High range drink driving refers to a blood alcohol reading above 0.15. If you’ve been charged with High Range PCA, our experienced traffic lawyers are here to help. We’ve answered some common questions below, or you can call us for a free initial consultation.
Will I have to go to court?
Police will give you a court attendance notice after your positive prescribed concentration of alcohol reading. Therefore, you’re required to appear before a magistrate.
Will I lose my licence for High Range Drink Driving?
Most offenders charged with high range drink driving will have their licence disqualified by a court. However, it is possible to avoid this if you receive a non conviction. This will result in a conditional release order without conviction being imposed. However, this outcome is very rare.
Will I go to jail?
It is possible to go to jail for high range drink driving. The risk increases if there are a number of aggravating features, such as:
- A collision
- Passengers
- Prior drink driving convictions
However, the are alternative sentence options. For example, an intensive corrections order or a community corrections order.
High Range PCA Penalty
First Offence
The maximum penalty is 18 months imprisonment, and/or a fine of $3,300. Your licence can be disqualified for 6 to 9 months. In addition, an interlock order will be made for 24 months.
However, it is possible to get an interlock order exemption. If this occurs, the disqualification period will increase.
Second or Subsequent Offence
If it is a second or subsequent offence, the maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $5,500. Your licence can be disqualified for 9 to 12 months. In addition, an interlock order will be made for 48 months.
However, it is possible to get an interlock order exemption. If this occurs, the disqualification period will increase.
Can I appeal my licence suspension issued by police?
Yes, you can appeal the immediate licence suspension issued by police.
How long will high range drink driving stay on my record for?
How long will a drink driving conviction stay on my record?
Regardless of whether or not you are convicted, a high range drink driving offence will always appear on your traffic history.
A conviction for high range will also appear on your criminal record for 10 years. After 10 years, the conviction will become spent.
We can help
Our lawyers are committed to your case. We can help you appeal your licence suspension. If pleading guilty, we will work with you to prepare strong a strong case in order to seek leniency from the court.
Contact us today on 0421 700 497 for a free initial consultation.