Drink Driving Lawyers Sydney
What Being Charged with a Driving Offence Means
Home / What Being Charged with a Driving Offence Means
Driving Under the Influence Charges (DUI)
If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), reach out to our DUI defence lawyers in Sydney.
Our DUI lawyers in Sydney work closely with you to assess the details of the case and provide guidance on the various options and potential outcomes associated with a DUI charge. We aim to ensure you are fully informed throughout the process.
If the police have charged you with a Sydney DUI offence, contact us today at (02) 8084 9929 for tailored advice.
What is the difference between a DUI and Drink Driving charge?
The main difference between a drink driving charge and a DUI charge lies in the substances present in your system.
Drink driving specifically refers to the Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA) in your bloodstream. For instance, a driver is charged with mid-range PCA if their blood alcohol concentration is above 0.08 but less than 0.15.
In contrast, a DUI charge does not require the police to establish your blood alcohol concentration. A DUI charge applies to any substance that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle, including illicit drugs and prescription medications. In these cases, the police typically rely on observable factors such as your demeanour or driving behaviour. Additionally, if they reasonably suspect that any substance is impairing you, they may require you to undergo blood and urine tests.
A DUI charge can have wider ramifications on your personal and social life. Contacting our Sydney DUI lawyers ensures you have a skilled defence lawyer representing you. Having our Sydney Drink Driving lawyers on your side means you will have a dedicated professional ready to defend your DUI charges in Sydney.
What are the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) in Sydney?
In New South Wales, the court will consider whether the DUI charge is your first or a subsequent offence, and the penalties will vary accordingly.
If you are charged with a DUI for the first time, the maximum penalties are as follows;
- $3,300 Court fine
- 18 months imprisonment
- Unlimited disqualification at the Court’s discretion
If the DUI charge is your second or subsequent offence, the following maximum penalties apply;
- $5,500 Court fine
- 2-year imprisonment
- Unlimited disqualification at the Court’s discretion
You may also be subject to an Alcohol Interlock Order, which requires you to attach a breath-testing device to your vehicle.
What are my options when charged with DUI in Sydney?
Subject to your circumstances, you may choose either to:
- Plead guilty – Admit to driving under the influence (DUI)
- Plead not guilty – Deny you drove under the influence (DUI)
If you choose to plead not guilty, our experienced Sydney DUI defence lawyers will work diligently to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your DUI charge in Sydney.
Our DUI lawyers in Sydney have extensive experience with driving charges and will offer you the guidance you need to navigate the court processes related to DUI offenses.
Contact our Sydney DUI lawyers today at (02) 8084 9929 to schedule a consultation.
ONLINE ENQUIRY
Make a booking to arrange a free consult today.