DUI at the Calgary Stampede? Here's How to Save Your Licence (and Your Sanity)
The drinks were flowing, the boots were stomping, and now… you’re standing on the side of the road blowing into a breathalyzer.
Look, it happens. The Calgary Stampede is basically a ten-day open bar — and a lot of people underestimate how fast a couple of drinks turn into a criminal charge. Whether you were driving home from the grounds or just “felt fine,” if you’re now dealing with a DUI in Alberta, here’s what you need to know.
1. Alberta Doesn’t Mess Around with DUIs
Gone are the days when a DUI just meant a slap on the wrist. In Alberta, impaired driving laws are strict — especially if you’re caught during major events like Stampede.
You might be hit with:
An immediate licence suspension (right on the spot)
Vehicle seizure
Mandatory Ignition Interlock program
A criminal record if you’re charged under the Criminal Code
Oh — and if you’re from BC or Saskatchewan, your home province will probably be notified too. That’s right. It follows you.
2. “But I Blew Just Over…” Doesn’t Matter
We hear this a lot:
“But I only blew 0.09!”
“I was just over the limit!”
“I felt totally fine to drive.”
Unfortunately, the law doesn’t care how you felt. If your BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.08 or higher, that’s an automatic criminal offence. Even if you’re under 0.08, you can still face administrative penalties if you showed signs of impairment or refused to blow.
Bottom line: you can be charged even if you didn’t crash, hurt anyone, or “seem drunk.”
3. What You Do Next Can Make or Break Your Case
You’re probably confused, embarrassed, and freaking out about what this means for your future. Totally normal. But now’s the time to get legal advice — fast.
There are timelines you need to meet to:
Challenge the suspension
Avoid escalating penalties
Apply for limited driving privileges (Interlock program)
If you ignore it or miss a deadline, it only gets worse.
4. Talk to a Lawyer Who Actually Handles DUI Cases
Ryan Patmore (aka my boss) has defended thousands of clients facing DUI charges in Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan. He knows the ins and outs of blowing over, refusing, drug-impaired cases, and out-of-province complications.
We don’t just hand you a court date and disappear. We walk you through:
How to get your licence back
What your options are in court
How to fight the charge if possible
What to do if you're not from Alberta and want to go home
5. Don’t Panic — We’ve Got You
Stampede charges feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Whether it’s your first time in trouble or you’ve been through this before, we’re here to help.
Call, text, or message us 24/7. We’ll answer.
📞 Ryan Patmore Criminal Defence – 403-909-4822
🌐 www.patmoredefence.com
Free consultations. Real advice. No judgment. Just help.