Discussions

Hello ebrandon!  
 
Early last year I got my first run in with the law, I made a terrible mistake and I put the lives of myself and others at risk by driving impaired. I know what I did was terrible and I'm remorseful. But, as twisted as it sounds, it's the best thing that could have happened to me. Not the impaired driving, but the getting arrested part of it. I've struggled with alcohol use since I was ~21. Before the incident I went through medical detox and a 3 month residential treatment program for concurrent disorders (substance use and anxiety disorder), I relapsed and began drinking heavily again, to the point where I ruined every relationship I ever had, got into debt, and lost my job. I would occasionally sober up for a month or two, but would eventually drink again.  
 
Being arrested definitely saved my life, whipped me into shape, made me realized how rock bottom I was. I immediately sobered up after the arrest, and have been clean since (1.5 years). I know the criminal record will interfere with my the rest of my life. But it's better then being dead.  
 
And, just to be clear. As someone convicted of a dui, I believe the laws in place are more then reasonable, and I accept my sentence. I immediately pleaded guilty, because I was guilty of the offense. I know some try to get out of the conviction, but I didn't.  
 
I have paid the fine, paid the impound fees, been through the year long driving suspension, and been to the AFM assessment. AFM did not refer me to futher programing because I have been sober for over a year, and because I've sought help from them not related to my license.  
 
For anyone who's been through this, what's next? Do I need to have a medical done? Or will MPI just allow me to reinstate my license (after installing the blow box)? AFM said the rest is through MPI.  
 
Thanks in advance!

I have zero experience and zero advice other than maybe call MPI and ask them. Be proud of yourself, you've done an amazing job in your recovery.

Your next step is to call / attend to MPI and get your driver's license reinstated ($$). As your suspension / prohibition was within the last couple of years, you do not have to retest to get your license back. There will be a restriction on your d/l that you can only operate vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock; however, you do not have to have a vehicle equipped with one prior to getting your d/l reinstated. Because of the cost, many people will get their license reinstated but will not drive until the interlock restriction is removed (basically a self-imposed suspension). If you are wanting to have a vehicle equipped, MPI will provide a list of places that do it and you look after the scheduling of the install, as well as the maintenance of it (again, $$). It is my understanding that there was a huge backlog of installs in the Brandon shops and people were taking their vehicles to places like Dauphin or Portage to get it done. That may have been resolved by now though.  
 
Hope this helps. Good luck! And well done working on your recovery!! Wishing you continued success!

>. I know the criminal record will interfere with my the rest of my life.  
 
There is a pardon after a waiting period. It depends if it is a summary or  
indictable conviction as to how long the wait. Best to check out the Canadian pardon rules online early.

I have no advice but wanted to say congratulations on your 1.5 years of sobriety!! It sounds like you’ve learned your lesson and that’s awesome  
 
All the best!!