A Victoria lawyer has been hired as an independent special prosecutor for an impaired-driving case.

The accused, Johnathan Kinash, was charged on Dec. 9 in Victoria provincial court with impaired driving and driving with a blood-alcohol content over 80 milligrams.

He is the son of W. Keith Kinash, a senior Crown counsel based in Vancouver.

Harold Rusk, a senior Victoria lawyer, will handle the file.

Special prosecutors are appointed when there is potential for real or perceived improper influence in prosecution of a case, including charge assessment. Kinash's next appearance is Jan. 14.