As you may or may not know, drink driving is far more than just a traffic offence. Unlike speeding, parking tickets, or other driving related offences, in New South Wales drink driving is a criminal offence. This may shock or confuse you, but the reality of this is that when a person drink drives, they do not just endanger their own lives, they also endanger the lives of those around them. The effect of this is that such conduct could result in a criminal record, significant fines and penalties, licence suspension, and even imprisonment.

The increased cases of drink driving have caused the legal system to change to try and combat the issue, by adapting so as to now impose immediate licence suspension from the date an individual is first breathalysed and obtains a reading over the legal limit of 0.05, rather than from the conviction date in instances of low range drink driving, as it previously was.

This indicates the courts perception as to the serious nature of this offence, and therefore it should not be treated lightly. The penalties are severe, and are set out below for your information.

If you find yourself in a position where you have been breathalysed, and found to be over the legal alcohol limit, we implore you to reach out to a lawyer, and seek advice. A criminal record is something that stays with you, and is therefore not something that should be taken lightly.

Let the trusted Team at O’Brien Connors and Kennett Lawyers help guide you through this. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you by helping you to prepare for the court hearing, guiding you through how to better your case, and help you to understand the mitigating factors which may be applicable to you. Feel free to contact us or visit our Northern Beaches office.