Drink Driving Lawyers Gold Coast
The Best Representation In The Industry
Gold Coast Traffic Lawyers
Your Trusted Traffic Lawyers on the Gold Coast
Traffic offences can lead to severe consequences, ranging from fines and demerit points to probation or even jail time, depending on the charge. It’s crucial to seek legal advice if you’ve been charged with a traffic offence to explore ways to minimise penalties. Don’t face this alone, reach out to us for a free case assessment and ensure you’re taking the right steps to protect your future.
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
Personalised Legal Strategies for Your Traffic Offence
We personalise our approach to each traffic offence, tailoring it to the individual’s unique circumstances. With the right traffic lawyers on your side, you have the best chances of safeguarding your future. We’ve assembled top traffic lawyers to provide our clients with unmatched representation. Rest assured, your lawyer is highly skilled with deep expertise in traffic laws and offences. Common offences we handle include:
- Driving without a licence
- Speeding
- Driving without due care
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Driving on a suspended licence
- Drink or drug driving
- Driving through a red light
If I Know I Am Guilty Of Drink Driving, Why Do I Need A Lawyer?
Even if you plead guilty, having a lawyer can significantly reduce risks and penalties. By engaging one of our experienced drink driver lawyers, you gain an advocate who understands the law, prepares you for court, and fights to minimise penalties. Protect your future—contact us today for a free case assessment.
Risks of Self-Representation:
- Facing harsher penalties, including longer disqualification periods.
- Failing to mention important aspects to the Magistrate.
- Not getting a work licence.
- Being sentenced to jail.
Benefits of Professional Legal Representation:
- Receive advice on likely penalty and disqualification period.
- Court preparation assistance.
- Mitigate lengthy disqualifications and penalties.
- Succeed in obtaining your work licence.
- An experienced advocate who can make submissions on your behalf.
- Knowledge of the law and courts.
Drink Driving Lawyer Gold Coast
With decades of experience representing Gold Coasters facing drink driving charges, our team is highly skilled in handling all types of drink driving offenses, regardless of their severity. We are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you. If maintaining your license for work is crucial, it’s essential to consult an experienced drink driving lawyer who can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a work license.
While there are limited circumstances where a not guilty plea for drink driving may be considered, we explore various potential defenses, including:
- Extreme emergency situations
- Cases of mistaken identity
- Acts under duress
- Involuntary intoxication
- Lack of control over the vehicle
- Serious procedural errors
In Queensland, drink driving offenses carry harsh penalties. Unless there is a strong defense based on one of the factors mentioned above, you will face disqualification from driving. The length of the disqualification period depends on factors such as previous drink driving charges, your individual circumstances, and your blood alcohol reading. For first-time offenders, a minimum penalty typically involves a fine and disqualification period. However, for subsequent offenses, the disqualification period and fine increase significantly, and the possibility of a jail sentence becomes more likely. According to Queensland legislation, if you have been convicted of drink driving three or more times within five years with readings above 0.15, a jail term is mandatory.
At Drink Driving Lawyers, our priority is to work in your best interest by minimising your penalty and disqualification period. We can also assist in applying for a work or hardship license on your behalf, if necessary. Contact our expert team today for a free case assessment and a no-obligation quote.
What Could Happen If I’m Facing Low-Range Drink Driving?
A low-range drink driving offense in Queensland refers to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.05 and 0.099. The penalties for a low-range drink driving offense can include:
- Fine: Individuals convicted of low-range drink driving can expect to receive a fine, which varies depending on the circumstances of the offense and any prior convictions.
- Disqualification: A disqualification period from driving will be imposed, typically ranging from a minimum of one month up to a maximum of nine months. The actual length of the disqualification depends on factors such as the BAC reading, prior offenses, and individual circumstances.
- Alcohol Education Program: In some cases, individuals may be required to attend and complete a Queensland Traffic Offender Program or an Alcohol Education Program as part of their penalty.
What Could Happen If I’m Facing Mid-Range Drink Driving?
