DUI Lawyer Sunshine Coast
Have You Been Charged with a DUI Offence?
If you are facing a DUI charge on the Sunshine Coast, it is crucial to seek expert legal advice. A DUI charge can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life. Our team of DUI lawyers on the Sunshine Coast is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case, ensuring the offence has minimal impact on your future. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Understanding BAC Levels
In Queensland, DUI charges are based on your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level, which is categorised as follows:
- No Alcohol Limit (0.00)
- General Alcohol Limit (0.05)
- Middle Alcohol Limit (0.10)
- High Alcohol Limit (over 0.15)
Immediate Licence Suspensions
For a DUI offence on the Sunshine Coast, police have the authority to immediately suspend your licence until the court resolves the matter. This suspension can last for several months and is mandatory in specific situations, including:
- Committing a DUI offence while another drink driving charge is still pending.
- Failing to provide a breath or blood sample.
- Being charged with dangerous driving alongside drink driving.
Penalties for DUI Offences
The penalties for DUI offences vary depending on the severity of your BAC level:
Low-range Drink Driving
- First Offence: Up to 9 months licence suspension, a maximum fine of $2167, and potentially up to 3 months imprisonment.
- Repeat Offences: Increased penalties, including longer disqualification periods and the requirement of an Alcohol Ignition Interlock device for 12 months.
Mid-range Drink Driving
- First Offence: Up to 12 months licence suspension, a maximum fine of $3096, and potentially up to 6 months imprisonment.
- Repeat Offences: Similar increased penalties, including the installation of an Alcohol Ignition Interlock device for 12 months.
High-range Drink Driving
- First Offence: Up to 9 months imprisonment and/or 28 penalty units, with a licence disqualification period of at least 6 months.
- Repeat Offences: More severe penalties, including longer disqualification periods and potentially up to 18 months imprisonment for subsequent offences.
Court Proceedings and Criminal Convictions
All DUI charges on the Sunshine Coast are dealt with in the Magistrates Court. Police cannot issue on-the-spot fines for DUI offences, meaning court appearances are mandatory. A criminal conviction is likely, particularly for severe DUI charges, which can affect your employment prospects, future travel plans, and professional licensing requirements. It’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome.
Importance of Legal Representation
A DUI conviction can have life-changing consequences, which is why it is essential to have the right legal representation. Our DUI lawyers at Drink Driver Lawyer are highly experienced in defending these cases and are committed to achieving the best result for you. We will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are upheld and aiming to minimise the impact on your life.
Applying for a Work Licence
After a conviction, your licence will be disqualified. However, if you are eligible, you can apply for a restricted licence, known as a work licence, which allows you to drive for employment purposes during your disqualification. Our team can assist you in the application process, improving your chances of approval.
Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
A criminal conviction for a DUI offence can have far-reaching consequences:
- Employment: Employers often conduct background checks, and a conviction could affect your ability to secure or maintain a job.
- Professional Licensing: Many professions require the disclosure of criminal convictions, which could impact your ability to practise in certain fields.
- Travel: Countries often require visa applicants to disclose criminal records, which can complicate international travel.
Conclusion
Facing a DUI charge on the Sunshine Coast can be overwhelming, with significant penalties at stake. At Drink Driver Lawyer, our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome. Contact us today for expert legal assistance and ensure your case is handled with the highest level of professionalism.
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