Drug driving lawyers Gold Coast & Brisbane (QLD)
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WORK LICENCES | POLICE CHARGES | HARDSHIP ORDERS
Experienced Drug Driving Lawyers Serving Gold Coast & Brisbane
Facing drug driving charges can be overwhelming. That’s why the expert drug driving lawyers at Drink Driver Lawyer on the Gold Coast & Brisbane are here to help. With a strong track record of success, we’ll guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.
Driving licence need saving? Here's how we have helped others facing drug driving charges across the Gold Coast & Brisbane
Does your driver’s licence need saving? Facing drug driving charges can be daunting, but there are ways to fight back. Our team of traffic lawyers have helped many drivers on the Gold Coast & Brisbane dispute evidence, minimise penalties and avoid criminal convictions.
Losing your licence doesn’t have to be the end of the road, you may be eligible for a Restricted Work Licence or Special Hardship Order (SHO) to keep you driving lawfully.
Giving you the best chance of receiving a Restricted Work Licence or Special Hardship Order
Our main goal is to help you stay on the road, we help by giving you the best possible chances of securing either a Restricted Work Licence or SHO. Here’s what you need to know:
Restricted Work Licence: Applies to both drug driving and drink driving offences, allowing you to drive for work purposes only.
Special Hardship Order: This does not apply to drug driving offences. It’s available for drivers that are facing the loss of their licence due to exceeding demerit points or speeding more than 40km/h over the speed limit.
Our team of lawyers will assess your eligibility, prepare all necessary documentation and represent you in court, increasing the chances of success. We will guide you through each step of legal process, ensuring you’re constantly updated and supported from start to finish.
Get a free, no obligation case assessment to learn about your options
Drug driving offence case assessment (free)
During the initial consultation, our team of drug lawyers will provide you with a free case assessment of your current charges.
Free advice on possible drug driving penalties & options for defence
Get expert legal advice on penalties you may face and defence options available to you.
Quote & payment plan
We offer fixed-fee payment plans, with the option to pay in instalments.
Case preparation
Our lawyers will review evidence, obtain character references and create affidavits to build the strongest case for your defence.
Representation in court
Our experienced lawyers are ready to advocate on your behalf in court.
Case finalised
Your case will be resolved with the best possible outcome.
Drug driving offences we can help you with
Driving with a Relevant Drug Present in Saliva or Blood
This offence applies if a driver tests positive to a relevant drug present in their blood or saliva. The police can test drugs such as:
Cannabis (THC)
Methamphetamine
MDMA
Cocaine
You will be charged for this offence if any of the above drugs are present in your system, regardless of whether you are under the influence, impaired, affected by the drug or ‘high’ at the time.
Possible penalties for Driving with a Relevant Drug Present in Brisbane & Gold Coast
Disqualification from driving for a minimum period of 1 month up to 9 months; and
A fine up to $2250 or 3 months imprisonment (rarely imposed).
Repeat offenders will face greater fines, longer disqualification periods and possible imprisonment.
How can a drug driving lawyer help me with a Driving with a Relevant Drug Present charge?
We can help you apply for a Restricted Work Licence also known as a section 87 licence, getting you back on the road for your job.
Advocate for reduced fines, reduced disqualification periods and avoiding a criminal conviction.
Avoiding the possibility of imprisonment.
Personalised support guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Advocating on your behalf in court.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
This offence applies when police can prove a person is driving while adversely affected by a drug. Driving under the influence can be demonstrated primarily through the subjective observations of Police, levels of drug/s present in your blood and also potentially through acts of careless driving, dangerous driving or failing roadside assessments. All of these could be evidence you are driving under the influence (or adversely affected by) a drug/s.
If a driver is suspected of driving under the influence, they may be required to undergo further testing such as blood samples to determine the amount of drugs in their system.
Possible penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Brisbane & Gold Coast
Disqualification from driving for a minimum period of 6 months, the courts can impose a longer disqualification period; and
A fine up to $4500 or 9 months imprisonment.
Repeat offenders will face greater fines, longer disqualification periods and a higher chance of imprisonment.
How can a drug driving lawyer help me with a Driving Under the Influence of Drugs charge?
Advocate for reduced fines, minimum disqualification periods and avoiding a criminal conviction.
Avoiding the possibility of imprisonment.
Handling all the necessary paperwork.
Personalised support guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Advocating on your behalf in court.
If I know I am guilty of drug driving, why do I need a drug driving lawyer?
Even if you’re guilty, a drug driving lawyer can help reduce fines, minimise disqualification periods and help you apply for a Restricted Work Licence getting you back on the road.
We have helped thousands of clients throughout the Gold Coast & Brisbane areas, we appear in local courts daily achieving the best outcome possible.
Risks of representing yourself for a drug driving charge
- Higher risk of the maximum penalties
- Longer disqualification periods
- Limited knowledge of legal defences
- Appearing in court by yourself
- Possible jail time
- Conviction recorded against your criminal record
Benefits of letting an experienced drug driving lawyer represent you
- Reduced fines and penalties
- Shorter license disqualification
- Can apply for a Restricted Work Licence on your behalf
- Possible avoidance of a criminal conviction
- Expert knowledge of legal defences
- Strong negotiation for better outcomes
- Guidance through the court process
- 25+ years of experience
- Less stress and better peace of mind
Other traffic offences we defend on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We assist with all levels of drink driving; low, mid, or high range. We also help if you’ve exceeded your demerit points on a good behaviour period or were caught driving more than 40km/h over the limit.
Get free advice from a drug driving lawyer on the Gold Coast & Brisbane today
Get free confidential advice from an experienced drug driving lawyer in Gold Coast & Brisbane today. We’ll help you understand your options, defend your case, and work towards the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the punishment for drug driving in QLD?
The punishment depends on the offence.
Relevant Drug Present: 1–9 months disqualification, fines, up to 3 months jail.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs: 6+ months disqualification, higher fines, up to 9 m
Can you refuse a roadside drug test in QLD?
No, refusing a roadside drug test in Queensland is an offence.
Refusing a roadside drug test will be treated the same as driving under the influence.
Will result in a minimum 6 month disqualification, and;
No work licence eligibility and potential additional charges with fines or imprisonment.
Is drug driving strictly a liability offence?
Driving under the influence is not strict liability offence, as police must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver was adversely affected by drugs while operating a vehicle.
For the charge of Driving with a Relevant Drug Present, it is a strict liability offence. This means police only need to prove that a relevant drug (such as THC, methamphetamine, or MDMA) was detected in the driver’s saliva or blood, regardless of impairment. Proof of the presence of the relevant drug is sufficient proof, provided there is evidence beyond reasonable doubt that the person was driving or otherwise in charge of the vehicle.
Can I be charged from prescription drugs?
Yes, you could be charged with drug driving in Queensland if prescription drugs impair your ability to drive or if they contain a relevant drug detected in a saliva or blood test. Cannabis, even prescribed by a doctor will contain levels of a relevant drug, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (otherwise known as THC), with recent administration of even prescribed cannabis, a positive saliva test is expected.
How does the drug testing process work?
Roadside Saliva Test – Police take a saliva swab to detect drugs like THC, meth, or MDMA.
Second Test – If positive, a second saliva test must be done at the roadside or police station.
Laboratory Analysis – The second sample is sent to a Queensland Health laboratory for confirmation.
Possible Blood Test – In some instances, a blood test may be required such as after a traffic crash or where there is a suspicion that a person is driving under the influence.
Charges & Penalties – If confirmed positive, you receive a Notice to Appear in court (you may receive the notice from police immediately after a positive saliva test), with penalties including fines, disqualification, or imprisonment for repeat offences.