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M.J. Moye

M.J. Moye is a Nova Scotia freelance writer/editor who has written about legal issues for over three decades. His interest in the law began while working as a reporter in North Carolina, where his coverage included law enforcement and the courts. This interest expanded when he moved to Washington, DC, where he covered legal issues—including two precedent-setting U.S. Supreme Court cases—for Inside Washington and then edited a legal digest for a lobbying firm. Since going freelance in 1998, he has written for 12 different law firms and currently writes for two Toronto-area and two Florida-based law firms. In addition to legal issues, M.J. Moye specializes in demographics and is co-author of “Upside: Profiting from the Profound Demographic Shifts Ahead.”

Latest Posts

If you follow Greater Toronto Area news, you've probably noticed that coverage of DUI arrests only seems to make the news when related to a traffic accident or if a DUI stop leads police to lay other charges, like for drugs. A recent case in point involved a Brampton Police RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checkpoint that arrested two men on drug trafficking and possession charges. While the driver apparently passed any roadside sobriety and drug testing, a seatbelt violation led police to search the vehicle after officers "noticed ...

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High school teachers play a key role in preventing impaired driving among students. Here are five effective strategies to encourage safer decision-making.

Key Takeaways

  1. Guest speakers, like RCMP officers or MADD representatives, can effectively communicate the dangers of impaired driving to students.
  2. Promoting safe transportation alternatives helps students understand the importance of avoiding impaired driving.
  3. Establishing a “Students Against Impaired Driving” chapter encourages proactive, student-led initiatives.
  4. Using impairment goggles demonstrates the impact of alcohol/drug use on physical abilities.
  5. Incorporating real-world scenarios and statistics into lessons emphasizes the seriousness of ...

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Intro

City Police, the OPP, and the RCMP serve distinct roles in Ontario law enforcement. Understanding their differences helps clarify their responsibilities, including why the OPP makes the most DUI arrests in the province.

Key Takeaways

  • City Police: Handle local crime and traffic enforcement within city limits, like the Toronto Police Service (TPS).
  • Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): Patrols highways, waterways, and unincorporated areas, focusing on provincial law enforcement, including the majority of DUI arrests.
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): Canada’s federal law enforcement, with limited presence in Ontario, focusing ...

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Facing a DUI charge in Ontario can be daunting, but case dismissals are possible. Knowing your rights, potential legal missteps, and leveraging an experienced DUI lawyer's expertise can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Key Takeaways

  • Reasonable Grounds: Police must have valid grounds for a DUI arrest; otherwise, charges can be contested.
  • Charter Rights Violations: Violations of your Charter Rights, such as delayed legal access or unclear charges, may lead to evidence exclusion or case dismissal.
  • Procedural Errors: Mistakes in evidence handling, improper testing, or failing to ...

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The quick answer is no. It is unlikely that you’ll be sentenced to jail for a first-time DUI in Ontario. However, there are many things to keep in mind.

If Canadian police arrest you for a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs charge, you probably know that you face severe consequences if you’re convicted, including:

  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Fines
  • Education or substance abuse treatment programs
  • Ignition interlock program requirements
  • Insurance premium hikes
  • Having a criminal record
  • And likely other aggravations

But what of ...

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As a frequent reader of our Knowledge Centre criminal law blog, you’re probably familiar with the penalties and other aggravations that come with a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs conviction in Ontario. If not, here’s a recap, which we suggest you memorize so that you can recite it anytime you or someone you know thinks about driving after consuming alcohol or drugs:

  • One-year driver’s license suspension.
  • Medical evaluation to determine driving fitness.
  • $1,000 fine.
  • Mandatory enrollment in Ontario’s “Back ...

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If Canadian police arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, you’re probably going to have a lot to worry about. In the near term, you might wonder how long police will hold you in custody, how you’ll get home, and how the vehicle impoundment and roadside driver’s license suspension might affect you. Longer-term concerns might include how to fight the charges, what happens if you lose your license, and how much the ordeal might cost.

The potential financial impact of a DUI ...

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Getting pulled over in Ontario can be nerve-wracking, but understanding your rights and responding correctly can prevent legal complications. This guide outlines what to expect, your rights, and how to handle police stops effectively, including DUI-related stops.

Key Takeaways

  • Legal Grounds for Stops: Police can stop vehicles to check for impairment, traffic violations, or vehicle documentation.
  • Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent, consult a lawyer, and understand the reason for the stop.
  • Effective Interaction: Stay calm, remain in your vehicle, and comply with reasonable police requests.
  • Avoid ...

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Earlier this month, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to a single-car rollover crash that was allegedly caused by a deer on the road that disrupted the driver’s attempt to multitask. According to police, the driver and a passenger were trying to have sexual intercourse when the driver had to swerve to avoid the wayward deer, causing the car to hit a tree before rolling over in a ditch.

The 20-year-old driver was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and being a novice driver with ...

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Memorize the following list and recite it to yourself if you ever find yourself behind the steering wheel of your vehicle, contemplating whether you are sober enough to drive:

  • One-year license suspension.
  • Medical evaluation to determine driving fitness.
  • $1,000 fine (and other fees).
  • Mandatory enrollment in Ontario’s “Back on Track” education/treatment program before license reinstatement.
  • One year use of ignition interlock device upon license reinstatement.
  • A criminal record.

Those are the court-mandated penalties that will be handed down to you if you are convicted of a first-time ...

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