CABOOLTURE: Repeat Drug Driving (Cannabis)

I appeared at Caboolture Magistrates Court again recently, representing a client charged with Repeat Drug Driving, otherwise known as Drive While Relevant Drug Present.

My client was found to have Cannabis in their system.

My client had previously been charged with the same offence last year.

Given that previous was within the last 5 years, my client was not eligible to apply for a work licence.

Further, given this was my client's second offence in 5 years, they faced a Mandatory Minimum licence disqualification of no less than 3 months.

My client faced a maximum penalty for their Repeat Drug Driving offence of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 6 months imprisonment and 20 penalty units. 

A penalty unit in Queensland is currently valued at $121.90.

Magistrates have a general power to impose up to a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, above and beyond any legislated disqualification ranges.

Further, persons who plead or are found guilty in the Magistrates Court must pay the Offender Levy, which is presently worth $114.80.

I made detailed and comprehensive verbal submissions to the Magistrate covering a number of key aspects.

I was able to persuade the Magistrate that a licence disqualification of no more than the Mandatory Minimum 3 months in this instance was appropriate.

My client received the Mandatory Minimum 3 month driver’s licence disqualification and a modest fine.

My client was extremely relieved.

DUI Drink Driving is a serious offence.

Wiseman Lawyers specialise in DUI Drink Driving and Traffic Law.

Regards

Andrew Wiseman, Wiseman Lawyers