Drug Driving
Drug driving offences in Victoria carry very serious mandatory penalties which can include fines, loss of licence and even jail.
Need an experienced drug driving lawyer in Ballarat?
If you’ve been charged with a drug driving offence, received a summons to attend court, been arrested by Victoria Police, or need urgent legal advice, obtaining early legal representation can make a significant difference to how your matter progresses.
At Wilkinson Lawyers, we practise exclusively in criminal law matters across Victoria. We regularly appear at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court and other metropolitan and regional courts.
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Talk To An Experienced Traffic Lawyer
Being charged with a drug driving offence is stressful. Many clients contact us after what they describe as the worst day of their life. They are worried about losing their licence, their employment, their reputation, or even their liberty. Our role is to guide you through the legal process, explain your options in plain English, protect your rights and work towards the best available outcome based on the facts of your case.
Whether you intend to plead guilty or contest the allegations, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is one of the most important steps you can take.
Get in direct contact with Jessica Wilkinson now, and receive expert advice on how to deal with your case
Do I need a lawyer?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer. However, criminal proceedings involve rules of evidence, legislation, court procedure and sentencing principles that most people have never encountered.
A lawyer can assist by:
- Explaining the allegations.
- Reviewing the prosecution brief.
- Identifying weaknesses in the evidence.
- Negotiating with police where appropriate.
- Preparing your plea.
- Representing you in court.
- Advising whether a charge should be contested.
- Protecting your legal rights throughout the process.
Even where the allegations appear straightforward, obtaining legal advice can significantly improve your understanding of the options available.
Will I lose my licence?
If you plead guilty to, or are found guilty of, a drug driving offence in Victoria, you will lose your driver’s licence. For all drug driving offences, the law requires the court to impose a mandatory licence disqualification, regardless of your personal circumstances. The only rare exception is for cannabis offences where you have a valid and current prescription for medicinal cannabis.
For all other drugs, there are no special licences, work licences or hardship licences available in Victoria that allow you to continue driving during a mandatory disqualification period. The court cannot grant an exemption simply because you need your licence for work, to care for family members, or because losing your licence will cause financial hardship.
The length of the licence disqualification depends on several factors, including whether this is your first or subsequent drink or drug driving offence and the specific charge you are facing. In addition to losing your licence, you may also face a criminal conviction, a substantial fine, the requirement to complete a Behaviour Change Program, and the installation of an alcohol interlock device before you are permitted to drive again.
If you have been charged with drug driving or refusing a drug test, it is important to obtain legal advice as early as possible. Wilkinson Lawyers regularly represents clients charged with drug driving offences throughout Victoria, including at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court, Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court, Sunshine Magistrates’ Court, and courts across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Contact us today for practical advice tailored to your circumstances and the strongest possible representation in court.
Talk To An Experienced Traffic Lawyer
Get in direct contact with Jessica Wilkinson now, and receive expert advice on how to deal with your case