Jordan Parniak learned Friday that getting behind the wheel after drinking can have costly consequences. His decision to drive on December 14, not only resulted in a hefty fine, but will also have an impact on his ability to earn a living. The 33-year-old heavy equipment operator and lorry driver pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood. Ontario Court Justice Robert Villeneuve heard police received a tip shortly after 11:30 p.m. about a possible impaired driver in the Brown Street area. The complainant had seen Parniak consume alcohol and then drive away in his vehicle, prosecutor Simran Singh said. Police located the defendant standing next to his vehicle. When officers spoke to him, they noticed he was fumbling with his wallet as he looked for his ID and there was a strong odor of alcohol. Parniak was taken to the station where he breathalyzed 223 and 213 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood, the assistant Crown attorney said. Singh and defense barrister Wayne Chorney jointly recommended he be fined $2,000 and banned from driving for 12 months. Chorney said his client, who is self-employed, has no criminal record. Driving suspension will “significantly undermine him” and cost him financially, Chorney said. “These are the consequences of his behavior.” Parniak told the court he learned his lesson. Villeneuve noted that the counts were high and the circumstances warranted the increased fine when he imposed the penalty. Calling Parniak’s guilty plea, the judge said his behavior will clearly have an impact on him. “Livelihoods will be affected.” Two other charges – impaired driving and dangerous operation – were dropped at the Crown’s request.
