{"id":3499,"date":"2026-01-29T15:35:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T15:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krayemandco.com.au\/staging2026\/?page_id=3499"},"modified":"2026-03-15T10:24:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T10:24:16","slug":"traffic-offences","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/krayemandco.com.au\/staging2026\/services\/traffic-offences\/","title":{"rendered":"Traffic Offences"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Home > \r\nTraffic Offences<\/p>\r\n

Traffic Offences<\/h1>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Drink Driving Offences<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol.\u00a0 However, specific charges vary depending on a number of factors such as your level of intoxication and the status of your licence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Novice Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Novice Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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A person is guilty of Novice Range PCA if the person is a holder of a learners or provisional license and is caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.00 and below to 0.020.\u00a0The penalty for this charge varies from case to case depending on a number of factors. However, the starting point in sentencing would be to record a criminal conviction, and 6 months disqualification from driving.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Can I be charged with novice range drink driving? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Any driver that is subject to a zero-alcohol limit can be charged with a Novice Range PCA charge.
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Usually, holders of provisional and learners driving licences are charged with this offence. However, people who are driving while suspended or are subject to strict licence conditions may also be charged with Novice Range PCA.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I get a criminal record for a Novice Range Driving PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is likely that a criminal conviction will be recorded. The courts have consistently emphasized that drink driving is a serious offence within the community. Accordingly, sentencing in such cases is intended to convey a strong deterrent message to the public. The starting point for sentencing typically includes the recording of a criminal conviction, along with the imposition of a fine and a period of licence disqualification. Offences in the novice range PCA category are considered particularly serious, given that they apply to drivers who are subject to a strict zero blood alcohol limit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a Novice Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction if the court decides to impose a Conditional Release Order (CRO), previously known as section 10.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I need a lawyer to represent me for a Novice Charge PCA? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you are concerned about receiving a criminal conviction or losing your licence, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal representation in court. An experienced solicitor has in-depth knowledge of the law and the strategies that may help reduce your penalty, potentially avoiding a criminal conviction and assisting you in retaining your driver\u2019s licence.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Special Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Special Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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The offence of Special Range PCA is committed when a person drives a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.02 and 0.049. The maximum penalty for this offence varies depending on several factors, including whether it is a first-time or repeat offence. Sentencing ordinarily involves the recording of a criminal conviction, the imposition of a fine, and a period of licence disqualification. For a first-time offender, the automatic disqualification period is six months, while for a repeat offender, it increases to 12 months.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Can I be charged with Special Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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An individual who is subject to a zero-alcohol limit may be charged with a Novice Range PCA offence. This offence typically applies to learner and provisional licence holders. However, it can also apply to individuals who are driving while suspended or are subject to strict licence conditions. Additionally, bus and taxi drivers who are generally required to adhere to a 0.02 blood alcohol limit while operating a vehicle may also be charged under this category if they exceed the permitted level.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I get a criminal record for a Special Range Driving PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is likely that a criminal conviction will be recorded. The courts have consistently emphasized that drink driving is a serious offence within the community. Accordingly, sentencing in such cases is intended to convey a strong deterrent message to the public. The starting point for sentencing typically includes the recording of a criminal conviction, along with the imposition of a fine and a period of licence disqualification. Offences in the special range PCA category are considered particularly serious, given that they apply to drivers who are subject to a strict zero blood alcohol limit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a Special Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Is it possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a Special Range PCA charge?
