Offences  /  Drink Driving

Get the best Drink Driving Lawyers in Melbourne

Drink Driving Lawyers
Offences  /  Drink Driving

Get the best Drink Driving Lawyers in Melbourne

Melbourne Drink driving Lawyers

Garde Wilson Lawyers are experts in handling all ranges of drink driving offences in Melbourne. From 1st time offenders through to high range offenders with prior and relevant history; we can ensure the following:

  1. No extended or harsh loss of license, and
  2. No lengthy community correction orders, and
  3. No terms of imprisonment

People caught on numerous occasions over the prescribed blood alcohol limit often face a term of imprisonment as they present as a clear and obvious risk to the community

To leave such an offence to a lawyer or firm that do not specialize in criminal defence would be an unforgiving mistake. We handle numerous cases of low to high range drink driving every week and have a tremendous record for achieving outstanding results against the police prosecution.

There are particular defences which at times are appropriate for submission, these being:

  1. Dispute of fact regarding the refusal of a breath test,
  2. Member of the police providing incorrect legal advice,
  3. Dispute regarding whether you HAD control of the vehicle in question,
  4. Machine report error concerning the device used to test the accused.
Any of these defences may be applicable to your case and Garde Wilson Lawyers can quickly assist you in establishing this. Speak to one of our criminal defence specialists about how to get the best result for your approaching drink driving offence in Melbourne.

Drink Driving Penalties

DRINK DRIVING PENALTIES – AFTER 30 APRIL 2018

Full Licence (26 years or older)

Offence Description section 49(1)(b) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic)1Minimum Disqualification Period2Maximum Fine (penalty units)3 or Term of ImprisonmentMinimum Interlock Period4 (months)
First OffenceSubsequent OffenceFirst Offence5Second Offence6Subsequent Offence7First OffenceSecond Offence
less than ∙053 months12 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months180 pu or 18 months612
∙05 or more but less than ·076 months12 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·07 or more but less than ·086 months14 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·08 or more but less than ·096 months16 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·09 or more but less than ·106 months18 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·10 or more but less than ·1110 months20 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·11 or more but less than ·1211 months22 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·12 or more but less than ·1312 months24 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·13 or more but less than ·1413 months26 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·14 or more but less than ·1514 months28 months20 pu60 pu or 6 months120 pu or 12 months612
·15 or more but less than ·1615 months30 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·16 or more but less than ·1716 months32 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·17 or more but less than ·1817 months34 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·18 or more but less than ·1918 months36 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·19 or more but less than ·2018 months38 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·20 or more but less than ·2120 months40 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·21 or more but less than ·2221 months42 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·22 or more but less than ·2322 months44 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·23 or more but less than ·2423 months46 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648
·24 or more24 months48 months20 pu120 pu or 12 months180 pu or 18 months648

¹ Section 49(1)(b) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) states that “a person is guilty of an offence if he or she drives a motor vehicle or is in charge of a motor vehicle while the prescribed concentration of alcohol or more than the prescribed concentration of alcohol is present in his or her blood or breath”.

² Section 50(1A) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

³ One penalty unit is currently $165.22, from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020.

⁴ Offence committed on or after 1 October 2014.

⁵ Section 49(2A)(a) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

⁶ Section 49(2A)(b) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

⁷ Section 49(2A)(c) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

DRINK DRIVING PENALTIES – AFTER 30 APRIL 2018

Full Licence (26 years or older)

Offence Description section 49(1)(a) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) 8Minimum Disqualification Period 9Maximum Fine (penalty units) 10Maximum Fine ($) 11Maximum Term of Imprisonment
First Offence2 years25 penalty units4,130.503 months
Second Offence4 years120 penalty units19,826.4012 months
Subsequent Offence4 years180 penalty units29,739.6018 months

⁸ Section 49(1)(a) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) states that “a person is guilty of an offence if he or she drives a motor vehicle or is in charge of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of any drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the motor vehicle”.

⁹ Section 50(1B) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

¹⁰ Section 49(2) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

¹¹ One penalty unit is currently $165.22, from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020.

