Getting charged with an impaired driving or serious traffic offence in Alberta can change everything in minutes. One roadside decision — a failed breath test, a suspended licence, or a late appeal — can affect employment, insurance, and even mobility.
Since the Provincial Administrative Penalties Act took effect, penalties for impaired driving have become far more severe. For many drivers, that means penalties begin long before they’ve had a chance to tell their side of the story.
That’s where experienced legal help matters. Liberty Law, one of Alberta’s most trusted criminal defence firms, represents clients facing impaired driving, DUI, and serious traffic offences across the province. Their team is available 24/7, backed by decades of courtroom experience and a record of success at every level of Alberta’s courts.
Let’s look at what’s changed in Alberta’s impaired driving system — and why specialized representation makes all the difference.
Understanding Alberta’s Impaired Driving and Traffic Laws
Alberta’s impaired driving laws were overhauled in December 2020 under the Provincial Administrative Penalties Act (PAPA). The Act introduced a system called SafeRoads Alberta, which allows police to issue Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) instead of sending every case through the criminal courts.
In simple terms, this means a driver can now face penalties — like licence suspension, vehicle seizure, or fines — right at the roadside, without waiting for a trial. These penalties are administrative, not criminal, but they still carry serious consequences for your record, insurance, and ability to drive.
Here’s what these changes mean in practical terms:
- Immediate Licence Suspension: Drivers can lose their licence instantly if they fail or refuse a roadside test.
- Vehicle Seizure: Police can impound a vehicle for up to 30 days.
- Administrative Penalties: Fines and fees apply even if no criminal conviction follows.
- Short Appeal Window: Drivers generally have only 7 to 30 days to file a SafeRoads appeal.
Because administrative penalties now run parallel to potential criminal charges, the process can be confusing — especially for first-time offenders. Liberty Law’s impaired driving lawyers in Edmonton help clients navigate both systems, ensuring evidence is properly reviewed, appeal deadlines are met, and rights are protected from the very first day.
These are high-stakes cases. For commercial drivers, professionals, or anyone relying on their licence, even a short suspension can have lasting financial and reputational effects — which makes experienced legal help essential.
Liberty Law: Alberta’s Trusted Team for Impaired Driving and Traffic Defence
Liberty Law’s impaired driving lawyers in Edmonton are built on a single focus: criminal defence. They don’t split their practice across family, civil, or corporate matters — the entire team is dedicated exclusively to criminal and quasi-criminal cases.
That specialization runs deep across all major courts in Alberta, from trial to appeal. The team includes senior trial lawyers, appellate counsel, and even a former judge. This experience allows the firm to handle everything from first-time DUI cases to complex Charter applications and post-conviction appeals.
- Round-the-Clock Access
Liberty Law provides 24/7 real-lawyer access, meaning clients can reach an actual defence lawyer at any hour — not an answering service. That immediacy is crucial when arrests, breath tests, or roadside detentions happen at night or on weekends.
- Courtroom and Academic Credibility
Several Liberty Law lawyers teach criminal law and advocacy at the University of Alberta, mentoring future defence counsel while maintaining active trial practices. This blend of academic and courtroom experience adds depth and authority to every case strategy.
- Representation Across Alberta
From Edmonton to Calgary, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, and smaller rural courts, Liberty Law’s province-wide presence ensures consistent defence coverage wherever charges arise.
- Transparent Fees and Client Communication
Clients receive upfront billing and honest assessments — no hidden fees, no confusing retainers. The firm also offers free consultations for anyone facing administrative or criminal driving penalties.
Practice Areas
Liberty Law’s impaired-driving and traffic-offence work is supported by a full spectrum of criminal-law services, including:
- DUI and dangerous driving defence
- Domestic violence and weapons offences
- Drug charges and trafficking cases
- Theft and property offences
- Appeals and post-conviction applications
- Professional discipline hearings
- Representation for youth and first-time offenders
Their team’s mix of technical knowledge and courtroom presence makes Liberty Law one of the most experienced criminal defence firms in Edmonton and Alberta.
Case Study — R v S: How Legal Expertise Can Change Outcomes
In R v S, Liberty Law’s defence team represented a client facing impaired-driving charges supported by breath-sample evidence. Through a detailed review, the firm uncovered procedural errors that violated the client’s Charter rights. The resulting legal argument led to the exclusion of the evidence — and ultimately, a dismissal.
This case shows how a deep understanding of both constitutional law and Alberta’s SafeRoads procedures can alter the course of a prosecution. It’s a clear example of why specialized defence lawyers matter when technical evidence, timing, and police procedure all intersect. You can read more case studies like this one on Liberty Law’s Notable Cases page.
What Clients Say ( Google Rating: 4.8 / 5 )
Liberty Law’s reputation extends beyond courtroom results — it’s also about professionalism and trust.
“Kim Hardstaff and the team at Liberty Law are hands down professionals! Id recommend them to anyone and I myself would never use any one else. Kim has never let me or my friends down and has walked out with the best possible results time and time again. I cant thank her enough for all she has done for me over the past years , when everyone else counted me out , she was in my corner. Il forever be grateful for the chance shes given me to pick myself up and do better. Kim Hardstaff is my hero.” — Smoky J
“I was facing charges that could risk my future, and was deeply concerned. Hiring Brian Hurley was the best decision I made. He was professional, upfront, and incredibly knowledgeable. Brian guided me through every step, making sure I understood my options. Thanks to his expertise, the outcome was even better than I had hoped. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing a dedicated and skilled defense lawyer. Thank you, Brian!” — Baily Hackett
Consistently high feedback like this reinforces Liberty Law’s reputation as a trusted criminal defence firm in Alberta, valued for responsiveness, clear communication, and real-world results.
Comparing Alberta’s Leading Criminal Defence Firms
Criminal defence firms in Alberta vary widely in focus and availability. Here’s how Liberty Law compares to general-practice firms across key areas that matter to clients.
| Feature / Area | Liberty Law | Typical General Practice Firm |
| Practice Focus | 100% criminal and quasi-criminal defence | Mix of criminal, family, and civil law |
| Availability | 24/7 access to real lawyers (not call centers) | Office-hour scheduling with limited after-hours response |
| Experience Range | Decades of combined trial and appellate experience | Often limited to trial-level representation |
| Academic & Legal Credibility | Team includes educators at the University of Alberta | Rarely engaged in academic or mentorship roles |
| Province-Wide Coverage | Represents clients across all Alberta courts, including rural and northern areas | Usually centered around one city or region |
| Fee Transparency | Upfront quotes, clear billing, and free initial consultations | Hourly or variable retainers with limited cost visibility |
| Case Strategy | Individualized defence plans, appeal readiness, and Charter-based reviews | Standard case handling with less strategic depth |
Choosing the right defence team often comes down to trust and response time. What makes Liberty Law stand out is their immediate lawyer availability, extensive courtroom experience, and consistent focus on criminal law alone. That combination gives clients the reassurance that their case is being handled by a team that knows the system — and how to work within it when it matters most.
Conclusion
Alberta’s impaired-driving and traffic-offence system is stricter — and faster-moving — than ever before. Administrative penalties now begin within hours, and appeal deadlines leave almost no room for error.
That’s why having experienced impaired-driving lawyers in Alberta who can act immediately is essential. With its 24/7 lawyer availability, decades of courtroom experience, and exclusive focus on criminal law, Liberty Law remains a leading choice for drivers seeking strategic, proven defence representation anywhere in the province.
