Sydney Drink Driving Lawyers Reduce Penalties for Client Who Crashed into Police Vehicle

Boorman Lawyers recently achieved a remarkable result at Hornsby Local Court in a unique and challenging case involving a client charged with a mid-range

Boorman Lawyers recently achieved a remarkable result at Hornsby Local Court in a unique and challenging case involving a client charged with a mid-range drink driving offence. The incident, which occurred after the client collided with a police vehicle, underscores the importance of experienced legal representation in complex drink driving matters.

Case Overview: Mid-Range Drink Driving and Collision with a Police Vehicle

This case involved a serious mid-range drink driving charge with a recorded blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.120. The situation worsened when our client collided with a police vehicle. Although the collision was minor, causing only small damage, the involvement of law enforcement added a layer of complexity to the matter.

Despite these challenges, our client worked proactively to take accountability. This included:
• Early Guilty Plea: Demonstrating remorse from the outset.
• Traffic Offenders Program: Providing evidence of rehabilitation and commitment to safe driving.
• Character References: Letters from family, a partner, and their employer highlighting the incident’s out-of-character nature.
• Employment Evidence: Showing that driving was essential to their role in a motorcycle repair shop.

These actions helped us build a persuasive case for reduced penalties.

The Role of Boorman Lawyers in Hornsby Local Court

At Boorman Lawyers, we specialise in drink driving defence cases, tailoring our strategies to the specifics of each case. In this instance, our focus was on:
• Presenting mitigating factors to minimise the penalties.
• Highlighting the client’s excellent 20-year driving record, with only minor traffic infringements.
• Demonstrating the professional and personal impact of the offence on the client.

This approach resonated with the magistrate, leading to a positive outcome.

The Outcome: Reduced Penalties for a Serious Offence

The court recognised our client’s proactive efforts and genuine remorse, resulting in significantly reduced penalties:
• Licence Disqualification: Reduced to the minimum statutory period of three months, backdated to the date of the offence.
• Mandatory Interlock Program: A 12-month participation period.
• Fines: $450 for the drink driving offence and $300 for failing to give way, both reduced due to mitigating circumstances.

The reduction in penalties reflects the court’s acknowledgment of our client’s strong character and the isolated nature of the incident.

Highlighting the Unique Circumstances of This Case

Crashing into a police vehicle is an undeniably unique and unfortunate aspect of this case. While the damage was minor, it heightened the seriousness of the offence. Our client’s immediate actions following the incident—cooperating with police, accepting responsibility, and engaging in rehabilitation programs—played a critical role in achieving a favourable result.

Lessons from This Case

This case offers several important lessons for individuals facing drink driving charges:
• Accountability Matters: Early guilty pleas and proactive steps such as rehabilitation programs can significantly influence court decisions.
• Character and Context: Highlighting a strong driving history and the isolated nature of the offence can mitigate penalties.
• Expert Legal Representation: Working with experienced Sydney Drink Driving Lawyers can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of the legal system.

Why Choose Boorman Lawyers?

At Boorman Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing clients in drink driving cases, including those with unique or aggravating circumstances. Our personalised approach ensures that each client receives the strongest possible defence tailored to their situation.

What Is a Mid-Range Drink Driving Offence?

A mid-range drink driving offence involves a BAC between 0.08 and 0.149. Penalties typically include licence disqualification, fines, and participation in the interlock program. However, courts can consider mitigating factors to reduce these penalties.

How Does a Collision Affect Drink Driving Penalties?

Collisions, particularly those involving police vehicles, can aggravate drink driving offences. However, the penalties can still be reduced with strong evidence of remorse, rehabilitation, and good character.

FAQs

What penalties did your client face for crashing into a police vehicle while drink driving?
Our client faced a three-month licence disqualification, mandatory interlock program, and reduced fines of $450 and $300 for the offences.

Can completing a Traffic Offenders Program help in drink driving cases?
Yes, courts view successful completion as evidence of genuine remorse and rehabilitation, often leading to reduced penalties.

How does Boorman Lawyers help in drink driving cases?
We provide tailored defence strategies, present mitigating factors, and guide clients through the legal process to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Can crashing into a police vehicle worsen drink driving penalties?
Yes, such incidents are taken seriously. However, proactive steps and strong legal representation can still lead to reduced penalties.

What should I do if I’m charged with drink driving?
Contact a lawyer immediately. Enrol in a Traffic Offenders Program and gather evidence of character and employment impacts.

Why is driving history important in drink driving cases?
A clean or good driving history can demonstrate the offence is out of character, influencing the court to reduce penalties.

Conclusion

This case at Hornsby Local Court highlights the importance of expert legal representation in drink driving cases, particularly those involving unique circumstances like a collision with a police vehicle. At Boorman Lawyers, we are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our clients through strategic advocacy and compassionate support.

If you’re facing a drink driving charge, contact us today for experienced legal advice and representation.

drink driving offence. The incident, which occurred after the client collided with a police vehicle, underscores the importance of experienced legal representation in complex drink driving matters.

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