Drinking and driving offences

Essay by GodfatherHigh School, 10th gradeA+, March 1994

download word file, 5 pages 4.2

1

'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...