NEW SOUTH WALES

Picton DUI Lawyers

In shortBoorman Lawyers are experienced, dedicated drink driving, drug driving and DUI lawyers who regularly appear at Picton Local Court and represent clients facing alcohol, drug and serious traffic charges at this courthouse. Picton Local Court at 88 Argyle Street hears Wollondilly drink and drug driving charges from Picton, Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Wilton and nearby towns, Monday to Friday. We assist clients at Picton Local Court by appearing at court mentions, guilty pleas and sentencing hearings, preparing comprehensive sentencing submissions and character reference material, advising on licence disqualification periods and mandatory alcohol interlock rules under New South Wales law, and preparing Section 10 non-conviction applications.

  • Court: Picton Local Court, 88 Argyle Street, Picton NSW 2571. Phone 1300 679 272. Registry 9am–1pm and 2pm–4pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Post: PO Box 209, Picton NSW 2571.
  • Law: Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) ss 110, 205, 211, 224; Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act s 10.

New South Wales law · law checked 20 Oct 2026

Picton Local Court on Argyle Street, New South Wales, with the Boorman Lawyers logo and phone number 1300 941 900
What's on this page

Which court hears a Wollondilly drink driving charge?

Picton Local Court at 88 Argyle Street, open Monday to Friday, hears most charges from Picton, Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Bargo, Wilton and The Oaks. The registry is open 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, and phones are answered from 8.30am to 4.30pm on 1300 679 272.

Wollondilly example: a Thirlmere driver stopped on Remembrance Driveway receives a court attendance notice listing Picton. That is where she goes, even if Campbelltown is closer to her work.

Where this comes from: the Local Court of NSW location list (saved 19 October 2026) and the notice itself.

Does a conviction mean you lose your licence?

Yes, automatically, unless the magistrate decides not to record a conviction. Section 205 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) imposes the disqualification from the date of conviction.

Wollondilly example: a Tahmoor apprentice convicted of low range PCA is disqualified for 6 months by force of the Act; the magistrate can reduce that to 3 months but cannot leave him licensed.

Where this comes from: s 205; Transport for NSW penalty tables.

What range is your reading?

Your range comes from your reading and, at the lowest levels, your licence. Novice range is any reading under 0.02 for learners, P-platers and unlicensed drivers. Special range is 0.02 to under 0.05 for heavy vehicle, bus, taxi and dangerous goods drivers. Low range is 0.05 to under 0.08, mid range 0.08 to under 0.15 and high range 0.15 or more.

Wollondilly example: a truck driver heading up Picton Road towards the Hume Motorway who blows 0.03 is in the special range; a car driver with the same reading on a full licence has committed no PCA offence.

Where this comes from: s 110.

How long is the disqualification, and what is the fine?

For a first offence: novice, special, low range and drug presence carry 6 months off the road (minimum 3) and up to $2,200. Mid range carries 3 to 6 months, followed by at least 12 months on an interlock, and up to $2,200 and/or 9 months' prison. High range, drug-impaired driving and refusal carry 6 to 9 months, followed by at least 24 months on an interlock, and up to $3,300 and/or 18 months.

Wollondilly example: a Bargo resident convicted of mid range after a function cannot drive for at least 3 months, then must fit an interlock for 12 months or more.

Where this comes from: s 205, the interlock provisions in ss 209–212 and the NSW drink driving penalty tables.

Can you choose not to have an interlock?

No; for mid range, high range, drug-impaired driving and refusal the court must make a mandatory interlock order. The only exception is an exemption order, which is narrow and brings a longer disqualification instead.

Wollondilly example: a Wilton driver convicted of high range who says he does not want a device fitted is told the alternative is an exemption he must qualify for, not a matter of preference.

Where this comes from: s 211 mandatory interlock order and s 212 exemption; see the NSW interlock program.

Can the magistrate decide not to convict you?

Yes, in some cases, by dismissing the charge or imposing a conditional release order without conviction. Then there is no automatic disqualification and no interlock. Section 203 of the Road Transport Act prevents a second one for a major offence within 5 years.

Wollondilly example: a first-time novice range driver from The Oaks with references and a completed Traffic Offenders Program certificate asks for this. The magistrate weighs the low reading, her record and the effect of a conviction.

