Cairns DUI Lawyers
In shortBoorman Lawyers are experienced, dedicated drink driving, drug driving and DUI lawyers who regularly appear at Cairns Magistrates Court and represent clients facing alcohol, drug and serious traffic charges at this courthouse. Cairns Magistrates Court, at 5D Sheridan Street, runs an arrest court in Court 1 at 9am and 2.15pm each weekday. Restricted (work) licence applications under s 87 are heard on Wednesdays at 9am as listed by a magistrate, and a monthly traffic and licence list sits at 2.15pm. We assist clients at Cairns Magistrates Court by appearing at court mentions, guilty pleas and sentencing hearings, preparing comprehensive sentencing submissions and character reference material, advising on compulsory licence disqualification periods and mandatory alcohol interlock rules under Queensland law, and preparing section 87 restricted work licence and special hardship order applications.
- Court: Cairns Magistrates Court, Ground floor, 5D Sheridan Street, Cairns Qld 4870. Phone (07) 4280 6000.
- Lists (2026 calendar): arrest court Court 1, 9am and 2.15pm weekdays; s 87 work licence applications Wednesdays 9am (as listed); traffic/licence list monthly 2.15pm (remaining 12 Nov, 3 Dec).
- Licence: disqualification on every conviction (TORUM s 86); interlock from 0.10 (s 91I).
Queensland law · law checked 20 Oct 2026
What's on this page
What does a Cairns drink driving case look like from start to finish?
There are really two things running at once after a drink or drug driving charge in Cairns: the case in court, and what is happening to your licence. They move on different clocks. The table puts them side by side.
| When | Court track | Licence track |
|---|---|---|
| The night of the charge | Notice to Appear issued for Cairns Magistrates Court | 24-hour suspension, or suspension until the case ends (TORUM s 79B) |
| Before the first date | Get the QP9 (police facts) and check it | Driving only if the suspension has lifted |
| Before any plea | Decide plea; file any work licence application | Affidavits for a s 87 work licence prepared |
| Wednesday 9am (as listed) | Work licence application heard by a magistrate | Order made, or refused, before disqualification |
| Sentence | Plea, fine, decision on recording a conviction | Compulsory disqualification starts (s 86) |
| End of disqualification | Case is closed | Apply to TMR for a new licence |
| Next 12 months, if triggered | — | Interlock condition (s 91I) |
The law throughout is the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (TORUM). The court dates come from the Cairns 2026 calendar, checked on 20 October 2026.
What happens to my licence on the night?
Under TORUM s 79B, it depends on the reading and your circumstances:
- Open licence, 0.05 to under 0.10, nothing else pending: a 24-hour suspension, then you may drive until the case finishes.
- 0.10 or more, under the influence, failing to supply a specimen, or another charge already pending: your licence is suspended until the court deals with the charge.
- Learner, P plate, probationary and zero-limit drivers: different rules can apply, so read the notice police gave you.
If you are suspended, getting from Smithfield, Edmonton, Gordonvale or Palm Cove to the city on a court morning needs planning. Sunbus routes reach the CBD from many suburbs. Driving while suspended is a separate offence and makes the drink driving charge harder to deal with.
What should I do in the weeks before my first court date?
Three jobs.
- Read the police facts. The QP9 sets out the stop, the reading and how you drove. If it is wrong, it can sometimes be corrected before you plead. If the driving or the breath test is disputed, a not guilty plea may be appropriate; police must prove you were driving or in charge of the vehicle and that the test complied with TORUM s 80. See defending a drink driving charge and the offences explained.
- Work out whether you can apply for a work licence. The test is below, and the paperwork takes time.
- Gather sentence material. Your traffic history, signed references, an employer letter and any traffic offender course certificate.
Which list at Sheridan Street will my matter be in?
The Cairns calendar sets out many lists. These are the ones a driver is most likely to meet:
- Arrest court, Court 1: 9am and 2.15pm each weekday (8.30am Saturdays and public holidays, for people in custody only).
- Restricted (work) licence applications under s 87: every Wednesday at 9am, as listed by a magistrate.
- Traffic/Licence list: monthly at 2.15pm, covering speeding and traffic charges, special hardship orders and applications to remove a disqualification. The remaining 2026 dates are Thursday 12 November and Thursday 3 December.
- Hearing/committal callover: Tuesdays, for contested matters – 9am for people without a lawyer, 10am for ATSILS and 11am for other lawyers.
- Murri Court (alternate Fridays) and CourtLink (monthly callovers) for people taking part in those programs.
Which list a new drink driving Notice to Appear goes into is printed on the notice. If anything is unclear, ring the registry on (07) 4280 6000.