A mid-range drink driving offense in Queensland refers to driving with a BAC between 0.10 and 0.149. The penalties for a mid-range drink driving offense can include:
- Fine: Individuals convicted of mid-range drink driving can face a higher fine compared to low-range offenses. The amount of the fine depends on factors such as the BAC reading, prior offenses, and individual circumstances.
- Disqualification: The disqualification period for a mid-range drink driving offense is generally longer than for low-range offenses. It can range from several months to several years, depending on the specific circumstances and any prior convictions.
- Alcohol Education Program: Similar to low-range offenses, individuals may be required to attend and complete a Queensland Traffic Offender Program or an Alcohol Education Program.
What Could Happen If I’m Facing High-Range Drink Driving?
A high-range drink driving offense in Queensland involves driving with a BAC of 0.15 or above or driving under the influence of drugs. The penalties for a high-range drink driving offense can include:
- Fine: Individuals convicted of high-range drink driving can face a significant fine, typically higher than for low-range and mid-range offenses. The amount of the fine is determined based on factors such as the BAC reading, previous convictions, and individual circumstances.
- Disqualification: The disqualification period for a high-range drink driving offense is generally longer than for low-range and mid-range offenses. It can range from several months to several years, depending on the specific circumstances and any prior convictions.
- Imprisonment: In more serious cases, where the offense involves aggravating factors such as a very high BAC reading or previous convictions, imprisonment may be imposed as a penalty. The length of the jail term is determined by the court.
- Alcohol Ignition Interlock: Individuals convicted of high-range drink driving offenses may be required to install an alcohol ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device measures the driver’s BAC before allowing the vehicle to start.
It’s important to note that these penalties are subject to the discretion of the court and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Seeking legal advice from a qualified drink driving lawyer is crucial to understanding the potential charges and outcomes associated with a particular drink driving offense in Queensland, as they can provide personalised guidance based on the specific circumstances.
DUI Lawyer Gold Coast
If you have been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offence, our specialist drug, alcohol and traffic offence lawyers can help. Our time in law has seen us help more than 1,500 Gold Coast locals obtain work licences, you are in capable hands with us here at Drink Driving Lawyers. We can guide you through the court process to reduce stress and increase the likelihood of you receiving a restricted licence and a more lenient penalty and disqualification period. Possible penalties for DUI charges in Queensland include:
- Fine
- Disqualification period
- Imprisonment
Our highly skilled DUI lawyers understand that having your licence suspended can be a potentially life-altering inconvenience. We are well aware of the impacts it can have on your ability to look after your family or maintain employment. If needed, we can help you apply for a Special Hardship Licence or a Work Licence which allows you to drive under strict court orders.
In Queensland, there are two different drug driving offences and they are ‘driving under the influence of a drug’ which is the more serious of the two and ‘driving while a relevant drug is present in the blood or saliva’. Driving under the influence of a drug is a serious driving offence and carries the same penalty as a high range drink driving charge with the maximum penalty being 18 months imprisonment for serial offenders. Driving while drug is present in the system is commonly detected via a roadside swab test which involves taking a sample of saliva from the driver and it is put into a machine for analysis. The maximum penalty is a 3-month prison term for first-time offenders. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek legal advice, the sooner you speak to someone the more positive your outcome is likely to be. For a free consultation and quote get in touch with our expert team of DUI lawyers today.
Your Team - The Best in the Business
It’s important that you understand that Drink and Drug driving offences are considered serious!
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 QUEENSLAND'S 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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Frequently Asked Questions
Not going to court when you have been scheduled to, can lead to some hefty consequences. You may be subject to an arrest warrant, put out by the Magistrate, and may have police officers come to your home and arrest you. You will most likely be fined for not showing up to court, and there may be additional charges made against you. To make sure this doesn’t happen, ensure your address with Queensland Transport is correct so that any mail relevant to your charge or court date gets to you. Remember your court date and arrive early so you are on time and prepared.
If you have been charged with an offence on the Gold Coast, it is mandatory that you go to court. If you cannot make it, due to unforeseen circumstances, you need to let your lawyer know, as well as the courthouse so they can reschedule the appointed court date, or let you know of your options.
