If my charges are dropped or the court finds me not guilty, then my administrative licence suspension ends automatically, right?
No. Your licence suspension ends at the time indicated on your Notice of Suspension or Disqualification, provided by the police.
How do I get my administrative licence suspension to end early?
To get it to end early, you must appeal to the Transportation Safety Board. The appeal deadline is 30 days after your Notice of Suspension or Disqualification was issued. A lawyer can advise you on when to appeal your suspension and whether you should appeal.
What if my court process is not finished – will my appeal of my licence suspension succeed?
It depends on whether or not the Transportation Safety Board accepts that you have valid reasons for ending your licence suspension early.
What does the Transportation Safety Board consider are valid reasons for ending my administrative licence suspension early?
It depends on the specific charges against you. For example, you were charged with impaired driving but have proof that your blood or breath sample was not over 0.08. Depending on the circumstances, the Board may accept that proof as a valid reason for ending your licence suspension early. A lawyer can advise you on how to appeal your suspension and whether you should appeal.
I was acquitted, found not guilty. Isn’t that a valid reason for ending my administrative licence suspension early?
It is not always a valid reason since the Board may or may not accept proof of your being acquitted as a valid reason. That is, court uses criminal law standards of proof in acquitting you, but the Board uses administrative law standards of proof. What is proof in criminal law is not always proof in administrative law. A lawyer can advise you on how to appeal your suspension and whether you should appeal.
My licence suspension makes it hard to get to work – is that a valid reason to end my suspension early?
No, the inconvenience or hardship caused by your suspension is not a valid reason. For advice on whether to appeal your suspension, contact a lawyer.
Is appealing a licence suspension free?
No, the Transportation Safety Board charges fees, even if you do not go in person before the Board. If you go in person, the fees are higher.
Is the cost of a lawyer included in the appeal fees?
No, lawyer fees are extra. A lawyer can advise you on whether to appear in person and whether to have legal representation before the Board.
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