A DUI Conviction Has Consequences Most People Don’t Expect

The Penalties Are More Serious Than You Think

You’ve been charged with impaired driving. Maybe you’re considering pleading guilty to get it over with.

But before you do, you need to understand what a DUI conviction can really cost you.

👉 Call Bobby Russon, a trusted Windsor DUI lawyer, at (519) 792-9391

✅ Free Consultation
✅ Straight Answers About Your Options
✅ Protect Your Licence, Record, and Future

A DUI Conviction Comes With Real, Lasting Consequences

A conviction for impaired driving isn’t just a fine. It’s a criminal record that can follow you for life. You could face:

• A minimum $1,000 fine

• A 1-year driving prohibition

• A permanent criminal record

• Jail time (even on a second offence)

• Skyrocketing insurance rates

• Travel and immigration restrictions

• Job loss or licensing issues

🔍 Real Example: (He Didn’t Realize What Was at Stake)

A man pled guilty to a first-time DUI without getting legal advice. He thought it would be over quickly. What he didn’t expect: losing his licence for a year, paying $6,000/year for insurance, missing out on a job because of his criminal record, and being denied entry to the U.S. for a conference. A lawyer later told him he might have been able to avoid a conviction altogether.

Once you plead guilty, the damage is done. Don’t make that decision without advice.

💬 What People Say: (I Had No Idea It Could Get This Bad)

"I thought I’d just get a fine and move on. I didn’t realize how serious it was until I started applying for jobs and found out I couldn’t pass background checks if I had a criminal record. Calling a DUI lawyer was the best thing I did."

A lawyer can help you avoid long-term consequences you may not even see coming.

Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Canada

For a first offence:

• Minimum $1,000 fine + victim surcharge

• Minimum 1-year driving prohibition

• Ignition interlock may reduce prohibition (at your expense)

Second offence:

• Minimum 30 days in jail

• Minimum 3-year driving prohibition

Third or more offences:

• Minimum 120 days in jail

• Minimum 3-year driving prohibition (some provinces impose lifetime bans)

If your blood alcohol content was over 0.160 (twice the legal limit), the penalties are often harsher.

You Could Lose Your Licence Before Trial

In many provinces, your licence can be suspended immediately after being charged — even before you go to court. This suspension is separate from any court-ordered prohibition.

If convicted, you may face a second, longer suspension from both the province and federal law.

👉 Call Bobby Russon now at (519) 792-9391 to protect your right to drive.

DUI and Criminal Records

A DUI is a criminal offence. If convicted, you’ll have a permanent criminal record unless you qualify for and are granted a record suspension (formerly a pardon).

This can affect:

• Employment in many industries (education, government, finance, law enforcement)

• Admission to post-secondary programs (like nursing or law)

• Entry into countries like the U.S.

• Immigration, citizenship, or permanent resident status

High-Risk Insurance Can Be Unaffordable

After a conviction, most drivers are reclassified as "high-risk" and face massive increases in insurance premiums:

• Pre-conviction: $2,000/year

• Post-conviction: $4,000/year or more

• Plus 50% surcharge = $6,000/year

These rates may last 3 to 6 years.

And if your conviction involved an accident:

• Your insurer won’t cover your damages

• You may be held personally responsible for any other claims

Immigration and Travel

Even one conviction can lead to:

• Delays in immigration or citizenship applications

• Deportation in some cases

• Travel bans or visa denials from certain countries

In the U.S., you may be denied entry without a waiver — especially for work or conferences.

What Can a DUI Lawyer Do?

Hiring an experienced impaired driving lawyer like Bobby Russon can help you:

• Challenge the evidence

• Identify Charter breaches

• Negotiate for reduced charges

• Fight for dismissal or withdrawal

• Avoid or minimize a criminal record

👉 Before you plead guilty or go to court, call Bobby Russon at (519) 792-9391.

 

FAQs About DUI Conviction Penalties

Will I definitely lose my licence?
Yes. A first conviction includes a minimum 1-year prohibition — and possibly a longer provincial suspension.

Will I go to jail?
Not usually for a first offence, but possible. Jail is mandatory for second and third offences.

Will I be able to travel to the U.S. with a DUI?
Possibly not. A criminal record may require a waiver for entry.

Can a lawyer really help me avoid a conviction?
Yes. Many cases have legal issues or defences that could reduce or eliminate the charge.

Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. There’s no cost or obligation to speak with Bobby Russon and understand your options.

---

👉 Charged With DUI in Windsor?

Don’t face it alone — and don’t plead guilty without knowing what’s at stake.
Call Bobby Russon today at (519) 792-9391 for a free, confidential consultation.