Drug driving lawyers
Gold Coast
If you’ve been caught drug driving, the next steps you take are crucial. Our lawyers specialise in drug driving matters across the Gold Coast and Queensland. We know what your options are, what Magistrates look for, and where there are opportunities to minimise your penalty. A drug driving charge moves fast, so the sooner you seek advice the better.
We can advise you on the best next steps for your particular circumstances, build a compelling plea, pursue a work licence application if you are eligible, and represent you in court. Book a free consultation to get the full picture of your options.
Need your license for work?
If you’ve lost your licence for drug driving, we can assess your case and apply to get you a work licence if you meet the eligibility requirements. This application must be done quickly as the window is narrow. It must be made before or at the point of sentencing, and once this passes the opportunity is gone. Get in touch for the best chance at successfully applying for a work licence.
What are the penalties for drug driving?
If you test positive for drugs at a roadside drug test, your licence will be suspended for 24 hours. If your follow up laboratory test is positive you will need to attend court. Your penalty will depend on a range of factors such as whether it is your first offence, if you were driving a heavy vehicle at the time, and if you are carrying passengers under the age of 16.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be:
- Disqualified from driving for 1 to 9 months
- Fined up to $2,336
- Face imprisonment of up to 3 months.
No matter how serious your charge is, we’ll be with you at every step of the process to make sure your penalty is as minimal as possible.
Transparent fees
No hourly rates and no surprise invoices. We charge fixed fees for drug driving matters and outline all costs clearly from your first meeting with us.
The team at Quinn Law Group are extremely professional in times of increased frustration and stress.
Nic Gleason
I used Quinn Law Group for assistance with my legal dealings. The service they provide was second to none in particular Lee Quinn. Lee’s attention to detail helped me achieve a result beyond my expectations.
Matthew Selfe
I was truly getting distressed about a legal situation, felt unsure of my next move and that I was running out of time. Talking with James Treanor from the Quinn Law Group Gold Coast made me feel that at last someone knew how it all worked. From start to finish I found him to be professional and understanding, I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome or his support throughout.
Rhett Bryant
I couldn’t recommend Lee and QLG more highly. He helped us navigate a complicated immigration challenge involving a staff member from the US that we are sponsoring to live and work in Australia, and Lee was able to expertly advise and support us through this process. We received the email yesterday confirming the application was successful and are thrilled with the outcome and guidance along the way. Thank you, Lee!!!
Aaron StubbingsI had an excellent experience with Lee Quinn from Quinn Law Group during my Australian citizenship process. Lee was knowledgeable, efficient, and made complex procedures feel simple. He was attentive and genuinely cared about my case, leading to a successful outcome. I highly recommend Quinn Law Group for anyone needing reliable and effective legal assistance.
JG
FAQs
What is drug driving in Queensland?
Drug driving means operating or being in charge of a vehicle while a prohibited drug is present in your system. Queensland Police don’t need to prove that the drug affected your ability to drive; if a prohibited substance is detected, you can be charged. This includes when the car is in motion or if it is stationary and the ignition is switched on. Common drugs that are tested in Queensland include cannabis (THC), methylamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine.
How does roadside drug testing work?
Queensland Police can stop any driver and conduct a saliva test at any time and without reason. You’ll be asked to swipe a testing stick across your tongue and results come back within minutes. If this test returns a non-negative result, a second confirmatory saliva sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You won’t receive a formal charge until the lab result confirms the presence of a relevant drug. If the laboratory result is negative, there is no charge.
Will I lose my licence?
Yes, a disqualification period is mandatory if you are caught drug driving and the length of this will depend on your history and the specific charge. In some cases you may be able to apply for a work licence that is subject to strict conditions. Not everyone is eligible, so we recommend speaking to a lawyer as early as possible if you need to keep your licence to perform your work duties.
Do I have to go to court?
Most drug driving matters ware dealt with in the Magistrates Court. Attendance will depend on how you plead and the circumstances of your charge. Your lawyer will advise you whether personal attendance is necessary and will represent you if it is.
What if I have a prescription?
Having a prescription is not a defence for drug driving in Queensland. If a relevant drug is present in your saliva, you can be charged regardless of whether you were prescribed the drug by a medical professional. Speak to a lawyer to get the best advice for your case.
Can I book an in-person appointment?
Yes. Call us on (07) 5511 2714 to arrange a time to meet in our Gold Coast office or for us to come to you in certain cases.
Please note that due to the steps involved in immigration processes (visas, sponsorship, citizenship, and residency), these initial consultations have a fee of $220.
How much does an initial consultation cost?
Your initial consultation is free of charge. We listen and learn about your case, gaining a solid understanding and providing guidance on the next steps.
Get in touch
Are you facing a drug driving charge? Get the right legal advice today to protect your future. We’re here to help.