COMBINED DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING PENALTIES – AFTER 30 APRIL 2018

Full Licence (26 years or older)

Offence Description section 49(1)(bc) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) 12Minimum Disqualification Period 13 (months)Maximum Fine ($)Maximum Fine ($)Maximum Imprisonment (months)Maximum Fine ($)Maximum Imprisonment (months)
First OffenceSubsequent OffenceFirst Offence 14Second Offence 15Subsequent Offence 16
less than ·0712244,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·07 or more but less than ·0812264,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·08 or more but less than ·0912284,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·09 or more but less than ·1012304,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·10 or more but less than ·1116324,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·11 or more but less than ·1217344,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·12 or more but less than ·1318364,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·13 or more but less than ·1419384,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·14 or more but less than ·1520404,956.6014,869.80629,739.6012
·15 or more but less than ·1621424,956.6029,739.60644,609.4018
·16 or more but less than ·1722444,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·17 or more but less than ·1823464,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·18 or more but less than ·1924484,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·19 or more but less than ·2025504,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·20 or more but less than ·2126524,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·21 or more but less than ·2227544,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·22 or more but less than ·2328564,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·23 or more but less than ·2429584,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018
·24 or more30604,956.6029,739.601244,609.4018

¹² Section 49(1)(b) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) states that “a person is guilty of an offence if he or she drives a motor vehicle or is in charge of a motor vehicle while both the prescribed concentration of alcohol or more than the prescribed concentration of alcohol is present in his or her blood or breath; and the prescribed concentration of drugs or more than the prescribed concentration of drugs is present in his or her blood or oral fluid”.

¹³ Section 50(1AD) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

¹⁴ Section 49(3AAB)(a) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

¹⁵ Section 49(3AAB)(b) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

¹⁶ Section 49(3AAB)(c) Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).

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Mark Aravanis

6 March 2025

“I have no words to express my gratitude to Mitch Fraser, Zara and Ryan they all are amazing criminal lawyers. After living...” Read more

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1 March 2025

“Very much appreciate this team, absolute stars. I was put into a very one sided legal predicament where it seemed like the deck...” Read more

Marc Primrose

27 February 2025

“Absolutely trust Mitch and the team at Garde Wilson Criminal Lawyers, they were instrumental in keeping my licence and...” Read more

Rob Costanzo

24 February 2025

“Forever grateful for this team Especially Mitch & Jack who are true professionals and were able to help secure a win for my case...” Read more

Zenon Chaskaris

17 January 2025

“I cannot express enough Grattitude to the team at Garde-Wilson Lawyers. Not only did they achieve a fantastic result...” Read more

Shehan Rajanayagam

09 January 2025

“Just sharing here my sincere endorsement of Mitch Fraser and the entire team at Garde Wilson. Mitch is the front man of client...” Read more

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06 January 2025

“I would highly recommend this firm Mitch and ray have been amazing if they say they will be there they will be....” Read more

Robert Smiley

02 January 2025

“By far the best legal advice and help I've had in a long time. These guys are worth every cent And family type service too Thanks heaps”

Ben

30 December 2024

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ahmed adhil

29 December 2024

“Absolutely amazing, the best outcome that I could of imagined, Mitch was so supportive, highly recommend”

Jed Earle

15 December 2024

“Mitch and the Team at Garde Wilson provided exceptional second to none service, they were extremely professional and comforting...” Read more

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11 December 2024

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Vishal

01 December 2024

“Thank you to Mitch and team. You achieved the impossible, great outcome. Highly recommend if anyone requires representation.”

Andre Spiteri

9 August 2023

“Wow! This team are incredible! With 48hrs notice Mitch had my partner sorted and had barrister Hazel appear on his behalf today...” Read more

Rel KC

17 November 2023

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Sachin Sachdeva

6 October 2023

“I am very pleased with my experience, they are very professional and they did a very well job to support me all through my case.”

Baljinder Singh

11 August 2023

“I will highly recommend them to my friends or family if in need. Mitch was there at every step with the barristers.”

Harman SIngh

9 August 2023

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17 November 2023

Wow! This team are incredible!
With 48hrs notice Mitch had my partner sorted and had barrister Hazel appear on his behalf today to finally put an end to completely unjust continuation of AVOs for 12yrs.

Not only were they completely dedicated and across all details, Hazel had the ability to get the applicant to finally withdraw their frivolous continued applications.
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Vishal

01 December 2024

I had the privilege of working with Garde Wilson Criminal Lawyers during a very difficult time, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the moment I reached out, their team demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of criminal law.

They took the time to thoroughly explain the legal process and ensured I felt informed and supported every step of the way.

The attorneys at this firm are not only highly skilled but also compassionate, which made a huge difference in my experience.

Thanks to their hard work and dedication, my case was resolved favorably. If you’re in need of experienced and trustworthy criminal defense lawyers, I highly recommend Mitch and their team.

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Celeste Earle

11 December 2024

Mitch and the Team at Garde Wilson provided exceptional second to none service, they were extremely professional and comforting at a time of great stress. The level of experience, skills and knowledge was evident from our first appointment, the positive outcome we received would not have been possible without them.

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29 December 2024

Review for [mitch Fraser ,ray raheem,Lachlan hocking/ Garde Wilson team

I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in handling my case. Thanks to their expertise, I was able to secure a diversion outcome, which has given me a second chance to move forward without a criminal record.

