SURREY lawyer Manpreet Singh Bains will be suspended for one month and will pay $1,000 in costs after engaging in conduct unbecoming the profession, the Law Society of B.C. announced in a press release.

In a joint submission to a Law Society Tribunal hearing panel, Bains admitted to conduct unbecoming. In May 2023, he was stopped by the RCMP during a traffic check for impaired driving. Bains failed two breathalyzer tests and acted in a manner that could reasonably be perceived as attempting to use his position as a lawyer to avoid a roadside driving prohibition.

In accepting the joint submission, the hearing panel took into consideration the seriousness of the misconduct, the need for specific and general deterrence, and Bains’ acknowledgement of misconduct.

The lawyer’s suspension begins on August 1, 2025.

According to the decision of the hearing panel, Bains had two prior Immediate Roadside Prohibitions. On December 23, 2019, he was stopped in his vehicle by an RCMP officer and subjected to two breathalyzer tests on two separate approved screening devices (ASDs), which he failed. A 90-day IRP was issued against him and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. He completed a mandatory course regarding the effects and impacts of drinking and driving.

On January 10, 2021, Bains was stopped in his vehicle by the RCMP and was subjected to a breathalyzer test on an ASD, the result of which was “WARN”. A three-day IRP was issued against him. He completed a mandatory course regarding the effects and impacts of drinking and driving – the same course as the 2019 course. During the 2021 course, he learned that the effects of alcohol last until the day after consumption.

The full decision of the hearing panel can be read here.