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Drink & Drug Driving
Drink & Drug Driving Lawyers in Hawkesbury
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Our experienced criminal lawyers handle a broad spectrum of cases, including drink driving, traffic violations, drug charges, theft, fraud, assault, and even murder.
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Legal issues can arise at any time. Our criminal law team is available 24/7 to provide legal advice, with a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
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Led by a former police officer and senior prosecutor, our criminal law team has in-depth knowledge of court procedures. This experience allows us to build strong defence strategies for our clients.
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With years of courtroom experience, we handle most summary matters without the need to engage a barrister, keeping legal costs manageable while delivering effective representation.
Here To Help
Have you been charged with drink or drug driving in Hawkesbury? Worried about how a conviction might impact your job, licence, or personal life? You don’t have to handle it alone. Our drink and drug driving lawyers at Kells offer quality legal representation, so you have the best chance of reducing penalties, avoiding a conviction, or keeping your licence. Let us assess your case and advise you on your options.
How Can Our Hawkesbury Drink & Drug Driving Lawyers Help?
In New South Wales, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher while also having illicit drugs or restricted medications in your system can lead to serious criminal charges. This combination attracts higher penalties than standalone drink or drug driving offences and often results in mandatory licence disqualification upon conviction.
However, facing these charges does not mean an automatic conviction or the harshest penalties. Our drink and drug driving lawyers in Hawkesbury can help you fight for a better outcome, whether that means challenging the evidence, negotiating reduced penalties, or working towards alternative sentencing options.
Led by a former police officer and senior police prosecutor, our team has extensive experience in defending clients against serious criminal charges. We know how these cases are prosecuted, so we can build the strongest possible defence while providing you with clear, strategic legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in NSW?
In New South Wales, the legal BAC limit for fully licensed drivers is 0.05%. Learner and provisional (P1 and P2) drivers must maintain a zero BAC, while commercial drivers, such as those operating heavy vehicles or public transport, are limited to 0.02%.
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What are the penalties for drink driving in NSW?
Penalties depend on the BAC level at the time of the offence. Low-range offences (0.05–0.079%) may result in fines and licence disqualification, while mid-range (0.08–0.149%) and high-range offences (0.15% and above) carry harsher consequences, including longer disqualification periods, mandatory interlock programs, and possible 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 prescribed medications in your system. NSW Police conduct roadside testing for substances like cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines. A driver may also face charges if they are impaired by prescription medications that affect their ability to drive.
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What are the penalties for drug driving in NSW?
A first-time drug driving offence can lead to fines, licence disqualification, and potential interlock conditions. Repeat or aggravated offences, such as combining drug driving with high-range drink driving, may increase penalties and result in jail time.
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Will I lose my licence if I am convicted of drink or drug driving?
Licence suspension is a common penalty for both drink and drug driving convictions in NSW. The duration of disqualification depends on factors like BAC level, previous offences, and case specifics.
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Can I fight a drink or drug driving charge in court?
Yes, it is possible to challenge a drink or drug driving charge. Potential defences include disputing the accuracy of BAC or drug tests, questioning whether proper police procedures were followed, or proving you were not in control of the vehicle. Seeking legal advice is essential to understanding the best defence strategy for your case.
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What happens if I refuse a roadside drug or alcohol test?
Refusing a roadside breath or drug test is a criminal offence in NSW, treated similarly to a high-range offence. This can lead to fines, licence suspension, and, in serious cases, imprisonment.
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How can Kells help with my drink or drug driving charge?
Kells provides high-quality legal advice for drink and drug driving matters. Our experienced lawyers will review your case, explain possible penalties, and develop a strong defence strategy to ensure your rights and freedom are protected.
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