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Mr. Pearse runs 100% of his own trials. Your trial will never be passed on to another lawyer.
Mr. Pearse runs 100% of his own trials. Your trial will never be passed on to another lawyer.
No, driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in Canada. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is a federal criminal offence to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis or any drug. Police can use Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and Drug Recognition Evaluations (DREs) to detect drug impairment. For cannabis specifically, having 2 nanograms (ng) or more of THC per millilitre of blood within two hours of driving is a summary offence, while 5 ng or more triggers more serious criminal charges. A conviction can result in fines, a criminal record, and a driving prohibition. If you have been charged with drug-impaired driving in the Northwest Territories, speaking with an experienced DUI lawyer is strongly advised.
Federal impaired driving penalties in Canada are governed by the Criminal Code of Canada and apply in every province and territory, including the Northwest Territories. Penalties escalate based on the number of offences:
All convictions also carry a mandatory driving prohibition and result in a permanent criminal record. Federal penalties apply regardless of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if impairment is established by police. Retaining a qualified DUI defence lawyer can be critical to challenging the evidence and protecting your rights.
In the Northwest Territories, DUI penalties include both federal criminal consequences under the Criminal Code of Canada and territorial administrative sanctions under the NWT Motor Vehicles Act. Here is what you can expect:
Penalties become significantly more severe for repeat offenders or where impaired driving caused injury or death. An NWT DUI lawyer can help you understand your specific charges and available defences.
Refusing a breathalyzer or roadside sobriety test in the Northwest Territories is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and carries the same penalties as an impaired driving conviction. This means a refusal can result in:
Many drivers mistakenly believe that refusing a breathalyzer will help them avoid a DUI charge — this is not the case in Canada. Refusal is treated seriously by courts and can be equally damaging to your record and driving privileges. If you have been charged with refusing a breathalyzer in the NWT, contact a DUI defence lawyer immediately.
A DUI conviction in the Northwest Territories results in a permanent criminal record under the Criminal Code of Canada. This record does not disappear automatically over time. However, individuals may be eligible to apply for a Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada after a waiting period:
A Record Suspension does not erase the conviction but seals it from most background checks. It is important to note that a DUI on your record can impact employment opportunities, travel to the United States, professional licensing, and custody matters. Speaking with an NWT DUI lawyer about your long-term options is highly recommended.
In the Northwest Territories, there are two blood alcohol concentration (BAC) thresholds drivers must be aware of: one triggering administrative sanctions and one resulting in criminal charges:
It is important to understand that even falling in the warning range below 0.08 can result in serious consequences in the NWT, including immediate licence suspension and escalating penalties for repeat occurrences. If you have been stopped and tested at any BAC level in the Northwest Territories, consulting with an NWT DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Yes, a DUI conviction in the Northwest Territories can severely impact your ability to enter the United States. Under US federal immigration law, a DUI or impaired driving conviction may be considered grounds for inadmissibility, meaning you could be denied entry at the border. Here is what NWT residents should know:
For NWT residents who travel to the United States for work, family, or leisure, a DUI conviction can have long-lasting cross-border implications. Speaking with an experienced NWT DUI defence lawyer before resolving your charges can help you understand the full scope of consequences you may face.
