Accredited Criminal Lawyers Melbourne
Drug Driving
Expert criminal defence for drug driving charges. These are serious charges requiring immediate specialist legal advice
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Elements of the offence
Drug driving is taken very seriously by the Court. The Court views its responsibility to protect the community as paramount, and if you are charged with drug driving, then you need to seek immediate legal advice. The penalties for drug driving have become more severe in recent times and it is important that you properly prepare for your Court hearing.
The law in this area is complex and there are a number of different types of offences that exist involving the use of drugs while driving. These include (but are not limited to):
- Driving with an illicit drug in your system
- Driving with a mixture of illicit drugs and alcohol in your system
- Driving with a prescription drug in your system and you took the drug in a way that your doctor did not prescribe, which has affected your driving.
Will I have to go to court?
A drug driving charge will be tried summarily in the Magistrates’ Court.
Maximum penalty
In Victoria, maximum penalties for drug driving depend on the specific offence, whether it is a first or repeat offence, and if there is prior impairment. Maximum fines can reach up to 180 penalty units ($37,638) and imprisonment for up to 18 months, alongside mandatory licence cancellations of two years or more.
If you have been to Court previously for drink or drug driving, the penalties are more severe.
If you have been to Court previously for drink or drug driving, the penalties are more severe.
Defence strategies
Drug Test Accuracy
Challenge the accuracy of the drug test results
Prescribed Medication
Establish that the drug was prescribed medication taken as directed
Procedural Issues
Identify breaches in police procedure during the testing process
Expert Evidence
Use expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution's case
Why Clients Choose Emma Turnbull Lawyers To Defend Driving Offence Charges?
Every case is overseen by an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.
Specialist
Every lawyer on our team focuses exclusively on criminal law and intervention orders - no general practice distractions.
Accredited
Our partners hold specialist accreditation recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria - a qualification held by only a small number of lawyers.
Strategic
No generic advice, just strategic preparation and advocacy designed to protect futures.
Are You Facing Criminal Charges?
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