In New South Wales, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05% for full licence holders, with stricter limits for learners, provisional drivers, and commercial operators. Police charge thousands of people every year, but not every case leads to the maximum penalty. Knowing your rights and the court process is the first step toward securing a better outcome.
Penalties for Drink Driving in NSW
Drink driving penalties vary depending on your BAC reading, driving history, and circumstances. Consequences may include fines, licence disqualification, interlock programs, community service, or even imprisonment for severe or repeat offences. Our lawyers help you understand exactly where your case stands and how best to minimise the impact.
Why Experience Matters in Drink Driving Cases
Courts treat drink driving seriously, but the outcome isn’t fixed. An experienced lawyer knows how to present your case, highlight mitigating factors, and argue for reduced penalties. Unlike larger firms such as New South Lawyers, we don’t take a “one size fits all” approach — every defence is tailored to your circumstances.
New South Lawyers vs Our Approach
While New South Lawyers offer general legal services, our focus is on practical, hands-on representation in drink driving matters. We pride ourselves on:
Direct lawyer access, not just paralegals.
Clear advice without legal jargon.
Proven track record in local Sydney courts.
Stronger emphasis on saving licences where possible.
Clients often tell us they chose us because they wanted a lawyer who fights harder and communicates better.
How We Fight for Reduced Penalties or Licence Savings
Not every charge leads to an automatic loss of licence. Our defence strategies may include applying for a Section 10 dismissal (no conviction), presenting evidence of good character, highlighting your need for a licence, and exposing flaws in police procedure. This level of care often makes the difference between walking out of court with or without your licence.
First-Time Offenders – What You Need to Know
If this is your first offence, you may be entitled to more leniency, especially with strong representation. Courts often consider a person’s clean driving record and remorse. We’ve helped many first-time offenders avoid conviction and get back on the road sooner — results that often exceed what larger firms like New South Lawyers typically secure.
Repeat Offences – Serious Representation is Critical
Repeat drink driving offences carry much harsher penalties, including longer disqualification periods, interlock orders, and possible jail time. In these cases, having a lawyer who understands how to limit damage is critical. We know the arguments that resonate with magistrates and how to give you the best possible chance.
Why Clients Choose Us Over New South Lawyers
Clients come to us because they want individual attention and real results. We don’t just process cases — we fight them. Our reputation has been built on honesty, accessibility, and a proven history of helping people walk away with lighter penalties. Many clients who previously considered New South Lawyers chose us instead because they felt more confident in our dedicated approach.
Frequently Asked Questions on Drink Driving Charges
Can I avoid losing my licence for drink driving in NSW? In some cases, yes — through Section 10 or conditional orders.
How much does a drink driving lawyer cost in Sydney? We offer clear, upfront pricing with no surprises.
How long does a drink driving case take? Most cases are finalised within weeks, depending on the court.
Do I need a lawyer for a first offence? Absolutely — even first offences can carry serious penalties without skilled representation.
If you’ve been charged with drink driving, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today for a free consultation and immediate advice.
Whether it’s your first offence or you’ve been through this before, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Don’t risk your future —
