Have you been charged with drink or drug driving? Our drink driving and DUI lawyers will ensure you understand your options and the consequences you will likely face. Contact us directly to discuss how we might be able to get you back on the road.
The penalties in your matter will depend on a few different factors. We can walk you through the law that applies in your individual circumstances, and give you an indication of the range of penalties open to the court. We can also discuss how best to keep those penalties as low as possible.
If you need to drive during the disqualification period, you should visit our page on Extraordinary Drivers’ Licences.
I have been charged with drink driving – what penalties could I face?
This depends on the reading, and whether you have previously been convicted of other similar offences.
For example, if your reading was more than .05 but less than .08 and you have never been convicted of a similar offence, the court doesn’t have to take your licence.
However, if you have a reading of .08 or more, or have been previously convicted of a similar offence, licence disqualification is unfortunately mandatory (but remember we might be able to keep you on the road with an Extraordinary Licence.)
A penalty unit (PU) is a standard amount of money used to compute penalties for many breaches of law in Australia. Fines are calculated by multiplying the value of a penalty unit by the number of units prescribed for the offence. Please visit the Road Safety Commission website for accurate monetary figures.
If your reading was .08 or more, here’s a table of the penalties you’re facing (Note: ≥ signifies of or above < signifies less than):
If you have a lower BAC than .08 but have had a previous similar conviction, here is a table of the penalties you’re facing (Note: ≥ signifies of or above < signifies less than):
I have been charged with driving while impaired by drugs – what penalties could I face?
I have been charged with driving with prescribed illicit drug in oral fluid or blood – what penalties could I face?
For a first offence, you are facing a fine of up to 10 PU;
For a second or subsequent offence, you are facing a fine of between 10 PU and 20 PU and at least 6 months’ disqualification from driving.