Can I Avoid a Criminal Record for Drink Driving in Queensland?
If you have been caught driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, you may be worried about what potential charges you face and how they will impact your future.
Drink driving is an offence when your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is above 0.05 if you hold a standard licence or, for learner drivers or provisional licence holders, 0.0 BAC. Your BAC determines the punishment for the offence. Traffic offence lawyers offer experienced legal advice for people facing a drunk driving charge or traffic offences involving drug use. Resolute Legal’s experienced drug driving lawyers can guide you through this process.
Low-Range Drink Driving
It is important to remember that all BACs over 0.05 mean you have committed an offence. If, however, your reading is below 0.1, this will be considered a low-range offence.
A Queensland Magistrate will determine your licence disqualification period of between 1 and 9 months, a fine of up to $2,012 and potential imprisonment. Magistrates will consider your traffic offence history and your BAC when determining if this conviction will be recorded. Resolute Legal’s drink driving lawyers offer legal representation and can advise you of the potential outcome based on your personal circumstances.
Mid-Range Drink Driving
Your offence will be considered a mid-range driving offence if your BAC is found to be between 0.01 and 0.15. The potential punishments increase to a 3 to 12-month licence disqualification period, a $2,875 fine and potential imprisonment of up to 6 months. If this is not your first mid to high-range driving offence or you have a charge pending, harsher punishments will be imposed including an immediate licence suspension. If this is the case, you should contact experienced traffic lawyers who can work to minimise penalties.
A Higher BAC
Drink driving is a serious criminal offence and Queensland Magistrates take a firm approach to the most serious offenders. If your BAC is found to be over 0.15, you will face a minimum disqualification period of 6 months, a $4,025 fine and up to 9 months imprisonment.
Drink driving offences are not considered simple traffic misdemeanours. They are serious offences and at the discretion of the Magistrate, they may be recorded on your criminal record. The lasting impacts of this can be felt throughout your life. Resolute Legal’s drink driving lawyers offer experienced advice if you are facing a traffic offence and need legal counsel.
If you are in need of traffic offence lawyers, our experienced traffic lawyers can offer guidance and representation. Contact Resolute Legal online or call 07 4724 5563.