Where this comes from: s 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999; more on no conviction outcomes.

Could police deal with it without court?

Sometimes, by penalty notice, but only for a first novice, special, low range or drug presence offence and only if police choose to. You pay a fine and serve a 3-month suspension, with no conviction. It counts as an offence for 5 years.

Wollondilly example: a P2 driver stopped on Argyle Street with 0.01 might receive a penalty notice instead of a court attendance notice.

Where this comes from: Transport for NSW penalty information.

Can your licence be taken before court?

Yes, for mid range, high range, drug-impaired driving and refusal, police can suspend it immediately until the court deals with the charge. An appeal to the Local Court succeeds only in exceptional circumstances.

Wollondilly example: a Picton resident charged with high range on a Friday night is handed a suspension notice at the station and cannot drive to work on Monday, or to court.

Where this comes from: s 224 (suspension) and s 268 (appeal); see our suspension appeal page.

Is there a work licence?

No; NSW does not offer a work or restricted licence for drink or drug driving disqualifications. An employer letter remains useful evidence of hardship.

Wollondilly example: a Tahmoor tradie who drives to sites across Macarthur needs a lift roster or a change of role while disqualified.

Where this comes from: the absence of any such provision in the Road Transport Act.

Does drug driving need proof you were affected?

Not for the presence offence; it is enough that THC, methylamphetamine, MDMA or cocaine was detected. Driving under the influence needs impairment. A medicinal cannabis prescription is not currently a defence to presence.

Note the date: Parliament passed a medical cannabis driving reform (Act No 33 of 2026) in September 2026, but no commencement has been proclaimed as at 21 October 2026. For now, a prescription for THC is still not a defence to driving with cannabis present.

Wollondilly example: a driver who used cannabis two days earlier and feels fine can still be charged if the oral fluid test detects THC.

Where this comes from: s 111 and s 112; see NSW drug driving.

Can the charge be defended?

Sometimes; a breath analysis generally must take place within 2 hours of driving and follow Schedule 3, and whether you were driving can be disputed.

Wollondilly example: a driver found in a parked car near Thirlmere Lakes may argue he was not driving.

Where this comes from: Schedule 3; see NSW drink driving defences and the NSW court process guide.

Where exactly is the court?

88 Argyle Street, Picton NSW 2571. Postal: PO Box 209, Picton NSW 2571. Phone 1300 679 272; fax (02) 4677 6690. Registry 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday. AVL facilities are available.

Which courts are near Picton?

See NSW courts we attend for the full list.

Video Case Review: Preparing for Picton Local Court

In this video, principal lawyer Joshua Boorman outlines what Magistrates commonly look for in DUI sentencing at Picton Local Court and how early preparation — including the Traffic Offenders Program , references and treatment — can meaningfully improve your result.

Picton DUI Lawyers — Case Review Published 2025-08-17.

Picton drink driving FAQs

What are Picton Local Court's hours?

Registry 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Will I automatically lose my licence?

Yes, if convicted. Section 10 is the only way to avoid it at court.

Is the interlock compulsory for mid range?

Yes, unless the court makes an exemption order or uses section 10.

Does NSW have a work licence?

No.

Does a penalty notice count as an offence?

Yes, for 5 years.

What is the court's phone number?

1300 679 272.

Sources and date checked

Sources and references for this page, checked 20 Oct 2026.

This page is general information about New South Wales law only. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts.

Picton Local Court — court details

Picton Local Court

Street
88 Argyle Street, Picton NSW 2571
Postal
PO Box 209, Picton NSW 2571
Phone
1300 679 272
Registry hours
Registry 9.00am – 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 4.00pm; telephone 8.30am – 4.30pm
Days open
Monday to Friday
Facilities
Audio visual link (AVL) facilities available
➜ Get directions

Local Court of NSW, Court locations – P (localcourt.nsw.gov.au), saved 19 Oct 2026. These are the court registry's details, not Boorman Lawyers office details. Check your court papers for your listing time and courtroom.

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What to have ready

  • Court & next listing date: Which court is on your paperwork and when your matter is listed.
  • Charge or reading (if known): Tell us the charge or reading if you have it — you do not need your full police facts yet.
  • Work & driving needs: Let us know if you rely on your licence for work or family responsibilities.
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