Drink Driving Lawyer Central Coast
Drink Driving Offences in the Central Coast
If you have been charged with drink driving, our dedicated lawyers specialise in representing cases related to drink driving on the Central Coast. We are here to defend your licence and your reputation as a driver.
In NSW, all drink driving offences require a court appearance. Your drink driving offence will fall into one of the following ranges, which will determine your defence:
- Novice range: 0.00 to 0.019
- Special range: 0.02 to 0.049
- Low range: 0.05 to 0.079
- Mid range: 0.08 to 0.149
- High range: 0.15 and higher
Each range carries its own penalties, with past offences potentially increasing the severity. Depending on your blood alcohol reading, first-time offences can lead to licence disqualifications between 3 months and 3 years.
If you receive an infringement notice, contact Spencer Lawyers before deciding whether to pay the infringement notice or not.
Contact Spencer Lawyers today to make an appointment and be prepared to defend your case.
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Novice-Range Drink Driving
Learner or provisional drivers charged with novice range drink driving face an automatic 6-month disqualification.
However, the court may reduce this to a minimum of 3 months. The maximum fine for this offence is $1,100.
For second major traffic offences within 5 years, the automatic disqualification increases to 12 months, with fines up to $2,200.
The court may reduce disqualification to 6 months. In both cases, the court may opt for 'Section 10', dealing with the offence without conviction, disqualification, or fine.
Special-Range Drink Driving
This applies to learner or provisional licence holders or individuals without a valid licence (suspended, disqualified, or never held). The automatic disqualification period is 6 months but can be reduced to 3 months. Fines can reach $1,100.
For a second offence within 5 years, disqualification increases to 12 months, with a maximum fine of $2,200. Courts may also consider 'Section 10' for leniency without conviction or penalties.
Low-Range Drink Driving
Low-range offences carry penalties similar to special-range offences. Automatic disqualification is 6 months but may be reduced to 3 months, with fines up to $1,100.
Repeat offences within 5 years result in an automatic disqualification of 12 months (reducible to 6 months) and fines up to $2,200. Courts may handle these cases under 'Section 10' when appropriate.
Mid-Range Drink Driving
Convictions for mid-range drink driving lead to automatic disqualification of 12 months for first-time offences, which the court may reduce to 6 months.
Maximum penalties include 9 months imprisonment and fines up to $2,200.
For second offences within 5 years, disqualification rises to 3 years (reducible to 12 months), with imprisonment up to 12 months and fines up to $3,300.
Courts may still consider 'Section 10' in certain circumstances.
High-Range Drink Driving
High-range drink driving carries severe penalties. First-time offenders face imprisonment for up to 18 months, automatic disqualification of 3 years, and fines up to $3,300.
For repeat offences, penalties increase to 5 years disqualification (minimum of 2 years), imprisonment up to 2 years, and fines up to $5,500.
Call a Local Drink Driving Lawyer for Assistance
If you’ve been charged with drink driving on the Central Coast, we’re here to provide local legal representation.
Call Spencer Lawyers on
0414 709 543 today to organise an initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be charged with drink driving if I wasn’t actually driving?
Yes. If you’re in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition, you could be charged with being in control of a vehicle while intoxicated.
Can I refuse a roadside breath test?
No. Refusing a breath test is a separate offence and carries severe penalties including automatic licence disqualification.
Are drink driving penalties harsher if I have passengers in the car?
In some cases, yes. Carrying passengers—especially children—can lead to more severe penalties.