Am I eligible for a work licence, and what has to be proved?
Run your situation through these four filters. If any one catches you, s 87 shuts the door.
| Filter | Who it catches |
|---|---|
| Licence type at the time of the offence | Anyone not on an open Queensland licence – learners, P platers, probationary licence holders, visitors on overseas or interstate licences |
| Charge and reading | 0.15 or above, driving under the influence, or failing to supply a specimen |
| Vehicle and purpose | Driving a truck, bus or other specified vehicle, or driving in the course of your work, when caught |
| Last five years | Any drink driving conviction, or any suspension, cancellation or disqualification of your licence |
Get through all four and you must still prove two things by affidavit: that without the licence you or your family would suffer extreme hardship because you would be deprived of your means of earning a living, and that you are a fit and proper person to drive. A reef boat crew member starting at the Marlin Marina before the first bus, an aged care worker covering early shifts in Mount Sheridan, or a tradesperson driving a private car to sites around the northern beaches might each be able to show that, with rosters and an employer statement.
At Cairns the application is heard in the Wednesday 9am list, which the calendar says is separate from the monthly traffic/licence list. It must be decided before the disqualification starts. If your reading was 0.10 or more, the licence carries an interlock condition (s 91K). See the Queensland Government's restricted licence page and our work licence guide. Special hardship orders, which go in the monthly traffic/licence list, apply to TMR suspensions such as demerit points and do not cover a court-ordered drink driving disqualification (special hardship orders).
How long will the disqualification be?
The court must disqualify you on conviction (TORUM s 86). For a first offence:
- open licence, 0.05 to under 0.10 – between 2 and 9 months;
- open licence, 0.10 to under 0.15 – between 3 and 12 months;
- learner, P plate, probationary or unlicensed, any alcohol – between 3 and 9 months;
- zero-limit open licence (truck, bus, taxi and similar), any alcohol – between 1 and 9 months;
- 0.15 or more, under the influence, or refusing a specimen – no less than 6 months.
The magistrate fixes the period by looking at the reading and the real or potential danger to the public (s 86(2A)). A second offence within five years means longer ranges. A fine is also imposed. Details are on the drink driving penalties page.
What happens on sentence day?
Arrive early, clear security on the ground floor of 5D Sheridan Street and find your courtroom on the list. When your matter is called, the prosecutor outlines the facts and you or your lawyer respond. The magistrate then decides the fine, the length of the disqualification and whether to record a conviction. Under s 12 of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992, the court weighs the nature of the offence, your character and age, and the effect a conviction would have on your economic or social wellbeing and your chances of finding work. A no-conviction order does not cancel the disqualification (no conviction for drink driving).
The disqualification usually takes effect immediately, so do not plan to drive home. If you have no lawyer, ask about the duty lawyer. The court process guide explains the steps.
When the disqualification ends, what then?
You apply to TMR for a new licence. If s 91I applies, the licence comes with an interlock condition for 12 months. The triggers are a conviction for a reading of 0.10 or more (including a first offence), driving under the influence, failing to supply a specimen, or a second drink driving offence within five years.
During those 12 months you may only drive a vehicle fitted with an approved device. The period counts only while you hold that licence, and failed or missed tests recorded by the device can extend it (s 91N). Exemptions are narrow, for example a medical condition. Cairns has approved providers, but book fitting and servicing early. The Queensland Government's interlock page and our interlock overview explain the rules.
Does the timeline change for a drug driving charge?
Mostly at the start. A roadside saliva sample is sent to a lab, so the notice can arrive weeks after the stop, and your licence position while the result is pending depends on the facts. Driving with a relevant drug present (THC, methylamphetamine or MDMA) needs no proof of impairment. Driving under the influence of a drug does, and carries at least 6 months. From then on the timeline is the same. See drug driving penalties, and if a crash was involved, dangerous driving.
I was visiting Cairns. How does the timeline work if I have gone home?
The Notice to Appear still binds you. If nobody appears, the court can deal with the matter in your absence or issue a warrant. A lawyer may be able to appear for you, or an adjournment may be arranged, but only if it is organised before the date. Visitors on overseas or interstate licences are excluded from a Queensland work licence by s 87. Ask about the effect of a Queensland disqualification on your home licence.
What if my court date clashes with work or travel?
Do not simply stay away. Contact the registry on (07) 4280 6000 before the date and ask how an adjournment can be sought, or have a lawyer appear and ask for one. A short adjournment can also give you time to obtain the QP9, finish a course or prepare work licence affidavits for a Wednesday listing. Keep in mind that if your licence is suspended until the case ends, every week of delay is another week without driving, and that time may not be credited against the disqualification the court later imposes. Weigh that before asking for more time.
