When it comes to drink driving offences, having a professional and experienced legal team by your side can make all the difference. Recently, Lismore DUI Lawyers, a team from Boorman Lawyers, expertly represented a client facing a middle-range drink driving charge at Lismore Local Court. The case involved a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading of 0.146, a single-vehicle crash, and breaches of existing conditional release orders. The outcome was a testament to meticulous preparation, legal expertise, and understanding of the local court system.
Understanding Middle-Range Drink Driving Offences
A middle-range drink driving offence involves a BAC reading between 0.08 and 0.149. While less severe than high-range offences, it remains a serious matter with substantial penalties, including licence disqualification, fines, and mandatory interlock periods. In this case, the client’s 0.146 reading placed them at the higher end of the middle-range category, compounded by the fact they were on a P1 licence, requiring zero BAC while driving.
Case Background: A Series of Poor Decisions
On the night in question, the client made a series of unfortunate decisions:
•Excessive Alcohol Consumption: The client admitted to drinking heavily with friends.
•Driving Under the Influence: Despite being on a P1 licence, they drove a few hundred metres to leave a tense situation.
•Single-Vehicle Crash: The journey ended abruptly with a collision into a power pole.
After the crash, the client voluntarily flagged down police, fully cooperating and confessing to the incident—a decision that, while commendable, also provided solid evidence for the prosecution.
Additional Complications: Breach of Conditional Release Orders
Earlier in the year, the client had faced charges of resisting arrest and assaulting police, leading to conditional release orders. Drink driving offences can breach such orders, exposing offenders to potential re-sentencing on past charges. The team at Boorman Lawyers successfully argued for no action on these breaches, highlighting the different nature of the offences and the client’s proactive steps toward rehabilitation.
Proactive Steps Taken by the Client
Achieving a favourable outcome required not only expert legal advocacy but also the client’s proactive efforts, including:
•Completing a Traffic Offenders Program: Demonstrating awareness of the seriousness of their actions.
•Mental Health and Alcohol Counselling: Seeking professional help and showing commitment to change.
•Good Character References: Providing letters that emphasised remorse and rehabilitation.
Outcome at Lismore Local Court
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Boorman Lawyers secured a remarkably lenient outcome:
•Licence Disqualification: Reduced to the minimum three-month period, backdated to the date of the offence.
•Mandatory Interlock Period: A 12-month interlock program was imposed, as required by law.
•Fine: A $300 fine was issued, along with a conviction.
•No Action on Breaches: The client’s conditional release orders remained intact.
This result reflected the court’s recognition of the client’s efforts and the persuasive arguments presented by the defence team.
Why Choose Lismore DUI Lawyers?
Navigating a drink driving offence requires a deep understanding of the legal system and a personalised approach. Lismore DUI Lawyers offer:
•Specialised Expertise: Decades of experience handling drink driving cases in Northern NSW.
•Tailored Strategies: Personalised defence plans based on the unique circumstances of each case.
•Proactive Support: Guidance through rehabilitation programs and court preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for middle-range drink driving in New South Wales?
Penalties include licence disqualification, fines, mandatory interlock periods, and potential imprisonment. Mitigating factors, such as remorse and rehabilitation, can influence sentencing.
How can I reduce my drink driving penalties?
Engage a specialised DUI lawyer, complete a Traffic Offenders Program, and provide evidence of rehabilitation, such as counselling or character references.
What is an interlock device?
An interlock device is a breathalyser installed in your vehicle. You must provide a zero-alcohol breath sample to start the car.
Can conditional release orders be breached by new offences?
Yes, new offences can breach existing orders. However, courts may decide not to take action on the breach if sufficient mitigating arguments are presented.
Why is BAC zero for P1 licence holders?
P1 licence holders are inexperienced drivers, and zero BAC ensures maximum focus and safety on the roads.
How can Lismore DUI Lawyers assist with drink driving cases?
They provide expert legal representation, guide you through court processes, and work to minimise penalties by leveraging their extensive local experience.
Conclusion: A Team You Can Trust
This case underscores the importance of seeking professional legal advice when facing drink driving charges. With their expert knowledge and client-focused approach, Lismore DUI Lawyers helped achieve a fair and constructive outcome.
If you’re dealing with drink driving or other DUI-related offences in Northern New South Wales, reach out to the team at Boorman Lawyers. Their track record at Lismore Local Court and commitment to justice make them a trusted choice for legal representation.
Suggested Inbound Links
•Learn about Traffic Offenders Programs for NSW drivers.
•Discover more about DUI penalties in New South Wales.
Suggested Outbound Links
Further Resources
• Boorman Lawyers
• YouTube Channel
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