What to do if You’re Caught Drink or Drug Driving
If you are found guilty of an offence related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be stripped of the right to keep or renew a driver’s license in Queensland for a specified period. Resolute Legal’s traffic offence lawyers can mount a strong case in your favour to minimise the likelihood of a licence suspension.
Is it Illegal to Drive Under the Influence?
Whilst most people are aware that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC higher than 0.05%, it is perhaps a lesser less known fact that there is a zero-tolerance policy in Queensland for driving under the influence of drugs. If you do not provide a specimen of saliva for testing, you could face fines up to $5,514 or be sentenced to a maximum of six months imprisonment. Just like arbitrary breath tests for alcohol, Queensland State Police officers may stop you to conduct random roadside tests on your saliva for the purpose of testing you for the presence of relevant drugs. As a result, if questioned by police and asked to provide a saliva sample for drug testing it is important to comply with police to avoid unnecessary punishment.
Should I Hire Traffic Offence Lawyers?
If you are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is important to understand your rights when being questioned. You always have a right to speak to a friend or a family member and have them present with you during questioning. The police are required to provide you with reasonable time to speak to a family member or friend to ask for support. In addition, you have the right to speak to a traffic offence lawyer whilst being questioned by police. If you’re caught drink driving, it’s important to speak to our drink driving lawyers to seek legal representation during your legal proceedings.
What Punishment Can I Expect?
A first offence may result in up to a $2,250 fine, nine months imprisonment, or both. The maximum punishment is $3,700 or up to nine months imprisonment. For first time offenders, the usual penalty is a fine and suspension, but with especially large reads or repeated offences, you can expect a more severe community-based sentence. Speak to a drug driving lawyer to learn more.
If you’re fighting a drug or drink driving conviction, hire a criminal lawyer from Resolute Legal. Contact us now to fight the case and save your licence.