Which courts are near Cairns?
Atherton is about 80 km up the range and currently sits at a temporary venue. Townsville is about 350 km south. Your notice names your court. More is on the Queensland traffic law hub and in the traffic law FAQs.
Cairns Magistrates Court details
| Street address | Ground floor, 5D Sheridan Street, Cairns Qld 4870 |
| Postal address | PO Box 1110, Cairns Qld 4870 |
| Phone | (07) 4280 6000 |
| Fax | (07) 4280 6036 |
| courthouse.cairns@justice.qld.gov.au | |
| Work licence (s 87) list | Wednesdays 9am, as listed by a magistrate |
| Traffic/licence list | Monthly at 2.15pm (12 November and 3 December 2026) |
From the Queensland Courts Magistrates Courts directory (checked 19 October 2026) and the Cairns 2026 calendar (checked 20 October 2026).
For a Cairns matter, call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation.
Watch Our Cairns DUI Case Review Video
Queensland penalty changes in 2026: check your offence date (law checked 20 Oct 2026).
Offences on or after 31 August 2026: higher maximum fines apply. They are 20 penalty units ($3,454) for the general alcohol limit and no alcohol limit offences, 28 ($4,835.60) for the middle alcohol limit and 40 ($6,908) for driving under the influence of liquor or a drug. A first general alcohol limit conviction (0.05 to under 0.10) on an open licence now carries 2 to 9 months' disqualification. For offences before 31 August 2026 it was 1 to 9 months. Police can now give an eligible first low-range driver on an open Queensland licence an infringement notice of $1,295 instead of a court charge. Unless the driver elects to go to court, a 2-month disqualification follows. It counts as a conviction, and there is no work licence for that period. Drug driving (a relevant drug present) has not changed yet. The maximum is 14 penalty units ($2,417.80) or 3 months, with 1 to 9 months' disqualification on an open licence and 3 to 9 months for learner, P-plate and unlicensed drivers.
Offences on or after 1 December 2026: minimum fines start for drink and drug driving. For example, the minimum is 7.5 penalty units for low range and for drug driving. The drug driving maximum rises to 28 penalty units, and a first offence on an open licence carries 2 to 9 months' disqualification. A new offence of driving with a relevant drug present while over an alcohol limit adds 1 month to the disqualification range.
An offence committed before a change is generally dealt with under the penalties in force when it happened. Sources: TORUM ss 78E, 79, 79B, 79H–79J and 86, as amended by the Queensland Community Safety Act 2024 and the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026. Penalty unit $172.70 from 1 July 2026.
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“Although I had a very good driving record and character references, a Section 10 can never be assumed. Josh Boorman worked with me to present a very strong case for my low range alcohol offence and I was acquitted with no fine, no suspension and no conviction. We spent a lot of time together writing and re-writing my references to get the wording perfect and also my explanation of how my offence came about. Josh has a lot of experience in this particular field and his thoroughness and presentation paid off successfully. A fixed fee agreed on before you start means you know exactly where you stand. Well done. Thanks again Josh.”
Chris Weston (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Singh Saab.
“5 stars”
Singh Saab (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Jessica Pantano.
“Josh was incredibly professional and sensitive to my traffic issue. He pushed for the best result possible and I got it! Would highly recommend for any traffic matter!”
Jessica Pantano (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Dave Thompson.
“I would highly recommend Boorman Lawyers. Josh was the perfect example as to why you should get a lawyer, right from the start he took the stress away, had all paperwork and advice needed spot on, even down to the finer details that none of us could've thought of that can effect an outcome.. Well done Josh and thank you for helping me get a positive outcome to keep my lively hood.”
Dave Thompson (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Monika Kundu.
“I was so lucky that josh was representing my case in the court .i was so terrified in the beginning but josh come up with such a absolute positive energy .i would highly recommend him to my friends and family .”
Monika Kundu (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Heidi Mcmillin.
“Simply brilliant and great to deal with. No hassle and great results.”
Heidi Mcmillin (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by King Leong.
“I have been extremely lucky to have Josh represent me in my court case. Josh is an exceptional lawyer, he is professional, patient, supportive, knowledgeable and a good listener. He was right beside me every step of the way, by providing valueble advice and comforting assurance whenever I needed it. It is these qualities that truly differentiate him from the rest. My case definitely wasn't the easiest by any means. However, with Josh's skillful preparation of material and submission to the magistrate, he managed to get a great outcome for me. I highly recommend Josh to anyone who needs the best legal representation, and I can assure you won't regret it. Thank you Josh once again for your service. I hope I don't ever need your service again (touch wood), but if I do, you're the man.”
