Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
In New South Wales it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle with the existence of an illicit drug in your oral fluid, blood or urine or to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any drug (DUI).
Recently NSW police have been given wider powers to test for the offence of Drug driving by getting drivers to give an oral sample by ‘licking a test pad’. These results will show up a variety of drugs including amphetamine (speed), cannabis, ecstasy and methyl amphetamine (Ice). You don’t have to show the effects of drugs to be charged with DUI, the mere presence of it in your system is sufficient for further investigation and ultimately prosecution by police, (Marijuana can stay in your system for over a month).
Penalties involved for Drug Driving include a instant disqualification from driving of six months which can be reduced to no less than three months and a maximum fine of $1,100. Repeat offenders within five years can see disqualification periods double along with the maximum fine.
The Criminal Law Centre can help you fight a DUI charge by challenging the legality on technicalities or using the defence of ‘medical purposes’ (in cases of the presence of morphine).
If you have been charged with a DUI charge call the Criminal Law Centre. We have extensive experience in these matters and are dedicated to providing the best legal advice 24/7. Call us on (02) 9891 4200. We are on your side.
