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Drink Driving Lawyers Brisbane​

The Best Representation In The Industry​

Everyone makes mistakes and those dealing with a traffic charge are potentially facing job loss and their ability to secure employment in the future may be compromised. Our team of highly skilled traffic lawyers here at Drink Driving Lawyers understand how daunting this time is and how important it is that you seek professional legal advice. We have the necessary skills and a breadth of experience in this area to bring you the best possible outcome, allowing you to get on with your everyday life with minimal impact.

Traffic Lawyer Brisbane

Brisbane's leading traffic law experts!

The penalties can vary depending on the severity of your charge and whether you have been charged with a traffic offence before or not. For minor offences, you may receive a fine and lose demerit points. For more serious offences, you could be facing a probation order or worst-case scenario, a jail term. If you have been charged with a traffic offence, it’s in your best interests to seek advice from a legal professional. They can advise you of the best approach given your situation and how to increase the likelihood of receiving a lighter penalty. You don’t have to go through this process alone, get in touch with us today for your free case assessment.

20%

of drivers or riders killed in accidents are over the legal limit 

0.05%

alcohol is allowed in your system before you are over the limit with an open licence

33%

of fatal accidents are aged between 17-24

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Traffic offences are a complex area of the law and we appreciate that a ‘one size fits all approach’ doesn’t work in the best interests of our clients. With us, you can expect a personalised service that is catered to you and your circumstances. Our team is made up of elite industry professionals and you will be represented by only the best. Rest assured, you will have a senior lawyer on your side that has an in-depth understanding of the legalities involved with traffic offences. Don’t risk sabotaging your future with inexperienced representation. Our traffic lawyers can help with:
  • Drink or drug driving offences
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • All types of traffic offences such as speeding, driving through a red light etc
  • Driving whilst on a suspended licence
  • Driving without a valid licence
Ally Hodges
Drink Driver Lawyer Client
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I found the whole process with Donnelly, very easy and straightforward. Great communication and I felt very confident by being guided through the whole process. The outcome was far better than expected, but also everything that I deserve. I would recommend this group to anyone who is in a situation where they need representation for a matter in court.
Natalie Howell
Drink Driver Lawyer Client
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Danielle from Donnelly Law was absolutely fantastic! Super kind, helpful, and explained everything to me. I was extremely anxious and she made the whole situation easier to get through. I can not thank her enough !
Central Coast Concreting
Drink Driver Lawyer Client
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The overall process with Danielle from start to finish was seamless she made me feel at ease with her professionalism and integrity I could not of asked for a better result in my case under difficult circumstances she got me the mandatory minimum for my driving charge and took the stress out of a difficult time in my life. I would recommend Danielle to anyone.
Bailey Harris
Drink Driver Lawyer Client
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Very good people to deal with. Had everything organised and matter dealt with over the weekend and achieved a very good result.
Mr Crickmore
Drink Driver Lawyer Client
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Really really appreciate Donnelly law group ,they have a very good understanding on how to help people dealing with Injusticeand would recommend them to anybody. Danielle, Jacob and Jack are brilliant , thanks so much.
Trent Manukuo
Drink Driver Lawyer Client
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First time needing legal aid for myself so I was unaware of how proceedings will go. Donnelly made things easy and simple and guided me every step of the way. My lawyer on court day was great she explained everything, answered all my questions and gave positive reassurance everything was all good. Court matters were swift, I recieved my SHO License and now I am able to continue on with my work. Once again thank you to the team at Donnelly Law Firm for your expertise and support.
Matthew Morris
Drink Driver Lawyer Client
Read More
I will gladly recommend Donnelly Law Group from start to finish they made the process a lot easier.
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If I Know I Am Guilty Of Drink Driving, Why Do I Need A Lawyer?

There are many benefits to having a lawyer even when you plead guilty, without a lawyer present you can face many risks and are more likely to receive a higher penalty.

If You Represent Yourself You Are At Risk Of:

Potential Benefits Of Having One Of Our Experienced Drink Driver Lawyers To Represent You:

Drink Driving Lawyer Brisbane

With decades of experience helping Brisbane locals maintain a licence for work or hardship purposes, we know what it takes to keep you on the road. Most of us depend on having a licence to drive to and from work and to fulfil family responsibilities. An experienced drink driving lawyer will ensure you have the best chance at being granted a work licence.

The courts have a strict stance on drink driving charges and there is a very small minority of cases that a not guilty plea would be considered.