Refusing a breath test on the Gold Coast is considered an offence when a police officer has requested it. If you don’t allow the test to take place, there may be fines for not complying, as well as a potential minimal six month disqualification of your licence and a $4000 fine. Sometimes, there may even be a six month jail sentence for some people.
Getting a work licence depends on each person’s individual circumstances, as well as whether they absolutely need one in order to go to work and back. If you are eligible, you’ll need to go to the court when you have been requested to show and ask the Magistrate for an adjournment so you can procure the necessary documentation for a work licence. You’ll have to get this paperwork ready before the next session, as that will be when the Magistrate decides whether or not they will grant you a work licence. Getting a letter from you and your employer may help the Magistrate understand why you need a work licence.
If you are on the Gold Coast when you receive a traffic fine, it is possible to challenge it, whether it was given to you by a police officer, a traffic camera or a transport inspector. You are allowed to dispute the fine in a court of law – however if you want to dispute the fine, it has to be within 28 days of you receiving the fine or further penalties may be imposed.
If you have been given a notice to choose, this is related to an enforcement of demerit points. With this notice, you have the choice between a licence suspension or Good Driving Behaviour for a certain amount of time. For Good Driving Behaviour to be an option, you need to hold a current QLD licence. To submit your choice, you need to let the appointed organisation on the notice know before the due date, otherwise the default option is licence suspension.
A driver education program is directed to individuals who are facing traffic related charges on the Gold Coast. The program elaborates on the dangers of dangerous driving and the consequences of doing so. If you are facing a traffic related charge, it may help to consider taking part in the driver education program. The Magistrate may see it as an attempt to learn from your past mistakes and as a result, may lower your fine and severity of the charge.
When you reach out to a lawyer in regard to a traffic charge, they will arrange a meeting with you to discuss your case and charge. They will let you know what documentation to bring, which typically consists of police reports, your driver’s licence and any supporting documents you have on your charge.
In Queensland, the legal limit for alcohol when driving is 0.05 blood-alcohol concentration (BAC), which equates to no more than two standard drinks in the first hour and one standard drink per hour thereafter. Driving with a BAC of 0.05 or above is considered to be exceeding the legal limit, and penalties will apply.
On the Gold Coast, the penalties for drink driving and drug driving are not the same; the sanctions for each offence vary depending on factors such as whether it is a first or subsequent offence, the type of drug or alcohol consumed and whether any property damage occurred.
In short, no. The eligibility requirements for a work licence after a drink driving offence varies on a case-by-case basis and is typically determined by the court that hears the matter. Generally speaking, if an individual can demonstrate that they will not re-offend and can prove that any further disqualification or suspension would cause extreme hardship for them or their family, then they may be eligible for a work licence. Additionally, you must be employed to be eligible for a work licence.
If you have been charged with a DUI on the Gold Coast, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal representation to ensure your rights are respected and defended throughout the court proceedings. Consult a qualified lawyer or legal team who has experience in dealing with DUI cases such as our skilled team at Drink Driver Lawyer. We can provide advice on how to navigate the complexities of the law regarding driving under the influence charges. An experienced lawyer can assist in mitigating potential penalties, such as fines and jail time, by advocating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
It is highly recommended that you seek legal advice from a traffic lawyer as soon after being charged with a DUI as possible to ensure that you are receiving the most up-to-date and accurate representation available. Due to the serious nature of DUI charges and the potential consequences, finding an experienced lawyer who specialises in handling traffic law cases should be your priority. An experienced traffic lawyer will be able to provide knowledgeable counsel regarding how best to handle your particular situation and can offer advice on how to navigate through the complexities of the legal system.
In Queensland, drink driving charges can range from low-level offences such as driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) between 0.05 and 0.149 to more severe offences like driving with a BAC over 0.15, which is an offence of “high-range” drink driving. In addition, should you be caught driving under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance and fail or refuse to take a breath test, then you can be charged with the offence of “refusing to provide a specimen” for breath analysis.