Expertise

Drink & Drug Driving

Drink & Drug Driving Lawyers in Fairfield

criminal law experts

Criminal Law Experts

Our criminal lawyers handle a wide range of matters, which include drink and drug driving charges, domestic violence cases, traffic offences, theft, fraud, assault, and even serious offences like murder.

24/7 criminal law advice

24/7 Criminal Law Advice

Legal matters don’t always happen during business hours. Our team is available 24/7 to provide legal advice, with an initial consultation offered at no cost.

Top-Tier Team

With a former police officer and senior prosecutor leading our criminal law team, we have a deep understanding of court processes, allowing us to develop strong defence strategies suited to each case.

Extensive Experience

Our lawyers have extensive courtroom experience, so we handle most summary offences without the need for a barrister. This keeps costs reasonable while maintaining effective legal representation.

Here To Help

If you are facing a drink or drug driving charge in Fairfield, the potential consequences can be serious. For starters, it can affect your licence, employment, and future opportunities. A conviction can lead to fines, disqualification, or even imprisonment, which makes it even more important to take the right legal steps.



Our drink and drug driving lawyers provide dedicated legal advice and representation. We work to minimise penalties, challenge charges where possible, and explore options to protect your licence. We will carefully review your case so we can build a defence strategy aimed at securing the outcome that benefits you the most.

Crime

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Hawkesbury Drink & Drug Driving Lawyers Help?

In New South Wales, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher while also having illicit drugs or restricted medications in your system can lead to serious criminal charges. This combination attracts higher penalties than standalone drink or drug driving offences and often results in mandatory licence disqualification upon conviction.

However, being charged does not mean you are automatically guilty or that the worst penalties are inevitable. Our drink and drug driving lawyers in Fairfield assess every detail of your case, identifying potential flaws in the prosecution’s evidence, negotiating for reduced penalties, or exploring alternative sentencing options.



With leadership from a former police officer and senior prosecutor, our team has the knowledge and experience to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy. We provide clear legal advice and a strong defence aimed at achieving the most favourable resolution possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in NSW?

    In NSW, fully licensed drivers must not exceed a BAC of 0.05%. Learner and provisional (P1 and P2) drivers are required to maintain a BAC of zero. Commercial drivers, including those operating heavy vehicles or public transport, must keep their BAC below 0.02%.

  • What are the penalties for drink driving in NSW?

    The severity of penalties depends on BAC levels at the time of the offence. Low-range offences (0.05–0.079%) may result in fines and a temporary licence suspension. Mid-range offences (0.08–0.149%) carry stricter penalties, including longer disqualification periods and mandatory interlock programs. High-range offences (0.15% and above) can lead to severe consequences such as extended disqualification, large fines, and potential jail time for repeat offenders.

  • What is drug driving in NSW, and how is it detected?

    Drug driving occurs when a driver has illicit substances or certain prescription medications in their system while operating a vehicle. NSW Police conduct roadside drug tests, screening for substances such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines. Drivers may also face charges if they are found to be impaired by prescription drugs that affect their ability to drive safely.

  • What are the penalties for drug driving in NSW?

    First-time drug driving offences can result in fines, licence disqualification, and interlock conditions. Repeat offences or cases involving aggravating factors, such as driving under the influence of drugs while also exceeding the legal BAC limit, can lead to harsher penalties, including possible imprisonment.

  • Will I lose my licence if I am convicted of drink or drug driving?

    Licence suspension is a standard consequence of drink and drug driving convictions in NSW. The length of disqualification depends on the severity of the offence, prior history, and specific case details.

  • Can I fight a drink or drug driving charge in court?

    Yes, there are legal options to challenge these charges. Possible defences include disputing the accuracy of BAC or drug test results, questioning whether law enforcement followed correct procedures, or proving you were not in control of the vehicle. Seeking legal representation is essential to identifying the most effective defence strategy.

  • What happens if I refuse a roadside drug or alcohol test?

    We strongly advise against refusing a roadside drug or alcohol test, as it is a criminal offence in NSW. The law treats refusal similarly to high-range drink driving, which can result in heavy fines, immediate licence suspension, and, in more serious cases, imprisonment. Cooperating with testing procedures may provide better legal options for challenging a charge later.

  • How can Kells help with my drink or drug driving charge?

    Our legal team provides in-depth advice and representation for drink and drug driving cases. We assess the evidence, explain the potential consequences, and develop a defence strategy aimed at reducing penalties or challenging the charges where possible.

Get Expert Criminal Law Advice

If you would like to discuss your drink and drug driving offence with our criminal law team, please get in touch. We are available 24/7 to help you and offer a free initial consultation.

Related Articles

A white truck is being towed by a blue police car

Can police in New South Wales stop and search you?

By Patrick Schmidt, Partner • April 8, 2025
Kells Lawyers explain when NSW Police can search you, your rights, and what to do if stopped. Know the law. Read more from our criminal defence experts.
large police signage

What questions are asked in a police interview?

By Kells Lawyers • November 14, 2024
In a NSW police interview, you may encounter specific questions depending on your role. Prepare for common themes and key questions. Click to find out more.
Police Car for Anzac Day 2024 Operation

Four days of double demerits – October 2024 long weekend

By Kells Lawyers • October 4, 2024
Double demerits apply this October long weekend. Kells the Lawyers can help with traffic offences. 24/7 support and free first consultation.
A man is working on the roof of a building.

New industrial manslaughter laws now in effect

By Patrick Schmidt, Partner • July 17, 2024
New industrial manslaughter laws carry up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $18 million for employers responsible for worker deaths due to reckless health and safety negligence. Read here.
View More

Crime

Area of Expertise