King Leong (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Andrew Ormsby.
“To any of my mates looking for lawyer that actually cares, knows his stuff and puts in 100% Joshua is the man.. You won't regret going to Joshua and you will get the best out come!”
Andrew Ormsby (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Craig Stewart.
“Thanks Joshua for the amazing outcome yesterday I'm still in a state of shock.. I would definitely recommend Boorman Lawyers to others. Can I just say Joshua is very professional in his approach in trying to achieve the desired outcome . Well prepared, briefed on the day & gave me confidence that I stood the best chance with Joshua representing me.”
Craig Stewart (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Jennifer Fernandes.
“Thanks Joshua for the good outcome. Would definitely recommend Boorman Lawyers to others. Very professional in his approach. Helped us to prepare all documents required. Also briefed us on the day. Gave us the confidence he was doing the best for us. And could see the difference between Boorman lawyers and others presenting. Will definitely recommend Boorman lawyers to others. Thanks again.”
Jennifer Fernandes (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Dan Gannon.
“A professional person in their time of indiscretion, needs a professional representation. My expectations where exceeded, with my representation by Boorman Lawyers. Especially Mr Josh Boorman. You're advice and help far surpassed the goal. You're kindness, respectfulness, and Integrity, went the extra mile, and far exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Mr Josh Boorman. For any legal matter you may have. Sincerely, Dan Gannon .”
Dan Gannon (opens full review in a new tab) - Facebook review by Jules Hannan.
“Fantastic, Boorman Lawyers - their team is extremely professional and they attend to their clients needs with courtesy and promptness. I would recommend Boorman Lawyers to anyone.”
Jules Hannan (opens full review in a new tab)
Cairns drink driving FAQs
When are work licence applications heard in Cairns?
On Wednesdays at 9am, as listed by a magistrate. They are not part of the monthly traffic/licence list.
What is the monthly 2.15pm traffic/licence list for?
Traffic charges, special hardship orders and applications to remove a disqualification. The remaining 2026 dates are 12 November and 3 December.
Is a drink driving charge just a traffic matter?
It is an offence dealt with in the Magistrates Court. A conviction can be recorded, and disqualification is compulsory.
Can a tourist on an overseas licence get a work licence?
No. Section 87 requires an open Queensland licence at the time of the offence.
Does a first offence at 0.11 mean an interlock?
Yes. Any reading of 0.10 or more triggers the interlock once you are relicensed.
How do I contact the Cairns registry?
Phone (07) 4280 6000 or email courthouse.cairns@justice.qld.gov.au.
Sources and date checked
Sources and references for this page, checked 20 Oct 2026.
- Queensland Courts – Magistrates Courts directory (Cairns) — checked 19 Oct 2026
- Queensland Courts – Cairns Magistrates Court 2026 calendar (PDF) — checked 20 Oct 2026
- Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) – reprint current from 21 September 2026 (ss 79, 79B, 80, 86, 87, 91I, 91K, 91N) — checked 20 Oct 2026
- Queensland Government (TMR) – Restricted (work) licence — checked 20 Oct 2026
- Queensland Government (TMR) – Alcohol ignition interlocks — checked 20 Oct 2026
- Queensland Community Safety Act 2024 (Act No. 45), ss 93–104 – TORUM amendments commenced 31 August 2026 — checked 20 Oct 2026
- Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 (Act No. 23) – assent 21 September 2026; pt 10 div 3 commences 1 December 2026 — checked 20 Oct 2026
- TORUM legislative history (commencement of amending Acts) — checked 20 Oct 2026
This page is general information about Queensland law only. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts.
Cairns Magistrates Court — court details
Cairns Magistrates Court
- Street
- Ground floor, 5D Sheridan Street, Cairns QLD 4870
- Postal
- PO Box 1110, Cairns Qld 4870
- Phone
- (07) 4280 6000
- courthouse.cairns@justice.qld.gov.au
- Registry hours
- Counter 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 8.30am – 4pm Tuesday
- Days open
- Arrest court Court 1, 9am and 2.15pm weekdays; s 87 restricted licence applications Wednesdays 9am as listed; traffic/licence list (traffic charges, SHO, removal of disqualification) monthly 2.15pm – remaining 2026: 12 Nov, 3 Dec
- Facilities
- See the Queensland Courts directory
Queensland Courts, Magistrates Courts directory (saved 19 Oct 2026) and Cairns Magistrates Court 2026 calendar (downloaded 20 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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