IRS Sanction / IRS Fail Lawyers in Edmonton
Alberta’s SafeRoads regime has fundamentally changed how impaired driving is handled, moving from the courtroom to a fast-paced administrative system. If you have been issued a Notice of Administrative Penalty for an IRS Fail, your driver’s licence is suspended immediately and the clock is already ticking on your right to a review. Our firm provides the urgent, technical legal support required to challenge these roadside sanctions and protect your ability to drive.
Defence Against IRS Fail Sanctions
An IRS Fail occurs when a peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe you operated a motor vehicle while impaired or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. The penalties are immediate and severe: a 90-day driving suspension, a 30-day vehicle seizure, a $1,200 fine, and a mandatory 12-month Ignition Interlock requirement. Because you only have seven days to apply for a review through SafeRoads Alberta, we prioritize these cases to ensure your application is filed correctly and your arguments are heard by an adjudicator. These offences can significantly impact your insurance premiums, and need to be dealt with ASAP.
Navigating SafeRoads Alberta Reviews
Unlike a criminal trial, an IRS review is a streamlined administrative hearing where the burden of proof often feels shifted toward the driver. We focus our defence on identifying procedural errors, such as whether the officer failed to provide an "immediate roadside appeal" (a second test) or if there were issues with the accuracy of the approved screening device. We also represent clients facing IRS Fail consequences for refusing to provide a breath or drug sample, which carries the same heavy penalties as a failed test. Our goal is to secure a cancellation of the notice, which can result in the return of your licence and a refund of your impound and tow fees.