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'DRINKING AND DRIVING OFFENCES'
My essay is on 'Drinking and Driving Offences'. In my essay I will
tell you the various kinds of drinking and driving offences, the penalties,
and the defences you can make if you are caught drinking and driving.
Let me tell you about the different offences. There are six offences
in drinking and driving. They are 'driving while impaired', 'Having care
and control of a vehicle while impaired', 'Driving while exceeding 80 m.g.',
'Having care and control of a vehicle while exceeding 80 m.g.', 'Refusing
to give a breath sample', and 'refusing to submit to a roadside screen test.
These are all Criminal Code Offences.
Now lets talk about the penalties of drinking and driving. The
sentence for 'refusing to give a breath sample' is usually higher than
either of the 'exceeding 80 m.g.' offences. Consequently it is usually
easier in the long run for you to give a breath sample if asked.
If, for
example you are convicted of 'Refusing ato give a breath sample' for the
first time, but was earlier convicted of 'Driving while impaired', your
conviction for 'Refusing' will count as a second conviction, not a first,
and will receive the stiffer penalty for second offences.
For the first offence here is the penalty and the defences you can
make. Driving a vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol
or drugs is one of the offences. Evidence of your condition can be used
to convict you. This can include evidence of your general conduct, speech,
ability to walk a straight line or pick up objects. The penalty of the
first offences is a fine of $50.00 to $2000.00 and/or imprisonment of up
to six months, and automatic suspension of licence for 3 months. The second
offence penalty is...