If you’ve just been charged with your first DUI in Edmonton, you’re probably wondering:

“Do I really need to hire a lawyer — or can I just deal with this myself?”

That’s a fair question. But even a first-time DUI in Alberta is a criminal offence, not a traffic ticket. And the consequences can follow you for years.

If you’ve just been charged with an IRS (Immediate Roadside Sanction), click here to learn more.

This article explains:

• What happens when you’re just charged with a first DUI in Edmonton
• Why hiring a lawyer helps — even for a first offence
• What you risk by trying to handle it alone

Let’s walk through what you need to know.

 

What Happens When You’re Just Charged with a DUI in Edmonton?

 

Getting stopped and just charged with impaired driving in Edmonton means police believe you broke a law under the Criminal Code of Canada. Even if it’s your first time, it’s serious.

Here’s what can happen:

• Your driver’s licence is suspended on the spot
• Your car might be impounded
• You’ll get a court date and have to appear before a judge
• You could face fines, a criminal record, and a long list of penalties

Even if your blood alcohol level was just over the limit — and even if no one got hurt — you’re facing a criminal charge with real consequences.

More context: Is a DUI a Criminal Offense in Canada?

 

First-Time DUI Penalties in Alberta

 

The penalties for a first DUI offence in Edmonton can include:

• A $1,000 minimum fine
• Immediate 90-day licence suspension
• A one-year ignition interlock requirement
• A criminal record that can affect jobs, travel, and more

And that’s just the minimum. The judge may impose stricter penalties depending on your situation.

If you’re under 22 or have a GDL licence, Alberta’s zero-alcohol tolerance laws make things even tougher.

 

Do You Really Need a Lawyer if You’ve Just Been Charged?

 

Let’s talk about what a lawyer can actually do for you when you’ve just been charged with impaired driving.

 

1. They Know the System

 

You’ve just been charged — and now you’re expected to figure out legal documents, court dates, and procedures?

A DUI lawyer can:

• Guide you through the process
• Represent you in court
• Make sure everything is filed properly and on time

Less stress. Fewer mistakes. And a better chance at a good result.

Tip: A local DUI lawyer in Edmonton understands the local courts, prosecutors, and how things actually work here.

 

2. They May Be Able to Lessen the Damage

 

An experienced lawyer might be able to:

• Challenge the legality of the stop
• Question how the breath test was handled
• Negotiate for a reduced sentence
• Help you avoid a criminal record

If this is your first time being just charged with impaired driving, the Crown may be more open to negotiation. You might even be able to plead guilty to a lesser, non-criminal offence — and avoid a conviction entirely.

 

3. They Help Protect Your Future

 

Many people plead guilty quickly just to “get it over with.” But that decision can follow you for years:

• A permanent criminal record
• Missed job opportunities
• Increased insurance rates
• Travel restrictions — especially to the U.S.

You’ve just been charged. That doesn’t mean you should be punished for life. A lawyer looks at the big picture and helps you protect your future.

Travel risk: How a DUI Conviction Can Affect Your Future: Jobs, Travel & Insurance

 

Even If You Think You’re Guilty — Talk to a Lawyer

 

Maybe you blew over. Maybe you admitted to drinking. You might feel like there’s no point fighting the charge.

But even when someone is clearly over the limit, the case may not hold up in court. There could be:

• Police mistakes
• Problems with testing
• Legal technicalities

Many people don’t think they have a defence — until they speak with a lawyer and realize they do. That’s especially true when you’ve just been charged and don’t yet know your options.

 

What If You Don’t Hire a Lawyer?

 

If you go to court without a lawyer, you’re representing yourself.

That means:

• You’re expected to know the law
• You’ll have to deal directly with the Crown
• You could end up with harsher penalties than necessary

Even for a first offence, judges don’t go easy just because you’re new to the process.

 

Can You Afford Not to Hire a Lawyer?

 

Some people hesitate to hire a lawyer because of the cost.

But here’s what a DUI can cost without legal help:

• $1,000+ in fines
• $2,000–$10,000+ in higher insurance premiums
• Lost income from job or licence issues
• Travel restrictions that affect work or family
• Fees for interlock, driver education, and licence reinstatement

Hiring a lawyer isn’t just about handling your court date — it’s about protecting your future. Especially when you’ve just been charged and everything feels uncertain.

 

Final Thoughts: You’ve Just Been Charged — Now What?

 

Being just charged with DUI is stressful. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure what to do, or tempted to plead guilty and move on.

But that one decision could affect the rest of your life.

A DUI lawyer can:

• Help you understand your rights
• Walk you through your options
• Work to reduce or even eliminate your charges

You don’t get a second chance to undo a conviction. The right lawyer could be the difference between a clean record and a criminal one.

 

Charged with DUI in Edmonton?

 

We designed JustCharged.com to connect you with trusted local DUI lawyers in Edmonton. Click the “Find a Lawyer” button on this page to get help now.

 

 

Whether you’ve just been charged or your court date is coming up fast, get the advice you need — and protect your future.