Yes, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction if the court decides to impose a Conditional Release Order (CRO), previously known as section 10.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I need a lawyer to represent me for a Special Range Charge PCA? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you are concerned about receiving a criminal conviction or losing your licence, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal representation in court. An experienced solicitor has in-depth knowledge of the law and the strategies that may help reduce your penalty, potentially avoiding a criminal conviction and assisting you in retaining your driver\u2019s licence.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Low Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Low Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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The offence of Low Range PCA is committed when an individual drives a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.079. The maximum penalty for this offence depends on various factors, including whether the person is a first-time or repeat offender. The starting point for sentencing generally involves the recording of a criminal conviction, the imposition of a fine, and a licence disqualification for a period of six months.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I get a criminal record for Low Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is likely that a criminal conviction will be recorded. The courts have consistently emphasized that drink driving is a serious offence within the community. Accordingly, sentencing in such cases is intended to convey a strong deterrent message to the public. The starting point for sentencing typically includes the recording of a criminal conviction, along with the imposition of a fine and a period of licence disqualification.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a Low Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction if the court decides to impose a Conditional Release Order (CRO), previously known as section 10. \u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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How to Respond if You Have Breached Bail Conditions? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you are concerned about receiving a criminal conviction or losing your licence, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal representation in court. An experienced solicitor has in-depth knowledge of the law and the strategies that may help reduce your penalty, potentially avoiding a criminal conviction and assisting you in retaining your driver\u2019s licence.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Mid-Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Mid-Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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The offence of Mid-Range PCA is committed when a person drives a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.08 and 0.149. If convicted, an outcome that is highly likely, the maximum penalty for a first-time offender is imprisonment for up to 9 months and a fine of 20 penalty units. Upon conviction, the automatic licence disqualification period is 6 months, and the offender is required to participate in the interlock program for 12 months. If the court grants an exemption from the interlock requirement, a mandatory licence disqualification of 12 months applies.
For repeat offenders, the penalties increase significantly. The maximum penalty is 12 months\u2019 imprisonment, a fine of 30 penalty units, and a licence disqualification of up to 9 months, along with mandatory participation in the interlock program for 24 months. If an interlock exemption is granted in the case of a repeat offender, a mandatory disqualification period of 3 years applies.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I get a criminal record for a Mid-Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Courts generally regard all levels of drink driving as serious offences. However, mid-range drink driving is treated with significantly greater severity than low-range offences, due to the higher concentration of alcohol in the offender\u2019s system. In cases of mid-range PCA, the starting point for sentencing typically includes the recording of a criminal conviction. For a first-time offender, this is usually accompanied by a licence disqualification of up to 6 months and participation in the interlock program for 12 months. For repeat offenders, the penalties are more severe, with a licence disqualification of up to 9 months and mandatory participation in the interlock program for 24 months.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a mid-range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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In certain circumstances, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a mid-range PCA offence. The court may consider it inappropriate to record a conviction and instead choose to deal with the matter by way of a Section 10(1)(a) non-conviction order or a Section 9(1)(b) Conditional Release Order under the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.
Note: Under Section 203 of the Road Transport Act 2013, a person may only receive one non-conviction order\u2014including a Section 9(1)(b) order\u2014for a drink driving offence within a five-year period.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to avoid having my license disqualified for a Mid-Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction if the court elects to deal with the matter by way of a Section 10(1)(a) non-conviction order or a Section 9(1)(b) Conditional Release Order under the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. In such cases, no conviction is recorded and you will not lose your licence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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What is an Interlock Order? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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What is an Interlock Order? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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An interlock order is a directive imposed by the sentencing court. It involves a period of licence disqualification, followed by a requirement to obtain an interlock driver\u2019s licence and participate in the interlock program for a specified duration.
Participation in the interlock program requires you to:
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Attend your general practitioner for an assessment and obtain a Drink-less medical certificate, which must be completed within the last four weeks of your disqualification period;
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Have an approved provider install an interlock device in your vehicle;
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Blow into the interlock device and register a zero blood alcohol reading each time you start your car;
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide random breath samples while driving, registering a zero alcohol reading; and
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Drive only the vehicle equipped with the interlock device for the entire duration of the program.
If alcohol is detected in your breath, the vehicle\u2019s engine will shut off and will not restart. The device logs all such events, which can be accessed by police and may lead to further legal consequences.
