Backpacker done for high range drink driving

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Chris125

Member
9 March 2020
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I'm a 26 year old from the UK recently got done for drink driving in nsw. I blew 0.198. I didn't drive far as the police pulled me over 100m from the pub. My court date is 26th of March and I was wondering what I will be facing when I go to court (fines, jail time, deportation) any help would be much appreciated
 

sammy01

Well-Known Member
27 September 2015
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doubt deportation.
For Aussie Citizens
A fine 6-12 month suspension from driving and an interlock breath analysis period of 1-2 yrs.

Not sure what it does if you're carying an international licence. But you can reasonably assume that continuing to drive in this country isn't a good idea. Apart from it being illegal, you'll have no insurance.
And not sure what magistrates do with non-permenant residence... You wanna hope he is still not upset about that field goal Jonny Wilkinson slammed in the 2003 Rugby world cup to beat Australia.
 

Tim W

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
28 April 2014
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Sydney
1. In short and simple - your IDP/licence is already gone.
It became automatically suspended when you blew that much in a roadside test.
You are already no longer able to lawfully drive in Australia.
And no, there is no stay/ grace period etc between now and court.
You're done driving.

2. What you get depends on your previous criminal history,
and on the surrounding facts and circumstances of your offence.
Have a read of this (note: this is not my firm).

3. The Local Court can't order you to be deported as such.
But, it can convict you of an offence which could in turn
lead to your visa being cancelled on character grounds.
As a cleanskin, who didn't kill anybody in an accident etc,
and shows suitable remorse (as distinct from mere regret at getting caught)
you're less likely to be going to gaol.

4. There's no need to tell you that you do actually have to turn up to court, surely?