Trusted Drink Driving Lawyers Sydney

We provide expert legal defence for drink driving charges, focusing on protecting your licence and avoiding a criminal conviction.

We defend you with precision, experience and compassion – available 24/7 when you need us most.

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Expert Defence For Your Drink Driving Charge

A drink driving charge in Sydney can be overwhelming, carrying serious consequences that threaten your licence, finances, and even your freedom.

At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our team provides specialist legal advice and strategic defence for every type of drink driving offence. Our focus is on building a powerful case from the very beginning, challenging the evidence and fighting to have your charge withdrawn, downgraded, or dismissed with a Section 10 non-conviction.

We provide robust representation across the full spectrum of drink driving matters, including:

What is a "Drink Driving" offence in NSW?

A drink driving charge in NSW is classified by your Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA) reading. The law creates distinct categories – Low, Mid, and High Range – each with escalating penalties. There is also a zero-alcohol limit for novice, provisional, and professional drivers.

Understanding which category your offence falls into is the first critical step, as it directly impacts the potential fine, licence disqualification period, and whether you face a criminal conviction or even imprisonment. Our expert drink driving solicitors will clarify your position and build a defence tailored to your specific charge.

Penalties for Drink Driving in NSW

Penalties for a First Major Drink Driving Offence

These penalties apply if you have not been convicted of another major traffic offence within the last 5 years.

Offence Category	Maximum Fine	Maximum Prison	Licence Disqualification & Interlock Period
High Range PCA	$3,300	18 Months	6-9 months disqualification, then 24 months interlock
Mid Range PCA	$2,200	9 Months	3-6 months disqualification, then 12 months interlock
Low Range PCA	$2,200	N/A	3-6 months disqualification (if court-elected)
Novice/Special Range	$2,200	N/A	3-6 months disqualification (if court-elected)

Penalties for a Second or Subsequent Offence

These harsher penalties apply if you have been convicted of another major traffic offence within the last 5 years.

Offence Category	Maximum Fine	Maximum Prison	Licence Disqualification & Interlock Period
High Range PCA	$5,500	2 Years	9-12 months disqualification, then 48 months interlock
Mid Range PCA	$3,300	12 Months	6-9 months disqualification, then 24 months interlock
Low Range PCA	$3,300	N/A	1-3 months disqualification, then 12 months interlock
Novice/Special Range	$3,300	N/A	1-3 months disqualification, then 12 months interlock

Immediate Licence Suspensions

For most mid and high-range drink driving charges, NSW Police can impose an immediate licence suspension on the spot. This means you lose your right to drive from that moment, long before your case is heard in court. This can have a devastating impact on your work, family, and daily life.

It is possible to appeal an immediate police suspension, but you must act quickly and provide compelling reasons to the court. We provide urgent legal advice to determine if you have grounds for an appeal and to get you back on the road pending your final court date.

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How We Manage Your Drink Driving Case

When you’re dealing with a drink driving allegation, every step matters. At Daoud Legal, we move quickly to safeguard your licence, clarify the process, and begin building a precise, evidence-based defence from day one.

1. Immediate Legal Support – When you contact us, we quickly assess your situation and explain your options. Whether you’ve failed a roadside test, received an immediate suspension or been issued a Court Attendance Notice, we act straightaway to protect your rights.

2. Evidence Review & Case Strategy – We obtain the full police evidence, breath analysis results, body-worn video and roadside procedures, and examine it closely for errors or inconsistencies. This forms the basis of a defence strategy tailored to your PCA category and circumstances.

3. Negotiation & Charge Review – Where appropriate, we negotiate early with police or prosecutors. Targeted submissions or identifying procedural issues can lead to amended charges or reduced penalties before court.

4. Court Representation – If your matter proceeds, you’ll have an experienced defence team presenting clear, persuasive submissions aimed at minimising penalties and protecting your licence.

5. Ongoing Support & Guidance – We keep you informed throughout your case, providing honest advice, practical guidance and steady support from start to finish.

When to Call a Drink Driving Defence Lawyer

If you’ve returned a positive breath test or received a suspension notice, get legal advice immediately. Drink driving matters progress quickly in NSW, and early guidance helps you understand the PCA range, possible penalties, and any issues with police procedure that may strengthen your defence.

