Many employers, especially those requiring driving as part of the job, may be unwilling to hire individuals with a criminal driving conviction.

These consequences make it crucial to have an experienced criminal defence lawyer on your side to avoid or minimize the damage of a conviction. Geoff Green works tirelessly to help his clients avoid these life-altering impacts.

What to Expect During the Legal Process

The legal process for driving while disqualified or suspended charges can be complex, but Geoff Green will guide you through every step.

Once you’ve been charged, you will be required to appear in court. Geoff will prepare your defence and ensure you are fully informed of your rights and options.

1. Initial Consultation: Geoff will meet with you to discuss the details of your case and provide an assessment of your situation. This free consultation is an opportunity to understand the potential consequences and develop a defence strategy.
2. Court Appearances: Geoff will represent you in court and handle all legal proceedings on your behalf, ensuring you are properly defended at every stage.
3. Resolution or Trial: In some cases, Geoff may be able to negotiate a resolution that avoids a trial, such as reduced charges or penalties. If a trial is necessary, Geoff will provide vigorous representation in court to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution’s case.

Throughout the process, Geoff will be committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Free Initial Consultation – Contact Geoff Green Today

If you’ve been charged with driving while disqualified or suspended, don’t wait to get the legal help you need.

Geoff Green offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide a clear path forward. With over 25 years of experience handling driving offences and other criminal charges in Edmonton, Geoff is ready to provide the legal defence you need.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and protect your rights. Geoff will help you understand your legal options and work towards the best possible outcome in your case.