— Drink Driving & Traffic offences —
If you have been charged with a Drink Driving / Traffic offence you should seek legal advice as soon as possible to obtain the best outcome.
Drink Driving and Traffic offences are a common occurrence in our society. Once you are charged with a Drink Driving / Drug Driving offence, please do seek our expertise as this can mean the difference between a conviction / non-conviction, lengthy disqualification period or shorter time off the road. We can advise you on whether the Blood Alcohol Concentration reading is accurate or whether it can be challenged in court.
- Drink Driving (DUI - High Range / Middle Range / Low Range PCA)
- Speeding offences
- License Disqualification Appeals
- Refusal of Breath Analysis
- Dangerous Driving / Negligent Driving (including street racing)
Drink Driving is not a trivial matter and there may be serious consequences as a result of conviction which may affect your ability to work. Drink driving, even for a first offender, may result in the recording of a criminal conviction, a fine and a period of licence disqualification. For repeat offenders, a sentence of imprisonment is not unusual.
Whilst most Drink Driving Offences result in a guilty plea, there are circumstances where you can mount a successful defence against the charge. Preparation is essential in any court matter, whether you are pleading guilty / not-guilty. We will advise you of the best course of action.
Using our knowledge and resources, we will endeavour to get you the best possible result during this difficult time. We’ll also ensure that you are kept well informed throughout the entire process.
| Offence | Maximum fine | Maximum jail | Automatic disqualification | Minimum disqualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRINK DRIVING PENALTIES IN NSW – FIRST MAJOR OFFENCE WITHIN 5 YEARS | ||||
| Novice range PCA 0.01 – 0.019 | $1,100 | Nil | 6 months | 3 months |
| Special range PCA 0.02 – 0.049 | $1,100 | Nil | 6 months | 3 months |
| Low range PCA 0.05 - 0.079 | $1,100 | Nil | 6 months | 3 months |
| Mid range PCA 0.08 - 0.149 | $2,200 | 9 months | 12 months | 6 months |
| High range PCA over 0.150 | $3,300 | 18 months | 3 years | 12 months |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) | $2,200 | 9 months | 12 months | 6 months |
| Refuse breath analysis | $3,300 | 18 months | 3 years | 12 months |
| Wilfully alter blood concentration | $3,300 | 18 months | 3 years | 12 months |
| Refuse breath test | $1,100 | Nil | 6 months | Nil |
| DRINK DRIVING PENALTIES IN NSW – SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT MAJOR OFFENCE WITHIN 5 YEARS | ||||
| Novice range PCA 0.00 – 0.019 | $2,200 | Nil | 12 months | 6 months |
| Special range PCA 0.02 – 0.049 | $2,200 | Nil | 12 months | 6 months |
| Low range PCA 0.05 - 0.079 | $2,200 | Nil | 12 months | 6 months |
| Mid range PCA 0.08 - 0.149 | $3,300 | 12 months | 3 years | 12 months |
| High range PCA over 0.150 | $5,500 | 2 years | 5 years | 2 years |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) | $3,300 | 12 months | 3 years | 12 months |
| Refuse breath analysis | $5,500 | 2 years | 5 years | 2 years |
| Wilfully alter blood concentration | $5,500 | 2 years | 5 years | 2 years |
| Refuse breath test | $1,100 | Nil | ||
Note: This information is a guide only and subject to change at any time without notice.