Getting immediate legal help allows you to:

Understand your PCA category and what it means for your licence
Avoid mistakes during interviews or written statements
Identify potential problems with the breath test or the police stop
Take proactive steps (such as TOIP or rehabilitation courses) that may help your sentence
Prepare a strong plan before your first court date
Explore whether you may be eligible for a Section 10 or reduced disqualification

Whether you’ve just been stopped at an RBT, issued an immediate suspension, or handed a Court Attendance Notice, it’s important not to wait.

Call Daoud Legal on (02) 9188 0999 as soon as possible. Our Sydney drink driving lawyers are available 24/7 to provide urgent advice, explain your options clearly, and help protect your licence, your record, and your future.

Robert Daoud

Principal Lawyer

We build a powerful & proactive defence from the very beginning. We prepare & identify every weakeness in the prosecution’s case to secure your defence.

Our lawyers are your fierce advocates, both in & out of the courtroom. We are committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your peace of mind with fearless representation.

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Have Sydney's Best DUI Lawyers On Your Side

When you face a drink driving charge, having a formidable legal team in your corner is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our reputation for relentless advocacy and strategic excellence is why we are consistently involved in significant, high-profile cases.

Our work, often highlighted by the media, demonstrates our commitment to every client. We apply the same level of tenacity and expert skill to your case, ensuring you feel protected and have a clear path forward.

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Why Choose Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers

When you engage Daoud Legal, you gain a team committed to protecting your rights with professionalism, empathy and skill. We’re not general practitioners, we’re specialists in criminal law, focused solely on achieving the best possible outcome for every client. From your first call to the final result, you’ll have clarity, confidence, and experienced defence on your side.

97%

Penalty Reduction Achieved

98%

Client Satisfaction Rate

A WINNING RECORD

With a formidable track record, we have a history of winning cases. We focus on having drink driving charges dropped, securing ‘not guilty’ verdicts, and saving our clients’ licences.

EXPERT TRAFFIC LAW SPECIALISTS

Our senior lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience in traffic law. Their deep knowledge of legal strategy and courtroom procedure provides a significant advantage for your defence.

Free Strategy Session & 24/7 Help

We offer a free initial Strategy Session to assess your case and outline your options. Our team is available 24/7 because when you're facing a drink driving charge, immediate legal advice is crucial.

FIXED-FEE CERTAINTY

Facing a drink driving charge is stressful enough – your legal costs shouldn’t add to it. We provide clear, fixed-fee quotes for most DUI matters so you know exactly what you’ll pay from the start. No hidden fees. No unexpected add-ons.

STRATEGIC, PERSONALISED DEFENCE

No two drink driving cases are the same. We examine the police evidence, breath-analysis procedure and your personal situation with precision, then build a tailored defence designed to minimise penalties and protect your licence, livelihood and future.

CLEAR, HONEST COMMUNICATION

Drink driving charges can feel overwhelming. Our Sydney DUI lawyers break everything down in plain English, guide you step-by-step, and keep you informed at every stage so you always know exactly what’s happening and what comes next.

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FAQs

What are the main types of drink driving offences in NSW?

The main offences are based on your Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA). These are categorised as Novice Range, Special Range, Low Range, Mid Range, and High Range, with each category carrying different penalties. There is also a distinct offence for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

What’s the difference between PCA and DUI?

A PCA charge is based on the specific concentration of alcohol measured in your breath or blood. A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is based on police observations that your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol, even if a specific reading wasn’t obtained.

Is a drink driving offence a criminal offence?

Yes, a drink driving offence is a criminal offence in NSW. If you are convicted by the court, you will receive a criminal record, which can have serious consequences for your employment and international travel.

I was just over the limit for Low Range PCA. Is it still serious?

Yes. Even a Low Range PCA offence can result in a fine, licence disqualification, and a criminal conviction. It is a mistake to treat any drink driving charge as minor.

What are the penalties for a Mid Range drink driving charge?

A Mid Range PCA offence carries significant penalties, including large fines, a mandatory licence disqualification, a period of using an alcohol interlock device, and even potential imprisonment.

What happens if this is my first offence?

The court may show more leniency for a first-time offence, but the penalties are still severe. Having no prior criminal record is a significant factor that your lawyer will emphasise when arguing for a Section 10 non-conviction to protect your good name.

