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Drug Driving Lawyers in Melbourne - Driving Offences & Charges
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Caught Drug Driving in Melbourne? Get Personalized Support from Expert Drug Driving Lawyers
Facing a drug driving charge is overwhelming. The stakes are high because your licence, your freedom, and your future are on the line. At Haitch Legal, our experienced drug driving lawyers in Melbourne are experts in handling serious charges, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
This may come as a surprise to many that drugs are potent enough to stay in your system long after the effects wear off. It could still result in you facing legal consequences even if you weren’t impaired at the time of driving. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a drug driving offence lawyer as soon as possible.
Still struggling to find the best legal services? Call 03 8590 8370 to book a free consultation and set yourself up for legal success with Haitch Legal.
Drug Driving Offences in Victoria?
Drug driving offences fall under the Road Safety Act 1986, which makes it illegal to drive with any trace of illicit drugs in your system — regardless of whether you feel impaired. Unlike alcohol, where there’s a legal limit, zero tolerance applies when it comes to substances like cannabis, MDMA, or methamphetamine.
Some of the most common charges our Melbourne drug driving lawyers defend include:
- Driving while impaired by a drug
- Driving with any amount of a prescribed illicit drug in your system
- Refusing a drug impairment assessment or saliva test
- Testing positive for drugs within 3 hours of driving (via saliva or blood sample)
- Testing positive for both drugs and alcohol within 3 hours
Even refusing a roadside test can result in serious charges. Drivers are charged with both drink and drug driving simultaneously in most cases, leading to even harsher penalties.
Need immediate Legal advice from a lawyer near you? Visit Haitchlegal for expert legal support for obligation consultation.
Drug Driving Penalties in Melbourne: What You Could Face
Victoria has some of the most difficult drug driving penalties in the country. Depending on the offence, even if it's a first or repeat charge, the consequences can escalate quickly.
If you are found guilty, the maximum penalty may involve fines, imprisonment, licence suspension and a criminal record. The different drug driving penalties are outlined below.
For the very first drug driving offence, you may face:
- Immediate license suspension
- A minimum of 12 months license cancellation
- A fine of 12 penalty units
- Potential conviction recorded
Second-time offenders may receive:
- Licence cancellation for at least 2 years
- Fines up to 120 penalty units or 12 months in prison
- A conviction recorded
Subsequent offences carry:
- Licence cancellation for 2+ years
- Fines up to 180 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment
- A conviction recorded
Are you thinking about refusing a roadside drug test? That carries penalties too:
- First offence: Fine of 3–12 penalty units, up to 6 months licence suspension
- Second or subsequent: Up to 120 penalty units and a minimum 12-month licence suspension
Unsure what penalties apply to your case? Speak with our Melbourne traffic lawyers for drug offences, call 03 8590 8370 now or visit the Contact page.
Drug Driving Lawyers Melbourne: Free Consultation for all
The truth is, you don’t have to face this alone. Our drug driving lawyers in Melbourne offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we’ll listen to your situation and explain your legal options. We’ll help you make an informed decision about what to do next, whether that’s negotiating a lesser charge or defending the matter in court.
At Haitch Legal, we:
- Carefully assess the circumstances of your case
- Review whether proper testing procedures were followed
- Explore medical or prescription-related defences
- Advocate for the best outcome in court or through negotiation
Best Drug Driving Solicitor in Melbourne: Our Promise to You
We’re not just here to handle the legal details, we’re here to support you as a person. As one of the firms trusted for providing some of the best drug driving solicitors in Melbourne, we work hard to ensure that our clients are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
You’ll get:
- Clear, honest legal advice
- Strong, strategic representation
- Transparent pricing and communication
- A tailored approach that fits your situation
Melbourne Traffic Lawyer for Drug Offences: Courts and Legal Process
All drug driving cases are handled through the Magistrates’ Court in Victoria. The outcome of your case can depend on multiple factors, including the strength of evidence, prior driving history, and whether you show remorse or take proactive steps (such as completing a behavioural change program).
Our team regularly represents clients at court and can prepare you for what to expect, including how to present your case in the best possible light.
Should I plead guilty or not guilty?
Depending on the evidence against you and other circumstances, a guilty plea may result in a lighter sentence and save the cost of court. Our experienced criminal lawyers will go through all of your options with you to ensure that you can make the best decision for yourself and your loved ones.
FAQs: Drug Driving Offences in Melbourne, Australia
Drug driving refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of illicit or impairing substances.
It depends on the drug, your body, and usage patterns. THC, for instance, can be detected days after use.
Yes. If you are impaired by a prescription drug and it affects your ability to drive safely, you may still be charged.
You could face fines, licence suspension, and even a recorded conviction — especially for repeat offences.
Defences may include procedural errors by police, timing of tests, or the presence of legally prescribed drugs. A drug driving offence lawyer can assess the best strategy based on your case.
Talk to Our Drug Driving Lawyers in Melbourne Today
Call us now on (03) 8590 8370 for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Drug Driving lawyers.
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Level 1, 416 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058 (Central Melbourne)
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