From the beginning, Mitch and ray explained the legal process clearly, addressed all my concerns, and guided me every step of the way. They not only understood the legal aspects of my case but also showed genuine care for my well-being and future.

Their ability to present my case effectively and advocate on my behalf was exceptional. I highly recommend [mitch, Lal Lachlan and team/Garde Wilson lawyers to anyone seeking legal representation—they are thorough, knowledgeable, and truly committed to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients.

Thank you again for your incredible support during such a challenging time.

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Robert Smiley

02 January 2025

I would highly recommend this firm

 

Mitch and ray have been amazing if they say they will be there they will be.

 

Our barrister Sarah was just amazing and myself and my family can’t thank them enough as we got the out come needed.

 

Thanking you all.

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Damian West

06 January 2025

Just sharing here my sincere endorsement of Mitch Fraser and the entire team at Garde Wilson. Mitch is the front man of client engagement.

 

From the second I met Mitch, I knew I had found a true ally and advocate in what was a messy and unfair situation. The end-to-end support and coordination provided by Mitch and the firm was pure class. I cannot recommend highly enough!

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Shehan Rajanayagam

09 January 2025

I cannot express enough Grattitude to the team at Garde-Wilson Lawyers. Not only did they achieve a fantastic result (withdrawal of all charges), but as importantly and appreciated, the entire team; Mitch, Zarah and Ray, treated me with such compassion and empathy, helped me not only in a legal sense but also on a personal level to assist me in dealing with the stress of the matter, and have been nothing short of extraordinary in every respect.

I would like to thank and credit the entire team not only for resolving this matter, but I genuinely credit them with changing my perspective on a lot of things in life and motivating me to pursue my goals and ambitions, in a sense i feel a sense of obligation to them to become the best version of myself.

I consider both my interactions with the firm as well as the outstanding outcome as life changing both in the result and the impact it has had on me personally.

As a law student i underwent immense stress, depression and anxiety which initially made me a difficult client to deal with but even still, Garde-Wilson helped me through it, showed nothing but compassion and had my best interest at heart, for this I will be forever grateful.

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Zenon Chaskaris

17 January 2025

Forever grateful for this team
Especially Mitch & Jack who are true professionals and were able to help secure a win for my case.

I have had my fair share of lawyers and Barrister’s and this team by far is the best I’ve ever come across.

Thank you again for your help 🙏🏽

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Rob Costanzo

24 February 2025

Absolutely trust Mitch and the team at Garde Wilson Criminal Lawyers, they were instrumental in keeping my licence and no conviction recorded in my loss of traction case. I hopefully won’t ever need them again, but if I do, they will be my first call

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Marc Primrose

27 February 2025

Very much appreciate this team, absolute stars. I was put into a very one sided legal predicament where it seemed like the deck was loaded against me injustly. As soon as Garde got involved the tables turned and they were able to blast through all of the incompetency and bring the facts and reality to the surface and correct the power imbalance like it was nothing.

Therefore delivering me the best possible outcomes to re store my peace of mind.

Ultimately I believe bringing this firm onboard was the difference between regaining my life or without them being bullied into accepting false charges. Special shout out to Ray, Mitch and Zarah I can not thank you enough for the amount of stress you took off my shoulders. Top tier 👌

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Dashmesh Singh

1 March 2025

I have no words to express my gratitude 🙏 to Mitch Fraser, Zara and Ryan they all are amazing criminal lawyers. After living 30 years of my life in Australia I dealt with many lawyers in my career but at last I found Mr Mitch Fraser who saved my life.

I was expecting jail sentence and I was innocent for the Domestic violence charges but at last Mitch Fracer and Zara they got me out clean without conviction which was unbelievable. I have never seen any lawyers like them in my life. If I say it I mean it.

I strongly say if Garde Wilson criminal Lawyers can’t save your Reputation, dignity and freedom to happy life by winning your case then no one can they are the best In Australia, unbelievable achievement and As we all know the Moorabbin court is a hard winning court where magistrates are very very strict but now I am highly convinced and thankful to Mitch Fraser and Zara who saved my life and they have fought till end for me, I have to say this law firm don’t chase dollars they are more focused to support And give you the most possible and positive outcome , they have good Barrister, Zara is Amazing Conclusion of my Review if you don’t seek legal advise from the Garde Wilson then you are playing with your life I highly recommend Garde Wilson Criminal defence lawyers if they can’t give you good Result then don’t waste your time with other law firms
Only one solution to your Problems that is Garde Wilson Criminal Defence lawyers
Therefore don’t waste your time with other lawyers you need someone who trust you and can protect you
Thanks once again Garde Wilson Lawyers I can’t pay your Debt all my life you are the best and number one law firm.