Some possible defences to drink driving:

  • Duress
  • Mistaken identity
  • Extreme emergency
  • Serious procedural errors
  • Involuntary intoxication
  • Not in control of the vehicle

 

Drink driving is a serious offence and unless one of the factors mentioned above is relevant to you, you can expect to be disqualified from driving and receive a fine at the minimum. How long you will lose your licence for and the fine you receive will depend on your driving history, your blood alcohol reading at the time and your circumstances. First-time offenders with a low range reading usually receive a fine and disqualification term, second-time offenders can expect a heftier fine and lengthier disqualification period and, in some instances, even a jail sentence. Queensland legislation stipulates that those who have been caught 3 times or more in the last 5 years with a reading above 0.15, must serve part of their punishment as a jail term. Drink Driving Lawyers are dedicated to minimising your fine and disqualification period. We can help you apply for a work or hardship licence. Call us today for an obligation free chat.

DUI Lawyer Brisbane

Facing a DUI (Driving Under The Influence) charge can be embarrassing and it can have a huge impact on your ability to maintain employment. For most, it is a regrettable mistake and one that brings about a period of stress. Our lawyers specialise in drug, alcohol and traffic offence charges and can guide you throughout the court process. In our time, we have successfully helped more than 1,500 people receive more lenient penalties and obtain licences for work and hardship purposes. You can have peace of mind knowing you have the best legal representatives in Brisbane on your side. The penalty for a DUI charge can be anything from a fine and disqualification period right up to imprisonment. We know the importance of maintaining a licence for employment and family commitments and we can help you apply for a special hardship licence or work licence if you need one. With one of these licences, you can drive under strict court orders.

A DUI charge in Queensland falls under one of two categories:

  • Driving while relevant drug is present in blood or saliva or;
  • Driving under the influence of a drug

 

Driving while under the influence of a drug is a more serious charge and carries the same penalty as a high range drink driving offence. The maximum penalty is an 18-month prison term for a repeat offender.
Driving while the drug is present in blood or saliva carries a maximum penalty of 3-months imprisonment for first-time offenders.

Don’t jeopardise your chances of securing a work licence or risk receiving a harsh penalty. Contact our expert DUI lawyers today for a free no strings attached consultation. Let’s discuss your options.

Your Team - The Best in the Business

It’s important that you understand that Drink and Drug driving offences are considered serious!
ddl-new-team-web
shannon-ddl-new-image

There are also serious consequences if you don’t have your matter dealt with appropriately. 

How much do you depend on the ability to drive? How is your life going to be affected if you can’t drive in order to meet your daily life and professional commitments? 

At Drink Driver Lawyer, we spend each day in court dealing with exactly what you are currently facing.

It’s equally important that you understand, that with Drink Driver Lawyer, you aren’t just another number. Our team take personal interest in each person, their individual circumstances and their case. Understanding your situation and individual needs, assists our team to achieve the best result for you.

We are locals, we are trusted, and we are on your side during what can be a stressful time.

Give yourself the best chance of staying on the road, contact your Drink Driver Lawyer team today – call 07 3999 8661. My team and I are committed to getting the best result for you.

Shannon McLaughlin

Expert Traffic Lawyer and Queensland Law Society member

4 REASONS WHY WE ARE QUEENSLANDS FIRST CHOICE:

Free Advice

We proudly commence all work by giving you no obligation, free advice on your case. This means there is no risk and no pressure on you. You are able to explore you options and gain a greater understanding of your matter without an upfront cost.

No Judgment

Our team are friendly and compassionate, we understand mistakes happen to people from all walks of life.

Expertise

Many firms offer criminal representation, few specialise in criminal and traffic matters. We have been protecting our clients’ rights with a combined over 100 years of experience in the exact issues you are facing.

Fixed Fees

The certainty of a fixed fee. In most cases, you will know the costs of your matter so you can plan your finances. Call us for a quote today. We care about every one of our clients and we will support you through what can be the most stressful experience of your life.

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Brisbane's Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been charged with drink driving, showing up to your appointed court date is mandatory. If you don’t appear at court on the elect date, The Magistrate may put out a warrant for your arrest, and as a result, the police may come and arrest you. Moreover, there is a high chance you will be heavily fined and there may be additional charges put up against you, all for not appearing at court. To avoid this from happening, check that your address with Queensland Transport is correct so that any correspondence relating to your appearance reaches you. If you would like to avoid the penalties that come with missing your court date, make a note of when your court date is so you won’t forget.

If you have been charged with drink driving, a criminal offence or if the police have given you a notice to appear at court in Brisbane, you must go. If there are conflicting circumstances, you need to let your lawyer or the courthouse know so they can advise you of the best course of action from there.

