Each charge carries its own penalty and an experienced drink driving lawyer understands the individual needs each case requires. The height of the reading and whether it is a first, second or third offence can also impact significantly upon waiting periods for extraordinary driver’s licence applications. The penalties for both first, second and subsequent drink driving offences are outlined below.
It is important to note that the below disqualification period are minimums only; the courts can and will impose longer disqualification periods if appropriate.
BAC (G/100ML) | FINE | MAX. COURT PENALTY | DEMERIT POINTS |
= 0.05 but less than 0.06 | $400 | $500 | 3 |
= 0.06 but less than 0.07 | $400 | $500 | 4 |
= 0.07 but less than 0.08 | $400 | $500 | 5 |
BAC (G/100ML) | SECOND OFFENCE | SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE | |
= 0.05 but less than 0.07 | Min Max Disq |
$500 $1000 6 months |
$500 $1000 8 months |
= 0.07 but less than 0.08 | Min Max Disq |
$600 $1000 8 months |
$600 $1000 10 months |
BAC (G/100ML) | FIRST OFFENCE | SECOND OFFENCE | SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE | |
≥ 0.08 but < 0.09 |
Min Max Disq |
$500 $1500 6 months |
$600 $1500 8 months |
$600 $1500 10 months |
≥ 0.09 but < 0.11 |
Min Max Disq |
$550 $1500 7 months |
$900 $1500 10 months |
$900 $1500 13 months |
≥ 0.11 but < 0.13 |
Min Max Disq |
$650 $1500 8 months |
$1200 $2000 14 months |
$1200 $2000 17 months |
≥ 0.13 | Min Max Disq |
$750 $1500 9 months |
$1600 $2500 18 months |
$1600 $3000 30 months |
If your blood alcohol reading is equal to or exceeds 0.15, the offence is deemed ‘driving under the influence of alcohol’. An initial offence will warrant a minimum period of 10 months disqualification and a fine of up to $2,500.00. Should a second offence be committed, the minimum penalty is 30 months disqualification, a fine of up to $3,500.00, and possible imprisonment of up to 9 months. A third offence will warrant a fine of up to $5,000.00, a lifetime disqualification from driving and possible imprisonment of up to 18 months. Provided that you do not re-offend, you may be eligible to have a lifetime disqualification withdrawn after 10 years by making an application to remove the lifetime disqualification to the District or Supreme Court of Western Australia.
It’s important to remember that the prosecution must prove that you are guilty; you don’t need to prove that you are innocent.
Our drink driving lawyers can look at all aspects of the charge against you and advise if there is a workable defence to the drink driving charge.
Our drink driving lawyers can help you with all issues relating to drink driving and DUI offences, and go to court with you if required. If you’ve been found to be driving while drunk, our specialised lawyers can help you get the best outcomes for your DUI charge. We can provide advice and representation for drink driving offences in the Greater Perth region from Joondalup to Mandurah, Armadale to Fremantle.
Our lawyers can also assist you on the phone, and after business hours, if that is more convenient. If you have been charged with a traffic law related offence in Perth, contact our lawyers at Stevenson Legal today.
If you’ve been caught drunk driving contact our Perth drink driving and traffic lawyers today to book a consultation or get legal advice concerning drink driving offences and other traffic law related offences in the greater Perth area.
Our lawyers can also assist you on the phone, and after business hours, if that is more convenient. If you have been charged with a traffic law related offence in Perth, contact our lawyers and solicitors at Stevenson Legal today.
If you’ve been caught drunk driving contact our Perth drink driving and traffic lawyers today on 08 9489 4898 to book a consultation or get legal advice concerning DUI and drink driving offences, reckless driving and other traffic law related offences in the greater Perth area.