Drink Driving Lawyers Brisbane & Gold Coast
What are Drink Driving Offences?
In our experience, people charged with Drink Driving offences can make the mistake of representing themselves in Court. It usually doesn’t end well.
In Queensland, there are 4 alcohol limits:
- No alcohol limit (0.00% or above)
- General alcohol limit (0.05% or above)
- Middle alcohol limit (0.10% or above)
- High alcohol limit (0.15% or above)
Depending upon your charge, the relevant category, your history, supporting evidence will collectively determine your sentence.
Traffic & DUI Charges Brisbane & Gold Coast
In Queensland, these types of offences are governed largely by specific traffic-focused legislation
More specifically, these offences are governed by the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) and the Regulations associated with this Act, particularly the Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (Qld) and the Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Driver Licensing) Regulation 2010 (Qld).
If you are charged with disqualified driving, drink or drug driving, the impact can be considerable. Losing your licence can not only be a huge inconvenience, but your ability to work can also be compromised. Notwithstanding this, depending upon the severity of the charge, big fines and in certain circumstance, jail time can apply.
If you have been charged with one or more of these offences, we recommend getting legal advice quickly:
- Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle;
- Drink or Drug Driving (DUI)
- Operation of a Vehicle Leading to Murder or Manslaughter;
- Unlicensed Driving of a Vehicle;
- Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident;
- Making Unnecessary Noise or Smoke while Operating a Vehicle;
- Racing Motor Vehicles on the Road;
- Drinking and Taking Drugs While in Charge of a Vehicle.
Is it Worth Hiring Drink Driving Lawyers in Brisbane?
It is critical to recognise that the attitude of the Magistrates toward drunk driving offences has an impact on the sentences that they impose for convicted drunk drivers. We see longer disqualifications for drunk drivers than in the past, and many drunk drivers are finding it more challenging to persuade a magistrate that they deserve a work license.
If you are faced with a drink driving offence, representing yourself should not be an option as the risks and consequences can be too severe. There are many good reasons why hiring skilled drink driving lawyers in Brisbane is the best solution and will be well worth the financial investment.
Drink Driving Penalties in Brisbane, Queensland
Drink driving penalties in Brisbane depend heavily on your blood alcohol concentration during the incident. The standard drink driving penalties in Brisbane for first-time offences are:
| Alcohol concentration (Blood/breath) | Disqualification | Fine | Sentence/Time |
| Over 0.00, but under 0.05 BAC | Three (3) to nine (9) months | Up to $1,706 | Up to three (3) months |
| 0.05 and over, but under 0.10 BAC | One (1) to nine (9) months | Up to $1,706 | Up to three (3) months |
| 0.10 and over, but under 0.15 BAC | Three (3) to 12 months | Up to $2,438 | Up to six (6) months |
| 0.15 and over BAC | Minimum disqualification of six (6) months | Up to $3,413 | Up to nine (9) months |
Drink Driving Penalties in Brisbane for Repeat Offenders
If this isn’t the first time you’re charged with a traffic or drink driving offence in Brisbane, your penalty will increase depending on the number of offences you’ve committed in the past and the severity of your most recent offence. Fines for drink driving offences can go more than $7,000 and can result to getting your car impounded and your licence disqualified for years, not mentioning the possible jail time you can face. So if you are a repeat offender, we highly suggest hiring a drink driving lawyer to help reduce your penalty.
Do Not Represent Yourself In Court
Even though it may be the case that penalties imposed by Queensland Courts are relatively consistent, not every Magistrate will handle these matters in the same way. In other words, what one Magistrate may impose on you in relation to the penalty may be vastly different from another.
For this reason alone, having experienced Brisbane DUI & Drink Driving lawyers acting on your behalf in these matters is crucial. We not only know the law back to front, but we also understand through years of experience, the idiosyncrasies of different Magistrates. Getting advice early with DUI & Drink Driving Charges is imperative.
Can I Refuse A Random Breathalyzer® Test?
It is a serious offence in Queensland to refuse a breath test when asked by a police officer. The requirement to provide a breath test when requested is covered in section 80 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995. Your refusal may cause you to face penalties, license disqualification, or be charged with a fine of up to $4000.
What Can I Expect When Facing A DUI In Gold Coast & Brisbane?
If you are charged with a DUI in Gold Coast & Brisbane, the impact can be significant. The possibility of losing your licence is not only a huge inconvenience but your ability to work may also be affected. Depending on the severity of the charge, you may even face bigger fines or jail time.
If you are facing a DUI charge, we recommend getting legal advice immediately.
Gold Coast Drinking Driving Lawyers For Work Licence
Worried you might lose your job if you lose your driver’s licence? Let our Brisbane Drinking Driving Lawyers secure your work licence. Our team at Hannay Lawyers can help you obtain your drink driving work licence so you can still drive throughout Queensland.
Contact Brisbane & Gold Coast DUI Lawyers today
If you have been charged with a traffic or criminal offence in Queensland, Hannay Lawyers is here to help. Hannay Lawyers is recognised as a multi-award winning criminal law practice with offices in Gold Coast and Brisbane CBD.
Get in touch with us for a FREE initial consultation.