Charged with DUI or Impaired Driving in Alberta?
In Alberta, most impaired driving matters result in an Immediate Roadside Sanction, an administrative penalty rather than a criminal court case. In some cases, a criminal charge may also be issued. We handle the IRS review and can refer you to experienced lawyers if needed.
The First Thing You Should Know:
You Only Have 7 Days to Appeal Your Immediate Roadside Sanction
Under Alberta’s impaired driving laws, you have just 7 days from when you receive your Immediate Roadside Sanction to request an appeal. This deadline is strict, and missing it can limit your options.
Acting quickly preserves your ability to challenge the sanction and pursue the return of your licence.
Speak with our experts to understand your options. In many cases, we’re able to file the IRS appeal within an hour of being hired.
- Call us now: 403-465-1324
- Missed the deadline? Learn about late review options
We Understand What’s at Stake
Facing an impaired driving suspension in Alberta is stressful and unsettling. An Immediate Roadside Sanction affects your ability to drive, your work, your finances, and your day-to-day life. The short timelines and severe consequences can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
We’ve helped over 1,200 Alberta drivers in the same situation appeal their sanctions. We take care of the IRS appeal process efficiently and explain the situation clearly, so you understand what’s happening, what options are available, and what comes next.
- Nic P“This group will guide you every step of the way and are understanding about how stressful these processes can be. They are there anytime you need or have questions.”
How the IRS Appeal Process Works
Free Consultation
We start with a free consultation. We’ll walk through what’s realistic, what options are available, and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.
Retention & Filing
If you choose to retain us, we file the IRS appeal on your behalf. We begin work immediately and your appeal is filed the same day.
SafeRoads Review
We draft the necessary documents, and prepare for your SafeRoads review. In many cases, we are able to handle the review without you needing to appear.
Decision & Next Steps
Once a decision is issued, we provide it to you by email. We will explain what it means for your licence, along with any required next steps based on the outcome.
Our experts know what works. Get help with your IRS appeal today.
Common Questions About IRS Appeals
If you’ve received an Immediate Roadside Sanction, it’s normal to have questions about whether an appeal makes sense and what to expect. Here are some of the most common ones we hear.
Why would I appeal an Immediate Roadside Sanction?
An IRS appeal is the only way to challenge the suspension and how it affects your licence, driving privileges, and related consequences. Once the deadline passes, your options become limited.
What happens if I don’t appeal?
If no appeal is filed within the required time, the Immediate Roadside Sanction remains in place. The consequences must be dealt with as they appear on your sanction, and the reinstatement conditions must be met before you are issued a new licence.
I was impaired while I was driving. Can I still fight it?
In many cases, yes. An IRS review deals with the totality of your interaction with police. This means there are often procedural or records issues that are often sufficient to have a sanction cancelled regardless of your BAC at the time of driving.
What if I need my licence for work or family purposes?
Many Alberta drivers rely on their licence for employment or daily responsibilities. Unfortunately, SafeRoads adjudicators are unable to consider hardship arguments. A successful appeal is the only way to restore your driving privileges before the suspension runs its course.
Do I have to attend a hearing or appear in person?
In many cases, no. IRS appeals are administrative reviews, and they often proceed based on written submissions. In most situations, we are able to handle the review without you needing to appear in person. We’ll explain what’s required in your specific case before anything is filed.
What if I also received a criminal charge?
In some situations, an impaired driving matter involves both an IRS and a criminal charge. These are separate processes. We focus on the IRS appeal and can refer you to an experienced impaired driving lawyer in your area to handle the criminal matter if needed.
What if I lose the appeal?
Even when an appeal is not successful, filing one ensures your situation is reviewed and your concerns are addressed. The outcome and any next steps, including the possibility of a judicial review are explained to you clearly.
Is there any downside to appealing?
No there isn’t any downsides or risks associated with filing for a review. Appealing your impaired driving suspension is a safegaurd which preserves options rather than limiting them.
What if I’ve already missed the 7-day deadline?
You may still have options through a late review, depending on your situation. We can explain whether a late review is available and what that process looks like.
Still Within 7 Days? Take the Next Step.
If you’ve received an Immediate Roadside Sanction, time matters. A free consultation can help you understand whether an IRS appeal makes sense for your situation and what your next steps are.
We focus exclusively on IRS appeals for Alberta drivers and can help you decide what to do before the deadline closes.
