In NSW, if you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.05 but less than 0.08 you will be given an “Exceed Prescribed Concentration” offence and fined $1,100. If your BAC is more than 0.08 you will be charged with “Driving under the influence” which can carry a penalty of 3 months gaol and/or a fine of $2,200. But what if your BAC is above 0.15? You could be looking at 6 months gaol and/or a $3,300 fine. In this post, we explore the penalties for high range drunk driving in NSW. The Penalties for High Range Drink Driving in NSW.
How serious is a High Range DUI in NSW?
High-range drunk driving is a serious offence in New South Wales. The penalties for high range drunk driving are harsh and can include a gaol sentence, a fine, loss of licence and a criminal record. High-range drunk driving is defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or more. This is the equivalent of approximately three standard drinks. If you are caught drunk driving in New South Wales with a BAC of 0.15% or more, you will be automatically disqualified from driving for six months. You will also be liable for a fine of up to $3,300 and may be sentenced to gaol for up to nine months. If you are convicted of high-range drunk driving, you will also receive a criminal record which can impact your ability to travel overseas and your employment prospects. High-range drunk driving is a serious offence with severe consequences. If you are caught drunk driving, you face the risk of gaol, a fine, loss of licence and a criminal record. You should always avoid drinking alcohol if you plan to drive.
The penalties for high-range drunk driving in NSW are harsh. If you are convicted of this offence, you will face the following penalties:
- A mandatory minimum disqualification period of 6 months
- An interlock condition placed on your licence for at least 12 months
- A fine of up to $3,300
- A maximum jail sentence of 9 months
- A criminal record
License Suspension and Cancellation for High-Range Drink Driving in NSW
In addition to the mandatory disqualification period, your licence may also be suspended or cancelled if you are convicted of high-range drunk driving. The court has the discretion to suspend or cancel your licence for any period of time, depending on the circumstances of your offence. For example, if you are a first-time offender with a low BAC, the court may only suspend your licence for 3 months.
High-Range Drink Driving — Plea of Guilty or Not Guilty?
If you have been charged with high-range drunk driving, you will need to decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge. This is a decision that should not be made lightly as there can be serious consequences either way.
High range drunk driving is a serious offence in NSW that can result in the loss of your licence, a criminal record, gaol and/or a fine. If you have been charged with this offence, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
If you are facing High Range of DUI charges in NSW, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The penalties for a High Range DUI conviction can be severe and may include gaol time and/or a fine. Contact us today to speak with Nichole Orr an experienced criminal lawyer who can advise you on your best course of action.
