Expertise
Drink & Drug Driving
Drink & Drug Driving Lawyers in Blacktown
Criminal Law Experts
Our team of criminal defence lawyers handles a broad spectrum of cases, from drink and drug driving charges to other matters such as affray, fraud, theft, and assault.
24/7 Criminal Law Advice
Legal issues can arise at any time, which is why our team is available around the clock to provide legal advice. We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and your options moving forward.
Top-Tier Team
Led by a former police officer and senior prosecutor, our criminal law team has firsthand knowledge of how the justice system operates. This insight allows us to craft effective defence approaches for every client.
Extensive Experience
With years of experience advocating for clients in court, we can handle most summary matters without the need for a barrister. This helps keep legal costs reasonable while maintaining strong legal representation.
Here To Help
Facing a drink or drug driving charge in Blacktown can have serious consequences, including licence suspension, fines, or even imprisonment. A conviction may also impact your job and future opportunities, making it crucial to take the right legal steps. Our drink and drug driving lawyers can provide you with legal advice to help minimise penalties, challenge charges where possible, and explore options to protect your licence.
How Can Our Blacktown Drink & Drug Driving Lawyers Help?
In New South Wales, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher while having illicit drugs or certain prescription medications in your system is a serious offence. These combined charges carry harsher penalties than standalone drink or drug driving offences, often resulting in mandatory licence disqualification and substantial fines upon conviction.
However, being charged does not mean a conviction is inevitable. Our drink and drug driving lawyers in Blacktown examine every aspect of your case, scrutinising police procedures, identifying weaknesses in the evidence, and negotiating for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing options where possible.
Led by a team with experience in law enforcement and prosecution, we have the insight to anticipate the arguments used against you. We provide strong legal advice and representation to ensure you have the strongest defence that will help you get the results you seek.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in NSW?
NSW law sets a BAC limit of 0.05% for full licence holders. Learner and provisional (P1 and P2) drivers must maintain a zero BAC, while commercial drivers, including those operating heavy vehicles and public transport, are restricted to 0.02%.
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What are the penalties for drink driving in NSW?
Penalties vary depending on BAC levels:
- Low-range (0.05–0.079%) – Fines and short-term licence suspensions.
- Mid-range (0.08–0.149%) – Longer disqualifications, heavier fines, and mandatory interlock programs.
- High-range (0.15% and above) – Severe penalties, including extended disqualification, significant fines, and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders.
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What is drug driving in NSW, and how is it detected?
Drug driving refers to operating a vehicle with illicit drugs or certain prescription medications in your system. NSW Police use roadside saliva tests to detect substances like cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, and amphetamines. Drivers can also face charges if prescription drugs impair their ability to drive safely.
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What are the penalties for drug driving in NSW?
First-time offences can lead to fines, licence disqualification, and interlock conditions. Repeat offences or cases involving aggravating factors—such as combining drug use with alcohol—carry harsher penalties, including possible imprisonment.
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Will I lose my licence if I am convicted of drink or drug driving?
Licence suspension is standard for drink and drug driving convictions in NSW. The length of disqualification depends on the offence severity, prior history, and individual case circumstances.
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Can I fight a drink or drug driving charge in court?
Yes, legal defences are available. These may include disputing BAC or drug test accuracy, questioning police procedures, or demonstrating that you were not in control of the vehicle. A strong defence requires legal expertise to assess the most effective strategy.
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What happens if I refuse a roadside drug or alcohol test?
We strongly advise against refusing a roadside drug or alcohol test, as it is a criminal offence in NSW. The law treats refusal similarly to high-range drink driving, which can result in heavy fines, immediate licence suspension, and, in more serious cases, imprisonment. Cooperating with testing procedures may provide better legal options for challenging a charge later.
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How can Kells help with my drink or drug driving charge?
Our legal team provides experienced representation for drink and drug driving matters. We review the evidence, explain potential consequences, and build a defence strategy to reduce penalties or contest the charges where possible.
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If you would like to discuss your drink and drug driving offence with our criminal law team, please get in touch. We are available 24/7 to help you and offer a free initial consultation.
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