Question 1

Will I lose my licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Queensland law requires mandatory disqualification for every drink driving conviction. The minimum period depends on your BAC range and your history. Sacha focuses on the shortest available disqualification and on whether a work licence application is appropriate in your circumstances.

Question 2

Can I drive while the matter is before the court?

Accepted Answer

For low-range charges (under 0.100 BAC), your licence is generally not suspended until sentence unless another charge is already on foot. For mid and high-range charges (0.100 BAC and above), your licence is suspended immediately from the time of charge — you cannot drive until the court deals with the matter. If you are unsure about your suspension status, call Civic Law before driving.

Question 3

Can I avoid a conviction being recorded?

Accepted Answer

The Magistrates Court has discretion in appropriate cases. It is most available for first-time, low-range offenders with strong mitigating factors. It is not routinely available for mid or high-range charges. Sacha will tell you honestly whether it is a realistic outcome in your case.

Question 4

What will the Magistrate consider at sentence?

Accepted Answer

The Magistrate considers your BAC reading, your traffic and criminal history, your personal circumstances, any character references, and the submissions Sacha makes. The written submissions Sacha prepares are the primary vehicle for placing mitigating material before the court. Appearing without them is the difference between a sentence at the top and a sentence at the bottom of the range.

Question 5

Can I keep driving to work while I wait for my hearing?

Accepted Answer

For low-range charges, yes — your licence is generally not suspended until the date of sentence. For mid and high-range charges, your licence is suspended from the time of charge and you cannot drive. The work licence application, if you are eligible, is made on the day of your sentencing hearing and takes effect immediately if granted.

Question 6

How long will my matter take?

Accepted Answer

Most drink driving pleas in Cairns are resolved at a single sentencing hearing. From charge to finalisation, most matters take between four and eight weeks. Civic Law will give you an accurate timeline once Sacha has your listing date.

Question 7

What is the $950 mention fee?

Accepted Answer

Most matters involve at least one adjournment — for legal advice, to obtain references, or because the court lists are full. The first adjournment is included in the fixed fee. If your matter requires further adjournments after that, each additional court appearance is $950. The $2,100 fee covers all preparation and the sentencing hearing itself.

Drink Driving Lawyer Cairns — Fixed Fee

What Is Included

A Drink Driving Charge Has Mandatory Consequences

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