How to Prepare for Your Consultation with a Calgary Impaired Driving Lawyer
                     
How to Prepare for Your Consultation with a Calgary Impaired Driving 
Lawyer
Contents
Why Preparing for Your Consultation Matters........................................................................................ 2
Key Documents to Bring to Your Calgary DUI Consultation .................................................................... 4
What Information Your Lawyer Will Want to Know................................................................................ 6
Questions to Ask Your Calgary Impaired Driving Lawyer ........................................................................ 8
Tips for Making the Most of Your Calgary DUI Consultation................................................................. 12
Contact Details of Calgary Defence Lawyer .......................................................................................... 14
Why Preparing for Your Consultation Matters
How Preparation Can Make Your Initial Meeting More 
Productive
A well-prepared consultation allows your Calgary DUI lawyer to 
focus immediately on the specifics of your case. By arriving with 
key documents, a timeline of events, and a list of questions, 
you can make the best use of the time—often a crucial factor in 
impaired driving matters where timelines and decisions move 
quickly.
Being organized helps the lawyer identify legal issues early, 
such as potential Charter violations (e.g., unlawful stops or 
improper breath testing), and determine what evidence needs 
to be obtained or challenged.
Importance of Giving Your Calgary DUI Lawyer a Clear 
Picture of Your Case
Honesty and accuracy are essential. Your lawyer needs a full 
and truthful account of what happened before, during, and 
after the arrest. This includes:
 Details of the traffic stop (was it at a checkstop or random 
stop?)
 Whether you were read your rights under the Canadian 
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
 If and how sobriety tests were administered
 The conditions under which you provided a breath or 
blood sample
This context allows your lawyer to assess any procedural flaws 
or defences that could be raised in court or during negotiations 
with the Crown.
Helps the Lawyer Assess the Strength of Your Defence and 
Next Steps
The more details your lawyer has up front, the sooner they can 
begin building a solid defence strategy. In Calgary, impaired 
driving offences are prosecuted vigorously, and penalties can 
include:
 Heavy fines
 A criminal record
 Mandatory Ignition Interlock Program enrolment
 Driving suspensions or bans
Early assessment may also open opportunities for alternatives 
such as curative discharge, pre-trial resolution, or reduced 
charges—options that may not be available if key facts are 
missed or delayed.
Key Documents to Bring to Your Calgary DUI 
Consultation
Police Report or Disclosure Package (If 
Available)
If you’ve already received a disclosure package or police report 
from the Crown or the Calgary Police Service, bring it with you. 
This contains vital evidence such as officer notes, breathalyser 
results, and video footage, which your lawyer will use to assess 
the strength of the case against you.
Notice of Suspension or Licence Revocation Under 
Alberta’s Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) Program
Under Alberta's IRS program, drivers can face immediate
licence suspensions without criminal charges. If you’ve received 
a Notice of Administrative Penalty, Notice of Seizure, or
Notice of Suspension, bring these with you. They contain
timelines for appeal and reinstatement that are critical to 
protecting your driving privileges.
Court Documents and Upcoming Appearance Dates
Any documents listing your next court date or instructions to 
appear before a judge in Calgary’s Provincial Court or the Court 
of King’s Bench must be shared with your lawyer. These allow 
them to meet deadlines, prepare documents, and file necessary 
motions.
Any Correspondence with the Crown or Law Enforcement
If you’ve had communication with the Calgary Crown 
Prosecutor’s Office, police, or Alberta’s SafeRoads system, print 
or save copies. This could include:
 Emails or letters
 Text messages
 Notices of administrative hearings or review options
This correspondence can influence legal timelines or available 
defences.
Notes on the Incident: Time, Location, Interactions with 
Police
Write down a detailed personal account of what happened, 
including:
 Where and when you were stopped
 What the officer said and did
 Whether you were searched or asked to perform roadside 
tests
 Whether you were read your Charter rights or offered
access to a lawyer
Your lawyer will compare your account with the police version 
to uncover inconsistencies or possible Charter violations.
Driver’s Licence and Vehicle Impoundment Documents
If your vehicle was towed or seized under the IRS or Criminal 
Code provisions, bring any impoundment or towing paperwork. 
These documents are often required to challenge a vehicle 
seizure or get it released early.
What Information Your Lawyer Will Want to Know
Details About the Traffic Stop and Whether You Consented 
to Tests
Your lawyer will want to know:
 Why the police stopped you (routine checkstop, erratic 
driving, complaint, etc.)
 What questions were asked during the interaction
 Whether you performed any Standard Field Sobriety Tests 
(SFSTs)
 If you agreed to or refused a breathalyser, Approved 
Screening Device (ASD), or blood test
The circumstances around your consent—or lack thereof—may 
be used to challenge the admissibility of the evidence.
Whether You Were Read Your Charter Rights (Section 
10(b))
Under Section 10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and 
Freedoms, you have the right:
 To be informed that you can speak to a lawyer
 To be given a reasonable opportunity to contact legal 
counsel without delay
Your lawyer will examine whether these rights were respected 
and whether any evidence collected during a breach of your 
Charter rights can be excluded under section 24(2).
Whether You Contacted a Lawyer Immediately or Tried to 
Do So
If you attempted to contact a lawyer after being informed of 
your rights, provide as much detail as possible:
 Who you tried to call
 If you were denied a phone or access to legal assistance
 Whether the police rushed or interfered with the 
process
These details may help support a Charter application and 
suppress certain evidence.