What are the penalties for a second drink driving offence within five years?

Penalties for a second or subsequent offence within five years are significantly harsher, including higher fines, longer disqualification periods, extended interlock requirements, and a greater risk of imprisonment.

What is the alcohol interlock program?

The mandatory alcohol interlock program applies to all mid-range and high-range offenders, and all repeat drink driving offenders. It requires you to have a device fitted to your vehicle for a set period, which prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.

Can I challenge an on-the-spot fine or suspension?

For many first-time Low, Novice, and Special Range offences, you may receive an on-the-spot fine and a 3-month suspension. You can elect to have the matter decided in court if you wish to seek a Section 10 or challenge the penalty. Immediate suspensions can also be appealed in the Local Court.

Can I get a restricted or work licence in NSW for drink driving?

No. Unlike some other states, NSW does not have a ‘work licence’ or restricted licence system for people disqualified for drink driving. If you are disqualified, you cannot drive for any reason.

How should I prepare for my court date?

Proper preparation is critical. This includes gathering character references, enrolling in a Traffic Offenders Program, and preparing your own account of events. We will guide you through every step of the preparation process to ensure your case is as strong as possible.

Should I plead guilty or not guilty to a drink driving charge?

This is a critical strategic decision that depends on the evidence against you. If there is a valid defence, pleading ‘not guilty’ is your right. If you believe you are not guilty, you can contest the charge – the prosecution must prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt, and a defended hearing allows you to challenge police evidence, breath-testing procedures, and any errors in the case.

If the evidence is strong, an early guilty plea can result in a more lenient sentence. Pleading guilty shows remorse and entitles you to a discount on your sentence, but the outcome depends on how your case is presented. An experienced lawyer will prepare strong submissions to persuade the court to grant the most lenient penalty possible.

Are there any defences to a drink driving charge?

Yes. A drink driving charge can be defended. Common defences include challenging the accuracy of the breath analysis reading (e.g., if your BAC was lower at the time of driving), proving you were not the driver, or demonstrating that police did not follow the correct legal procedures.

What if my drink driving charge involves an accident?

If your drink driving incident involved a collision or property damage, the penalties may be more serious. Many people search online for a “drunk driving accident lawyer”, but in NSW these matters fall under criminal drink driving and PCA offences, not personal injury law. Our defence team can advise you on how the accident affects the charge, the potential consequences, and what evidence may assist your case.

Can a drink driving charge be dismissed?

Yes. If a valid defence is established or if police procedures were not followed correctly, your charge may be withdrawn or dismissed by the court.

Will I definitely lose my licence if I’m guilty of drink driving?

Not necessarily. The only way to plead guilty and avoid a licence disqualification is for the court to grant a Section 10 dismissal or a Conditional Release Order without recording a conviction. Our lawyers fight to achieve this outcome where possible.

What is a Section 10 dismissal?

A Section 10 is an order where a Magistrate finds you guilty of an offence but chooses not to record a criminal conviction. This means you avoid a criminal record, licence disqualification, and fines for the drink driving offence.

I’ve been charged with High Range PCA. Am I going to jail?

A sentence of imprisonment is a very real possibility for a High Range drink driving offence, especially for repeat offenders or where there are aggravating factors. However, a strong legal defence prepared by an expert solicitor can help you avoid jail by arguing for an alternative sentence.

What is the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program (TOIP)?

The TOIP is an educational course approved by the court. Completing it demonstrates to the Magistrate that you understand the seriousness of drink driving and have taken steps to ensure you do not re-offend.

Will completing a TOIP help my case?

Yes, very much so. Magistrates view the successful completion of a TOIP favourably, as it shows remorse and a commitment to road safety. It can significantly increase your chances of receiving a more lenient penalty, including a Section 10.

What should I do if I’ve been charged?

You should seek expert legal advice immediately. Strict time limits can apply, especially for appealing an immediate suspension. The sooner you engage a solicitor, the sooner we can start building a strong defence for your case.

How can a drink driving lawyer help me?

Our expert lawyers will analyse the evidence, identify any available defences, and provide clear legal advice. We handle all court procedures, prepare powerful submissions, and advocate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that’s having the charge dismissed or minimising the penalties.