Too much drinking invites trouble or even death and mutilation if you’re inebriated behind the wheel. Nearly 30% of fatal accidents in Australia are caused by it.
No matter which part of the world you live in, accidents caused by drunk driving could lead to considerable property damage and loss of life. A slap on the wrist is the least you could expect.
Every case is unique; you could be at a bar and receive an emergency call from a loved one. You have no choice but to risk driving your vehicle while tipsy. There were also cases when you had to drive to get away from trouble. These are all reasonable but a court would still cite you for driving under the influence. The best you can do if you’re caught drink driving is to cooperate and follow these steps in the hopes of getting the lightest penalties possible.
Know the nature of your offences in relation to local laws
Understanding how much trouble you could get into if you were caught in a certain state is the first thing you will have to do. Nationally, you could be charged for a drunk driving offence if you were pulled over and registered a blood alcohol level above 0.05%.
Novice and beginner drivers, on the other hand, must adhere to a strict “no alcohol” policy, a violation of which could lead to an immediate suspension. Similarly, truck drivers and motorists operating commercial vehicles must also present a 0.00% blood alcohol level. In this regard, the severity of your penalties will depend largely on how much alcohol you consumed and the reason you’re driving.
Get a good lawyer with the right experience
Find a lawyer with a good track record in handling drink driving defences. This legal professional must be qualified to practise in the state where you were caught committing the offence. If you’re in Queensland, look for a drink driving lawyer Rockhampton law enforcers and courts recognize. Still, you should know that your lawyer will not help absolve you of any wrongdoing. They can only do so much to help you avoid large fines and a licence disqualification.
Ask your lawyer about how you should plea
Knowingly consuming alcohol moments before driving already seals your fate. At this point, there’s not much you can do to convince the magistrate you’re innocent. You may be advised to plead guilty if all the facts point to a conviction, but this rarely leads to a lighter sentence.
To be on the safe side, talk to your own lawyer to decide how you will plead. The best case scenario is a plea deal through your lawyer. This could work if you happen to have a good driving record prior to getting caught or you’re undergoing hardship and driving is your only means of earning. At the very least, this could lead to a smaller fine and reduce your suspension.
Endnote
Getting caught driving under the influence in any Australian state warrants hefty fines and the risk of losing your driving privileges. Using the tips above could help you hit the road again while being more mindful.
