Drink Driving-PCA

All PCA (Prescribed Content Alcohol) offences are considered as major offences.  There is a difference between a PCA and DUI (Driving Under the Influence).  There are very few DUI offences still in existence; as many have since been replaced by the current PCA offences. 

Generally, the Law prescribes that it is an offence for a person to drive or operate a vehicle whilst under the influence of a drug or alcohol. Penalties will depend on the type of offence committed; the prior driving history of the driver and other relevant circumstances. 

Upon conviction for a major offence a period of automatic licence disqualification applies.  When the matter comes before the court, the magistrates hearing your matter may take into account the effects of disqualification on you when deciding what penalty should be imposed on you, including a goal sentence.

The court has the power to reduce or extend the automatic disqualification period, as it thinks fit subject to the minimum period outlined under the act.  The court can also impose another penalty on top of a disqualification period. These may include a good behaviour bond or a fine.

 

A criminal conviction will also probably be recorded against you.

 

There are five different categories of PCA offences. They have been outlined in the below table. 

 

1st Offence:

Alcohol Level

 

 

 

Maximum Fine

 

 

 

Automatic Disqualification

 

 

 

Minimum Disqualification

 

 

 

Maximum Goal

 

 

 

Novice Range    (0.00-0.019)

 

$1,100

 

6 months

 

3 months

 

-

 

 SpecialRange   (0.02-0.049)

 

$1,100

 

6 months

 

3 months

 

-

 

LowRange  (0.05-0.079)

 

$1,100

 

6 months

 

3 months

 

-

 

MiddleRange   (0.08-0.149)

 

$2,200

 

12 months

 

 

 

6 months

 

9 months

 

HighRange

 

 

 

 

$3,300

 

3 years

 

12 months

 

18 months

 

Antwan Lawyers are expert solicitors in all drink driving matters and will provide you with the best legal representation for all PCA, DUI police charges and any traffic offence. 

We will give accurate advice about drink driving penalties, fines, disqualification periods, habitual offender declarations, Interlock devices, breath test, breath analysis, traffic offenders programs, the guideline judgment for high range drink driving and much more and all sentencing options including a “Section 10” dismissal of the charges.

You may be unaware of the legal redress or defences available to you. Don’t risk it. A criminal conviction is forever and will effect your future employment. Losing your license could mean loss of your job.

Antwan Lawyers are determined to overcome any issue no matter how complex and always seek to act in your best interests to make certain that the best possible result is achieved for you.

Antwan Lawyers are able to travel to any court, whether metropolitan or regional to represent you in your matter. Contact us today to discuss your matter.

 

DON’T RISK YOUR LICENCE – CALL THE PROFESSIONALS TODAY.

 

Click below to obtain the information that is right for you

PCA (Prescribed Content Alcohol)       

Section 10                                               High Range PCA                

Mid Range PCA                                        Low Range PCA 

Drink Driving Home page                       FAQs

 

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