A DUI conviction means a criminal record, mandatory driving prohibition, ignition interlock, and potential jail time. Before you plead guilty - talk to Ryan Handlarski, an experienced criminal defence lawyer who has successfully challenged hundreds of impaired driving charges across Ontario.
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Ryan Handlarski graduated cum laude from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and trained at one of Canada's most prestigious criminal law firms before founding RH Criminal Defence. He has successfully defended clients charged with all forms of impaired driving - from first-time over-80 charges to DUI causing bodily harm - at every level of court in Ontario.
Ryan is regularly quoted in CBC, CTV News, the Toronto Star, and Canadian Lawyer magazine as a criminal law expert. When you hire RH Criminal Defence, you get Ryan - not a junior associate.
Ontario DUI charges under the Criminal Code carry serious mandatory penalties. Understanding your specific charge is the first step to building a strong defence.
Driving while your ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs, regardless of your BAC reading. The Crown must prove your ability was impaired — we challenge the evidence of impairment.
Having a blood alcohol concentration over 80 mg per 100 ml of blood within 2 hours of driving. We challenge the breathalyzer calibration, officer conduct, and the two-hour presumption.
Refusing or failing to provide a breath or blood sample when lawfully demanded by police. This carries the same criminal penalties as a DUI conviction — even if you were not impaired.
A more serious charge when impaired driving results in injury to another person. This is a hybrid offence — the Crown may proceed by indictment with significantly higher penalties.
Impaired driving involving cannabis, prescription drugs, or other substances. Police use Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) — all challengeable.
Operating a vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to the public, having regard to the circumstances. A criminal offence separate from DUI — often charged alongside impaired driving allegations.
Principal · Criminal Defence Lawyer
Senior Counsel · Criminal Defence Lawyer
Real results for real clients. Ryan has successfully defended clients across the full range of criminal charges — including driving offences, impaired driving, and dangerous driving.
Client was charged with robbery with a firearm. Following an 8-day trial in Milton, the accused was found not guilty. The judge found the identification evidence was not reliable.
Ontario Superior Court of Justice · Milton
Client was charged with trafficking 10 kilograms of cocaine in Toronto. Following a judge and jury trial in Toronto, the accused was acquitted of all charges.
Ontario Superior Court of Justice · Toronto
Client was charged with possession of a loaded, prohibited firearm. Following a trial in the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto, he was found not guilty.
Ontario Court of Justice · Toronto
From your first call to the final resolution - here is exactly what working with RH Criminal Defence looks like.
You call or submit your information and speak directly with Ryan. He reviews the basic facts of your charge, explains your rights, and outlines the defence options available to you — at no cost and with no obligation. Solicitor-client privilege protects everything you say from the first word.
Once retained, Ryan obtains full disclosure from the Crown — all police notes, breathalyzer records, video footage, and witness statements. He reviews every document for Charter violations, procedural errors, and evidence that can be challenged at trial.
Ryan attends all court dates on your behalf, handles all communications with the Crown, negotiates where appropriate, and prepares rigorously for trial. Many cases resolve before trial through successful motions or negotiations — you may never need to appear in court.
The goal is always the best possible outcome — charges withdrawn, acquittal at trial, or where necessary, the most favourable resolution to protect your record and your future. Ryan has achieved acquittals on charges ranging from DUI to first-degree murder.
When your future, reputation, and freedom are at stake, you need a criminal defence team that is experienced, strategic, and relentless in protecting your rights. At RH Criminal Defence, we provide strong legal representation for clients facing criminal charges across Ontario.
Our team has successfully defended hundreds of clients charged with offences ranging from impaired driving and domestic assault to drug trafficking, firearms offences, sexual assault, robbery, and homicide. We have represented clients at every level of court in Ontario.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. Our team remains accessible throughout the process, keeping clients informed and supported every step of the way. We believe every person deserves a thorough and vigorous defence.
Our lawyers have been featured in major media outlets including CBC, CTV News, Toronto Star, Law Times, and Canadian Lawyer. We are frequently called upon to provide legal commentary on important criminal law issues in Ontario.
At RH Criminal Defence, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, we are prepared to stand by your side and aggressively defend your case.
Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent - you are not required to answer any questions beyond identifying yourself. Contact a criminal lawyer immediately. Do not post anything about your situation on social media. Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer. The sooner you contact RH Criminal Defence, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights.
Yes - absolutely. A breathalyzer reading over .08 is not automatically a conviction. We challenge the legality of the traffic stop, whether you were properly advised of your right to counsel before providing a sample, whether the approved instrument was properly calibrated and maintained, whether the operator was certified, and whether all testing procedures were followed correctly. Charter violations can result in the breathalyzer evidence being excluded entirely.
A first DUI conviction in Ontario results in: a mandatory minimum $1,000 fine, a minimum 1-year driving prohibition (often 3 years for a first offence), a criminal record, mandatory participation in a Back on Track program, and often a requirement to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. A conviction can also affect your employment, professional licences, travel to the United States, and insurance rates for years. This is why getting experienced legal help before pleading guilty is critical.
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your charge, the strength of the evidence, and whether the case proceeds to trial. During your free consultation, Ryan will review your situation and provide a transparent, clear fee structure before you make any commitment. The cost of a DUI conviction - criminal record, driving prohibition, lost employment, insurance surcharges - typically far exceeds the cost of proper legal representation. Many clients view legal fees as an investment in protecting their future.
A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record and can be suspended (formerly a pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada - but not until 5 years after a summary conviction or 10 years after an indictable conviction. A record suspension does not erase the conviction but does seal it from most background checks. The best outcome is no conviction in the first place - which is why challenging the charge from the beginning is always the right first step.
In most DUI cases, your lawyer can appear in court on your behalf at the early stages - first appearances, Crown pre-trial conferences, and many motions - so you do not have to miss work or deal with the stress of appearing personally. If the case proceeds to trial, you will typically need to attend. Ryan handles all court appearances and keeps you informed at every step so you always know what is happening with your case.
Munnaa 2x
"Ryan is as great lawyer because he's great with communication and understanding which give confidence in the situation. He treats every case like it's his last and makes sure to give his clients reassurance and clarity. His history with clients winning is great."
Guy Bangoura
"Ryan Handlarski has saved my life each time I have been wrongfully accused. He ACTUALLY cares. He reassures you like you're his child. He is a 10/10 professional. He takes care of me but even my family. He's definitely the GOAT when it comes to defending you."
Ada R.
"Ryan is a true professional with excellent instincts. He truly fights for his clients wholeheartedly and with years of experience to show. We couldn't be more pleased with our results. His skillsets include compassion for the client and leadership to succeed in the courtroom."
