Caught Drink Driving? What happens Next?

It may be the silly season but don’t make a fool of yourself and ensure you plan ahead about how you’ll get home safely from Christmas parties and end-of-year celebrations. Drink driving (also referred to as a DUI) is one of the most severe traffic offences a person can be charged with.

There are three different drink driving charges, including low-range, mid-range, and high-range drink driving. Once the police have formally charged you, you will be given a notice to appear in court. You will be suspended from driving immediately and for the next 24 hours, although if you have been charged with a mid to high-range drink driving charge, you may be disqualified from driving until your court date.

The severity of the penalty will depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the offence, traffic history, including whether you have been previously convicted of a drink driving offence. You may also be breaking the law if you are ‘in charge’ of a vehicle after you have been drinking alcohol or if you don’t blow into a breathalyser when the police ask. In general, the higher the blood alcohol content reading, the worse the punishment.

Our solicitors regularly assist clients with all types of traffic matters. We can help to ensure you have the best chance of receiving the minimum licence disqualification period which can often be crucial if you are to maintain your current employment. If you are charged with a traffic offence, contact our office to talk with our experienced team today.