Did you know that Queensland has some of the strictest drug-driving laws in the world? It's
illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the penalties are severe. There
are a few different offenses in this category, so this article will outline each one and what
their penalties are.
Drug Driving Laws in Queensland
It is illegal to drive with ANY detectable drug in your system in Queensland, Australia. The
only exception to this rule is if you have a prescription for the medication and it is within
therapeutic levels. If you are caught driving with a detectable drug in your system, you will be
fined and imprisoned. If you are a repeat offender, you may face harsher penalties.
Some common drugs that can cause impairment and lead to getting pulled over include
cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and heroin. If you are caught
driving under the influence of any of these drugs, you will face tougher penalties which may
include jail time.
It is important to note that even if a driver does not feel impaired, they can still be charged
with drug driving if they test positive for a detectable drug. If you are ever pulled over and
asked to take a drug test, it is best to cooperate with law enforcement and take the test.
Refusing to take a test can result in automatic license suspension and other penalties.
What are the Penalties for Drug Driving?
A DUI charge can be filed against you if a police officer has probable cause to believe that
you are unable to drive safely because of drug use. This also applies whether you're driving
while under the influence of a legal or prescription drug.
Officers have the right to request a blood or saliva sample from anyone they pull over. If you
are asked to produce a sample, and you refuse, you will face serious charges and possible
license suspension.
Drugged driving carries the following consequences:
1. A possible $3,736 fine
2. A loss of driving privileges for at least six months (for a first offense) and longer for
future offenses.
3. You may spend up to 9 months in jail for this offense.
What to do if you've been charged with Drug Driving
If you've been charged with drug driving, the first thing you should do is seek legal advice.
Drug driving is a serious offense and can carry severe penalties, including a jail sentence.
Your lawyer will be able to advise you on the best course of action to take and will help you
to understand the charges against you and the possible consequences. They may also be
able to negotiate with prosecutors to have the charges reduced or dropped altogether.
It's important to remember that being charged with drug driving does not mean you will
automatically be found guilty. You have a right to defend yourself in court, and with the help
of an experienced lawyer, you may be able to avoid a conviction altogether.
Conclusion
If you are facing charges for drug driving, it is vital to seek legal assistance from a reputed
drug driving lawyer in QLD as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you
navigate the court process and ensure that your rights are protected.
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