Man Pleads Guilty To Impaired Driving That Caused An Accident
By Robert Thomas
Going on a leisurely Sunday afternoon drive is a great local tradition.
Going on a Sunday afternoon drive while seriously impaired causing other drivers to take evasive action to prevent a head on collision is not.
That’s what an accused learnt after pleading guilty to operating a motor vehicle while over the legally allowed blood alcohol limit Monday morning in Moose Jaw Provincial Court.
Making his first court appearance the self represented Ryan Huffman said he simply wanted to get it over with and face the music so he could go to a potential job in the Alberta oil patch.
Speaking to the accused Judge Daryl Rayner told Huffman he did not have to plead guilty but could consult with a lawyer or at least ask for disclosure of the evidence.
Huffman said Legal Aid would not help him.
“Legal Aid would not help you because you are not facing jail but a fine,” Judge Rayner said.
Crown Prosecutor Rob Parker had already told the Court the Crown would be seeking “a fine somewhat higher” than the minimum.
Judge Rayner said he would adjourn the case to allow Huffman to obtain disclosure of the evidence and discuss the case with the Crown.
The opportunity was turned down by Hufffman.
“If I get myself back to Alberta I can get a job back in the oil patch,” Huffman told Judge Rayner.
“I’m not sure I’m doing the right thing,” the accused Saud.
The Judge repeated he was not prepared to accept a guilty plea from Huffman unless the accused was “100 percent sure” in entering a guilty plea.
“The Crown has said they are seeking an elevated fine,” Judge Rayner reminded Huffman, adding “they are asking for a higher than usual fine.”
Parker said Huffman had a previous conviction for impaired driving dating back to 1991 but was “not asking the Court to put any weight on that.”
Given Huffman's decision to plead guilty Parker related the details of the charges which resulted from a November 13 incident.
Parker said Huffman was driving on the wrong side of the road while impaired on 9th Avenue NW near the intersection of 9th Avenue NW and Saskatchewan Street West.
Huffman's actions had caused “other drivers to take evasive action down the sidewalk.”
As a result of these evasive actions a motor vehicle accident occurred.
Judge Rayner asked Huffman if this is what occurred in the incident.
Huffman said he was ashamed with his driving impaired.
“I'm very disappointed in myself for driving and getting behind the wheel.”
Huffman said some of his impairment was from the night before and from beer he had bought to celebrate his returning to the oil patch. A friend was going to drive him to Edmonton to go to work after he had consumed the beer, Huffman said.
Judge Rayner was not impressed with Huffman's explanation.
“It is a pretty serious matter on a Sunday afternoon (to drive impaired) and then having twice the legal limit on a Sunday afternoon,” he said.
Judge Rayner said it was serious Huffman had been driving in the wrong lane of traffic.
“Causing a collision is pretty serious stuff,” Judge Rayner said.
The Judge then assessed Huffman with a $2,500 fine - higher than the $2,000 minimum fine - plus a one year driving prohibition.
Questioning Huffman about his financial situation Judge Rayner said given the accused financial situation he was waiving the Victim's Surcharge.
Huffman was given until July 28, 2023 to pay or work off the fine (in whole or in part).