Any Past Driving-Related Convictions or Criminal 
Record
A previous conviction for impaired driving or related offences 
(e.g., refusal to provide a sample, over 80, dangerous driving) 
can affect the Crown’s position and sentencing if you're 
convicted again. Be transparent about any past issues so your 
lawyer can prepare accordingly and avoid surprises during 
disclosure.
Medical Conditions or Medications That May Have 
Affected the Roadside Testing
Some health conditions—such as diabetes, neurological 
disorders, or respiratory issues—can impact breath or 
coordination tests. Certain prescription medications may also 
mimic signs of impairment or interfere with the accuracy of 
testing equipment. This information is essential to build a 
proper defence, especially if the arrest was based solely on 
observations rather than high blood alcohol readings.
Questions to Ask Your Calgary Impaired Driving 
Lawyer
Your first consultation is not only a chance for your lawyer to 
assess your case—it’s also your opportunity to assess the
lawyer. Asking the right questions helps you understand your 
legal options, financial obligations, and what to expect moving 
forward.
What Penalties Am I Facing Under Alberta Law?
Penalties for impaired driving in Alberta vary based on the 
circumstances of the offence and whether it’s a first or repeat 
charge. Ask your lawyer to explain:
 Minimum fines and mandatory driving suspensions
 Jail time possibilities (especially for second or third 
offences)
 Ignition Interlock Program requirements
 Impact on insurance premiums and driving record
Understanding the legal consequences early allows you to 
make informed decisions about your defence strategy.
Can My Licence Suspension Be Challenged or 
Shortened?
Under Alberta’s Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) Program, 
your licence may be suspended instantly—even before a court 
date. Ask:
 Can we file a review or appeal with SafeRoads Alberta?
 Are there any time-sensitive deadlines to challenge the 
IRS?
 Is there any chance of early reinstatement or conditional 
driving privileges?
A proactive lawyer may help reduce the period you’re unable to 
drive or prepare a strong challenge to the administrative 
penalties.
What Defences May Apply in My Case?
Not every impaired driving charge leads to a conviction. Your 
lawyer should explain what defences might be available, such 
as:
 Charter breaches (e.g., unlawful stop, delay in access to 
counsel)
 Faulty or improperly calibrated testing equipment
 Lack of reasonable grounds for the arrest
 Medical or environmental factors affecting test results
Knowing your defence options gives you confidence in your 
legal approach.
What Are the Chances of Avoiding a Criminal Record?
In some cases, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction 
entirely. Ask about:
 Alternative resolutions like a curative discharge or 
diversion
 Possibility of a plea to a lesser offence (e.g., careless 
driving)
 Realistic outcomes based on past case experience in 
Calgary courts
Your lawyer’s insight into local practices and Crown policies can 
be helpful here.
What Are Your Fees and Payment Options?
Legal costs vary depending on case complexity, number of 
court appearances, and whether you proceed to trial. Clarify:
 Do you charge a flat fee or hourly rate?
 Are there additional costs for expert witnesses or 
investigators?
 Can I pay in instalments or through a retainer 
agreement?
Getting this information upfront helps avoid financial surprises 
later in the process.
Will You Personally Handle My Case or Assign It to 
Another Lawyer?
If you’re dealing with a larger firm, your case may be passed on 
to a junior associate. Be clear about:
 Who will be handling your file from start to finish
 Whether you’ll have direct access to the lead lawyer
 Who will attend court on your behalf
Direct communication and consistency in representation are 
essential for building trust and preparing a solid defence.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Calgary DUI 
Consultation
Be Honest and Detailed — Lawyers Are Bound by 
Confidentiality
Don’t hold back or sugar-coat details. Your lawyer is not there 
to judge you but to help you. Everything you share is protected 
by solicitor-client privilege, which means it remains 
confidential—even if you don’t retain the lawyer.
Disclosing every detail, including anything that may seem 
unfavourable, allows your lawyer to prepare a defence that
anticipates the Crown’s case rather than being caught off guard 
later.
Arrive Early or On Time if Meeting in Person
If your consultation is in person at a Calgary law office, arrive 
early to allow time for check-in, paperwork, or parking. Many 
criminal defence lawyers have tightly scheduled 
appointments—especially if they’re in and out of court.
Punctuality ensures you get the full benefit of your scheduled 
time without feeling rushed.
Bring a Written Timeline of Events if Possible
Before your meeting, jot down a timeline of the incident:
 What happened before the stop
 What the police said and did at each stage
 When and how you were tested, arrested, and released
Having this information written down keeps things accurate 
and allows your lawyer to spot inconsistencies or gaps that may 
be legally significant.
Avoid Discussing Your Case with Others or on Social 
Media
Do not talk about your impaired driving case with friends, 
family, or especially online. Anything you say outside the 
protected space of your lawyer’s office could be used against 
you. Social media posts or casual texts can be subpoenaed and 
misinterpreted in court. Keep all discussions about your case 
strictly between you and your legal team.
Write Down Follow-Up Tasks or Documents Your Lawyer 
May Request
During the consultation, your lawyer may ask you to gather 
additional documents, contact potential witnesses, or make 
notes about things you remembered later.
Bring a notepad or use your phone to record:
 Legal deadlines
 Required paperwork
 Next steps in your case strategy
Staying organized shows your lawyer you’re taking the process 
seriously—and that helps build a stronger, more collaborative 
working relationship.
Contact Details of Calgary Defence Lawyer
Akram Law - 918A 5 Ave SW Suite 1, Calgary, AB T2P 0N7
Phone Number: 403-774–9529 
Email: [email protected] 
Website - akramlaw.com
Business Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 AM-5 PM, Friday: 9 AM-12 PM, 
Saturday: 10 AM-1 PM