DUI Lawyer in British Columbia
Defending IRPs and Impaired Driving Charges Across BC
If you've been charged with impaired driving in British Columbia — or issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) — you're likely overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure of what comes next. At Patmore Defence, I offer more than 15 years of experience defending clients facing DUI charges across Western Canada, including British Columbia’s complex and often harsh impaired driving system.
I help you understand your rights, fight to keep your licence, and defend you against criminal prosecution — whether you're a BC resident or an out-of-province driver pulled over on BC highways.
Types of DUI-Related Charges and Penalties in BC
British Columbia enforces impaired driving laws through two separate systems:
Administrative penalties handled by RoadSafetyBC
Criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada
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Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs)
Triggered by a "Warn" or "Fail" reading on a roadside screening device
Often issued without a criminal charge
Can result in:
90-day licence suspension
30-day vehicle impoundment
Fines and administrative penalties
Referral to Responsible Driver Program (RDP) and Ignition Interlock
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Criminal Impaired Driving Charges
May be laid in addition to or instead of an IRP
Includes:
Impaired driving by alcohol or drug
Driving over 80 (mg%)
Refusing to provide a breath or blood sample
Potential consequences:
Criminal record
Jail time
Canada-wide driving prohibition
Lifetime impact on insurance and travel
How I Defend DUI Charges and IRPs in British Columbia
IRP Appeals (RoadSafetyBC Reviews)
File within 7 days of the prohibition
Prepare legal submissions, witness statements, and evidentiary challenges
Challenge:
The screening process
The officer’s grounds for the demand
Maintenance/calibration records of the breath device
Criminal DUI Defence in BC Courts
Demand full Crown disclosure
Challenge:
Validity of roadside and breath tests
Grounds for the traffic stop
Officer’s conduct and charter compliance
Pursue resolutions or full defence at trial
Every case is different — but whether your goal is to protect your licence, avoid a conviction, or both, I’ll tailor a strategy to your circumstances.
Out-of-Province Drivers Charged in BC
DUI Lawyer in British Columbia
If you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or another province and were charged in BC while travelling or working:
I can often appear on your behalf
I’ll guide you through both the BC and your home province’s licensing systems
I help commercial drivers and travellers resolve their charges remotely