
Drivers found operating vehicles dangerously on the road while impaired by drugs or alcohol face charges of Dangerous Driving Whilst Adversely Affected. For first-time offenders, the harshest penalties may include a potential lifetime driving disqualification nationwide, at the discretion of the Magistrate, a fine of up to 400 penalty units (each currently valued at $154.80, totaling a maximum of $61,960), and a possibility of facing up to 5 years in prison. Penalties intensify in cases that result in injury or death. We often see individuals without proper legal representation in court receiving actual prison sentences for their first Dangerous Driving Whilst Adversely Affected offence, particularly in instances that result in causing injury or death.