Fort McMurray Forum

Alberta lawyers decrying changes to Alberta's impaired driving legislation.

Under the regulations, those apprehended with a blood alcohol level above 0.08, will have their vehicle seized and lose their licence until after their case is resolved in court.

Criminal Trail Lawyers of Alberta Vice President, Shannon Prithipaul says the indefinite licence suspensions will prompt a constitutional challenge, as the law punishes those who choose to pursue a trial.

"In some jurisdictions, not Fort McMurray, but I can certainly think of Bonnyville , St.Paul, Cold Lake area, their booking into 2014, so if a person's license is suspended for over a year and a half waiting for trial, and then they're convicted and they don't get credit for the time off the road they've already spent, that seems really unfair," said Prithipaul.

Prithipaul says the legislation, which will be phased in starting July 1st, assumes breathalyzers are infalliable and creates roadside court rulings which errode residents consistutional rights.