Failure to comply with the interlock order, or not being granted an exemption by the court, will result in a licence disqualification period of five years.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Are there any exemptions from the interlock order? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes, but you must show the court that satisfy an order of such type will cause great hardships to you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I need a lawyer to represent me for a Mid-Range PCA Charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is important to remember that, although drink driving may sometimes be perceived as a minor offence, the courts treat it very seriously, particularly in mid to high-range cases. Facing such charges can be frightening, especially for those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. An experienced lawyer brings extensive knowledge of the law and effective strategies that may help mitigate your sentence, guiding you towards the best possible outcome.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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High Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Mid-Range Drink Driving <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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The offence of Mid-Range PCA is committed when a person drives a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.08 and 0.149. If convicted, an outcome that is highly likely, the maximum penalty for a first-time offender is imprisonment for up to 9 months and a fine of 20 penalty units. Upon conviction, the automatic licence disqualification period is 6 months, and the offender is required to participate in the interlock program for 12 months. If the court grants an exemption from the interlock requirement, a mandatory licence disqualification of 12 months applies.
For repeat offenders, the penalties increase significantly. The maximum penalty is 12 months\u2019 imprisonment, a fine of 30 penalty units, and a licence disqualification of up to 9 months, along with mandatory participation in the interlock program for 24 months. If an interlock exemption is granted in the case of a repeat offender, a mandatory disqualification period of 3 years applies.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I get a criminal record for a Mid-Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Courts generally regard all levels of drink driving as serious offences. However, mid-range drink driving is treated with significantly greater severity than low-range offences, due to the higher concentration of alcohol in the offender\u2019s system. In cases of mid-range PCA, the starting point for sentencing typically includes the recording of a criminal conviction. For a first-time offender, this is usually accompanied by a licence disqualification of up to 6 months and participation in the interlock program for 12 months. For repeat offenders, the penalties are more severe, with a licence disqualification of up to 9 months and mandatory participation in the interlock program for 24 months.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a mid-range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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In certain circumstances, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction for a mid-range PCA offence. The court may consider it inappropriate to record a conviction and instead choose to deal with the matter by way of a Section 10(1)(a) non-conviction order or a Section 9(1)(b) Conditional Release Order under the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.
Note: Under Section 203 of the Road Transport Act 2013, a person may only receive one non-conviction order\u2014including a Section 9(1)(b) order\u2014for a drink driving offence within a five-year period.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to avoid having my license disqualified for a Mid-Range PCA charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes, it may be possible to avoid a criminal conviction if the court elects to deal with the matter by way of a Section 10(1)(a) non-conviction order or a Section 9(1)(b) Conditional Release Order under the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. In such cases, no conviction is recorded and you will not lose your licence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Refuse Breath Analysis <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Refuse Breath Analysis <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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A person is guilty of refusing to submit to breath analysis if they were driving a vehicle, returned a positive result on a breath test, and then refused to provide a further breath analysis without a reasonable excuse.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I get a Criminal Record for a Refuse Breath Analysis Charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes, the courts and legislature regard this offence as extremely serious. The penalties for refusing a breath analysis are the same as those for a high-range PCA offence. This approach aims to prevent individuals from refusing a breath test in the hope of receiving a lesser penalty when they know they are significantly over the legal limit. The penalties are severe and may include a custodial sentence, which will be accompanied by a recorded criminal conviction.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Is it possible to go to Jail for a High Range PCA Charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes, it is not uncommon for courts to impose a custodial sentence for a Refuse Breath Analysis charge. However, the decision to impose imprisonment depends on various factors, which are considered on a case-by-case basis. These factors include whether a collision occurred, the offender\u2019s traffic record, the objective seriousness of the offence, and the personal circumstances of the offender.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Will I Need a Lawyer to Represent me for a Refuse Breath Analysis Charge? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Will I Need a Lawyer to Represent me for a Refuse Breath Analysis Charge?
The offence of refusing a breath analysis is considered very serious, and sentencing will reflect its seriousness. It is important to understand the potential consequences of a harsh sentence, including the possibility of imprisonment. Facing such charges can be intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. An experienced lawyer has extensive knowledge of the law and strategies that may help mitigate your sentence, guiding you towards the best possible outcome.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Drug Driving<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Drug driving is unlawful in NSW. A person does not need to be impaired by drugs to be charged with a drug driving offence. It is sufficient that a prescribed illicit drug is detected in their system while they are driving.<\/p>

There are two primary drug driving offences under NSW law:<\/p>