Drink & Drug Driving Offences – Parramatta Traffic Lawyers

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Drink & Drug Driving Offences – Parramatta Traffic Lawyers

If you've been charged with drink driving or drug driving in NSW, it's natural to feel stressed, confused, and unsure of what happens next. A conviction can lead to licence loss, heavy fines, and in some cases, even jail. But with the right legal advice, many matters can be managed more effectively — and some can be reduced or avoided altogether.

At Sultan Legal, we provide practical, non-judgmental legal advice for people facing DUI and drug driving charges.

Based in Parramatta, we represent clients in the Local Court and help them get through the process with clarity and confidence.

Types of Drink Driving Charges in NSW

Under the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), there are five main categories of drink driving:

Novice Range (0.00–0.019 BAC) – for L and P plate drivers
Special Range (0.02–0.049 BAC) – for drivers on special licences
Low Range (0.05–0.079 BAC) – Standard low range drink driving
Mid Range (0.08–0.149 BAC) – Mid range drink driving offences
High Range (0.150 BAC and above) – Most serious drink driving category

Penalties depend on your blood alcohol reading, your driving record, and whether it's a first or repeat offence. They may include:

Licence disqualification – (3–36 months or longer)
Financial penalties – Fines (up to $5,500 for serious cases)
Interlock requirements – Interlock program requirements
Criminal record – Criminal conviction recorded
Additional penalties – Community service or imprisonment (for higher ranges)

Drug Driving Charges in NSW

You can be charged with drug driving if you:

Presence of illicit drugs – Drive with illicit drugs present in your system (like cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, or methamphetamine)
Under the influence – Drive under the influence of drugs (more serious, requires evidence of impairment)

Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) can detect drugs in saliva, sometimes days after use. Unlike drink driving, there is no legal threshold — any detectable amount can lead to charges.

First-time offenders may receive:

Automatic disqualification – Immediate licence suspension
Financial penalty – Fine of up to $2,200
Criminal record – Conviction recorded
Interlock consideration – Potential need for interlock participation (for serious cases)

Repeat offenders face tougher penalties and possible jail time.

What If You've Been Charged?

If you've been issued a court attendance notice for DUI or drug driving, don't plead guilty without understanding your options.

Step 1: Evidence Review
We review police evidence and procedural compliance to identify if your rights were breached (e.g. delayed testing or unlawful stop).

Step 2: Legal Options Assessment
We advise on whether to plead guilty, not guilty, or seek non-conviction outcomes based on your specific circumstances.

Step 3: Submission Preparation
We prepare strong submissions for sentence reduction, including character references and evidence of rehabilitation.

Step 4: Court Representation
We appear in court with you and explain what to expect throughout the legal process.

Step 5: Licence Applications
We help with interlock licence applications or work licence considerations where applicable.

Can You Avoid a Criminal Record?

Yes, in some cases. If you're a first-time offender and the court accepts that your offence was out of character, the magistrate may deal with it under:

Section 10(1)(a) dismissal – Complete dismissal without conviction
Conditional release order – Conditional release order without conviction

We prepare thorough submissions to support your eligibility for these outcomes, including character references, medical reports, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my licence is suspended on the spot?
No. Police can issue an on-the-spot suspension for mid/high range drink driving or drug driving. Driving during this time is a serious offence and can lead to jail.

Do I have to install an interlock device?
Possibly. NSW's Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Program applies to most mid-range, high-range, and repeat DUI offenders. We can help with eligibility and court exemptions where available.

What if I need my licence for work?
The court can consider your personal and financial circumstances when deciding penalty severity. We'll present evidence to explain the impact of disqualification.

Can I appeal a suspension or disqualification?
In some cases, yes. We help clients challenge or reduce police-issued suspensions or apply for early reinstatement.

Speak to a Traffic Lawyer in Parramatta

If you've been charged with a drink or drug driving offence, early advice matters. A quick mistake shouldn't define your future — and you don't need to face court alone.

Call Sultan Legal today for a confidential discussion about your case. We'll help you understand your position and fight for the best possible outcome.

Book a Consultation Now