BRISBANE: DUI Drink Driving 0.164 Repeat Offender

I appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court again this morning to represent a client charged with High Range DUI Drink Driving, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.164.

My client had previously been charged with High Range Drink Driving in 2006, as well as Low Range DUI in 2005.

That said, my client had not lost their licence within the last 5 years.

However, given they blew High Range, they were not eligible to apply for a Work Licence.

My client faced a maximum penalty of 9 months imprisonment, a lifetime licence disqualification and 28 penalty units.

A penalty unit in Queensland is currently worth $113.85.

In addition to this, anyone who pleads or is found guilty in the Magistrates Court must pay the Offender Levy, which is presently worth $107.10. 

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

Being newly unemployed, my client would have suffered a prolonged period of unemployment if they were to receive a lengthy disqualification.

I made detailed and lengthy verbal submissions to the Magistrate on the impact which a long disqualification would have had upon my client's home life.

I also drafted detailed written submissions of the relevant case law and legislation.

I was able to persuade the Magistrate that a disqualification of no more than 8 months was appropriate.

My client received an 8 month driver's licence disqualification and a modest fine.

My client was naturally quite relieved.

DUI Drink Driving is a serious offence.

Wiseman Lawyers specialise in DUI Drink Driving and Traffic Law.

Regards

Andrew Wiseman, Wiseman Lawyers