Fort Frances OPP lay impaired & obstruction charges; penalties & true costs explained

FORT FRANCES, ON — On Sunday, September 7, 2025, at about 5:20 p.m., Fort Frances OPP responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 11. Police located the vehicle and conducted sobriety tests. Officers say the driver was impaired. During the stop, a passenger became confrontational, swore at officers and allegedly obstructed police.

Two people were charged and later released with court dates set for November 3, 2025 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances.

Charges Laid

Driver: Darrell LIND, 63, of Fort Frances

• Operation while impaired — alcohol and drugs, Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(a).

• Operation while impaired — blood alcohol concentration (80+), Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(b).

Passenger: Andrew ENNS, 49, of Fort Frances

• Obstruct Peace Officer, Criminal Code s.129(a).

• Resist Peace Officer, Criminal Code s.129(a).

All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Potential Penalties If Convicted (What a Judge Can Impose)

For the driver (impaired/“80+”)

• Max penalties: Impaired and “80+” are hybrid offences. On indictment, up to 10 years’ imprisonment; on summary conviction, up to 2 years less a day and/or a fine up to $5,000. Mandatory minimums:

  • First offence: $1,000 fine.

  • Second offence: 30 days’ jail.

  • Third/subsequent: 120 days’ jail.

• Graduated first-offence fines for BAC: $1,500 (BAC 120–159 mg%) or $2,000 (BAC ≥160 mg%).

• Court-ordered driving prohibition (in addition to any jail/fine):

  • First offence: 1–3 years;

  • Second: 2–10 years;

  • Subsequent: 3+ years.

For the passenger (obstruct/resist peace officer)

• Hybrid offence: On indictment, up to 2 years’ imprisonment; on summary conviction, up to 2 years less a day and/or a fine up to $5,000 (general summary maxima). No mandatory minimums.

Immediate Ontario Administrative Penalties (separate from court)

Upon a fail/“80+” or refusal, Ontario imposes a 90-day roadside licence suspension and 7-day vehicle impoundment, plus administrative monetary penalties and fees.

The Real-World Costs of an Impaired Conviction in Ontario

These are typical out-of-pocket costs many drivers face if convicted (amounts can vary):

• Back on Track remedial program (mandatory to get your licence back): $894 for convicted impaired drivers.

• Licence reinstatement fee: $281 (ServiceOntario).

• Ignition interlock (where applicable): about $69/month + tax lease, plus small program/admin fees; costs vary by provider and term.

• Insurance: After a DUI, many motorists are rated high-risk—premiums are significantly higher and some drivers must obtain coverage via Facility Association. Estimates often show 80%–150%+ increases, and premiums in the high-risk market are generally higher than standard rates.

Note: Courts also impose a victim fine surcharge on fines, and towing/storage and legal fees can add substantially to the total.

Court Dates & How to Report

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear November 3, 2025.

If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 when it’s safe to do so. For non-emergency reports of impaired, aggressive or careless driving, call 1-888-310-1122 (OPP).