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Government Accused of Reverse Engineering Immediate Roadside Prohibition Cases

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Documents have been acquired by a Vancouver criminal defense law firm that purport to show the BC provincial government collaborating with adjudicators in order to reverse engineer certain Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) cases in British Columbia. The documents were acquired through a Freedom of Information Act request, and they allege that independent tribunals at RoadSafetyBC are not so independent after all.

What Are Some Quick Facts About IRP?

IRP has become a hot button issue in BC, mainly because drivers can be harshly punished before guilt has been proven. Essentially, Immediate Roadside Prohibition laws allow police officers to suspend a person’s right to drive for a certain period of time if that person is believed to have failed, come close to failing, or outright refused to take a roadside breathalyzer test. The prohibition penalties range from a 90 day driving suspension and 30 day mandatory car impound, down to a three to seven day driving suspension for people who blew a “warn” as opposed to a “fail.”

Other Consequences Related to IRP

The government of British Columbia administers a Responsible Driver Program that many drivers punished under IRP laws are forced to take. Government officials may also mandate the placement of a interlock device on the offending vehicle before it is allowed to return to the road, which can cost drivers upwards of $1500.

Shady Dealings at RoadSafetyBC

Lawyers for the provincial government are not supposed to influence an adjudicator’s decision, but the emails exposed by the law firm in Vancouver show that this is in fact happening. When a person challenges their IRP, the “judge” in their case will consult with lawyers paid for by the government in an effort to figure out how to “get around” a person’s defence. The lawyers will provide the adjudicator with advice on to how to reject any defence argument and how to do so in a way that makes the decisions “appeal proof.” Simply put, the IRP review process is a sham. It is rigged in favour of the police officer. It can be frustrating and difficult for those accused, but lawyers like Mr. van der Walle attempt to fight this systemic injustice everyday.

Overturning IRP Suspensions

Drivers have only seven days to protest their prohibition before the appeal window closes. A lawyer experienced in dealing with impaired driving and immediate roadside prohibition often has specific knowledge and access to precedent libraries that can help him or her clear the name of the accused.

If you or someone that you know have been unfairly victimized by the application of British Columbia’s Immediate Roadside Prohibition laws, contact Julian van der Walle at your convenience to set up a consultation.

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