To refuse a breath test in Brisbane is considered an offence when a police officer has requested it. Not complying with the police when asked can lead to heavy fines, as well as a minimum disqualification of six months and a $4000 fine. For some cases – a jail sentence of six months may also be a possibility.

In Brisbane, it’s important to know that not everyone is eligible for a work licence. You have to meet a certain criteria to be selected and must be able to prove that it is absolutely necessary for you to use a vehicle to get to and from work. If you happen to be eligible, you need to appear in court on the listed date so you can request that the Magistrate allow for an adjournment so you can get the paperwork for a work licence. Between that hearing and the next, you’ll need to have all the paperwork completed – so that at the following hearing, the application can be considered. The Magistrate will decide whether or not you will be receiving a work licence – hence why it may help to have a letter from you and your employer listing why you need a licence.

It is possible to dispute traffic fines issued in Brisbane in court. Whether the fine was given by a police officer, traffic camera or transport inspector, you can challenge it. However, if you choose to go down the path of challenging one, you must do it within 28 days of receiving the fine, otherwise you’ll receive an overdue penalty.

In Brisbane, if you have received a Notice To Choose, it is related to demerit point enforcement. With this notice, you can choose whether you would prefer your licence suspended or if you want to be put on Good Driving Behaviour (GDB) for a certain amount of time. For Good Driving Behaviour to be considered as an option, you must have a current and non expired QLD licence. To make sure you don’t get your licence suspended, you need to select which choice you want. If you don’t, suspension is the default option.

Driver Education Programs help to inform and educate offenders on the dangers and consequences of driving offences and aim to provide clarity and insight on the topics. For those that are facing traffic related charges in Brisbane, it may be a good idea to consider completing one of these Driver Education Programs as the court may see it as an effort you are taking to refrain from making the same mistake you made that led to a fine. As a result, the courts may lower your fine.

When you make initial contact with a Brisbane Traffic Lawyer and request advice for your case, they will make an appointment for you to meet them. They will let you know what items and documentation to bring with you. Typically, your driver’s licence, police reports and relevant documentation will be what they request.

Drink driving is a serious offence in Queensland and is strongly discouraged, as the consequences for such an action can be severe and far-reaching; drivers face fines, disqualification periods, and lengthy jail sentences if found guilty of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Drink driving has been linked to an increased risk of road traffic collisions that may lead to fatalities or life-altering injuries. For this reason, Queensland has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of drink driving and encouraging responsible attitudes towards alcohol consumption when operating a vehicle.

It is incredibly important for individuals facing a DUI charge to seek out legal advice as soon as possible, as this type of charge often carries serious implications and responsibilities. Not only does a lawyer provide the expertise necessary to ensure that the accused party receives a fair hearing, but also can guide them through any administrative steps required by the court system. Ultimately, seeking legal advice can be key in successfully navigating what can be an otherwise daunting criminal justice system.

In Queensland, the penalty for drug driving is a fine of up to $2,856 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment, plus a licence disqualification period of at least 1 month and a maximum of 9 months. In addition, those convicted may incur demerit points on their driver’s licence depending upon the severity of the offence. Furthermore, offenders may be required to complete a drug awareness program and/or have an ignition interlock device fitted if they are permitted to drive again.

Yes, a traffic lawyer can help you keep your driver’s license when charged with a DUI, as they possess the specialised knowledge and expertise to evaluate the facts of your case and take appropriate legal measures to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best opportunity to keep your driving privileges. Furthermore, they will work proactively with prosecutors or the court system to negotiate a favourable resolution that may include a reduction in charges or sentencing, if applicable.

In the event of a drink driving charge, it is possible to plead not guilty; however, this defence may not be successful due to the evidence that can present in court such as Breathalyzer and blood tests, police reports or witness testimony. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution and they must provide compelling evidence beyond a reasonable doubt for a guilty verdict to be handed down by the judge. Furthermore, depending on the nature of the offence, certain legal defences may be available to defendants such as showing that there were extenuating circumstances or demonstrating that their rights were violated during the arrest process.

In Queensland, the fines imposed for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) depend on the seriousness of the offence and can range from a minimum of $1,000 up to $5,378 for a first offence and a maximum of $10,755 for repeat offenders. Additionally, offenders may be required to pay court costs, solicitors fees and other fees associated with the prosecution. Furthermore, in some cases licence disqualification may also be imposed as well as periods of imprisonment.

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