Reasons Why Committing a DUI in Australia is Serious

Driving under the influence of alcohol, or DUI, is considered one of the most dangerous crimes in Australia. Not only can it lead to accidents that cause severe injuries or even death, but it also has significant financial repercussions, both short-term and long-term, that you have to deal with. Here are a few reasons why committing DUI in Australia is serious and the consequences of doing so, as suggested by drink driving lawyers Bankstown.

Law Enforcement and Penalties for Drink Driving Offences Are Tough

Police in every state and territory actively enforce drink driving laws, and they can be particularly tough on those caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fines are steep (more than $900 for low-range offences), demerit points can accumulate quickly, and if you're convicted of drink driving more than once, you'll face very tough sanctions.

Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Programs Exist In All States

Mandatory alcohol interlock programs are present in all states and territories, meaning that your driver’s license will be suspended for three months on your first conviction. And you’ll have to pay up to $2200 for an alcohol interlock device. This means that if you’re convicted of driving under influence, you won’t be able to drive during these three months—you will have to rely on someone else or hire a driver.

License Suspension, Fines, and Other Penalties for DUI Offences

First of all, one thing that you must know about committing a DUI offence in Australia is that it will affect your finances. Getting caught with an alcohol level above .05 and up to 0.08 will lead to penalty points on your driver’s license and possibly impoundment of your vehicle for three days. It’s advisable to seek the assistance of traffic lawyers Bankstown to defend on behalf of you and receive a fair punishment.

You Can Be Jailed For Drunk Driving

If you are arrested for drunk driving, there’s no telling how long your sentence could be. It varies greatly depending on your situation, but if it is your first offense, then chances are that you won’t get more than six months.

You’ll have a Criminal Record If Convicted of Drink Driving

Whether you get caught drink driving once or twice, you’ll have a criminal record for the rest of your life. This can affect your ability to get employment, travel overseas and generally live freely within Australian society. The new drink driving laws make committing a DUI offence even more serious than it was before and if convicted you could be hit with fines, jail time or both.

Getting Caught While Driving On Suspended License

If you already have three or more prior convictions and are caught driving on a suspended license, you could receive mandatory jail time as well as face an increased fine. The punishment will be severe regardless of whether you were aware of your license being suspended. If you’re found guilty of driving with a suspended license and are convicted of three prior offenses within five years, it’s possible to get up to two years in prison for each charge.

Your Insurance Premiums Will Be Sky High

If you live in Australia, driving under influence (DUI) offenses are taken very seriously. This means that your car insurance premiums are going to be much higher than what they were before. Plus, you might have to pay a fine and spend time behind bars. Any offense on your record will hurt your case too. That’s why it’s important to fight back against any DUIs you receive even if it’s your first one.

Although we’re seen as one of the safest countries in the world, there are still drivers who choose to drink and drive and put other drivers at risk. If you are charged with a DUI offence, please speak to criminal lawyer Bankstown to reduce your punishment and ensure your rights are protected.

The author is a criminal lawyer in Bankstown. Along with the team of professionals, he helps clients effectively navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for their circumstances. Visit https://powerhouselaw.sydney/ for more details.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Finance/20521-Reasons-Why-Committing-a-DUI-in-Australia-is-Serious.html