DUI Charges

Driving Under the Influence Offences (DUI)

The penalties for DUI and alcohol related offences have increased significantly and can have a serious impact on your life. At Kroesen & Co. we understand that the loss of your licence can impose a heavy burden on your family obligations, employment and daily activities. Even a first time offender can receive a lengthy disqualification or even jail time. If you have committed a DUI offence in the last 5 years you are considered a repeat offender and can receive a maximum of 18 months’ imprisonment. A third time offender is at a very real risk of receiving a jail sentence.

Seeking legal representation is vital for several reasons. First, Kroesen & Co. have years of experience in DUI matters and can determine whether the prosecution has enough evidence to prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt. We can also make submissions to mitigate any sentence you may receive and assess your eligibility for a work licence or special hardship order. For more information on these matters please contact our team at Kroesen & Co. Lawyers.

Work Licence Application

If you have been charged with a DUI offence you may be eligible to receive a restricted work licence. A work licence is a permit, granted by the Courts, which allows you operate a vehicle in direct connection with your employment. Such permits place restrictions on your licence including; dates and times upon which you can drive, the types of vehicles you can drive, and whether you can carry passengers.

Can I apply?

  • In order to be eligible to receive a work licence you must satisfy strict criteria. Examples include:
  • Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must have been under 0.15% at the time of the offence
  • You must currently be employed or self-employed
  • You held a valid, Open Queensland licence at the time of the offence
  • You were not driving in connection with your employment at the time of the offence
  • You have not lost your licence in the last 5 years
  • You are a ‘fit and proper person’ (i.e. of good character)

Applying for a work licence can be a complex and time consuming can be a complex and time consuming as it requires affidavit evidence from both yourself and your employer. In order to increase your chances of success, contact our experienced team at Kroesen & Co. Lawyers.

Special Hardship Licences

If you have accumulated too many demerit points you will have the option to apply for a 12 month good behaviour licence. If you lose your licence during that 12 month period for accumulating further demerit points, you may apply for a special hardship licence. Applications for a special hardship order are limited to circumstances where:

The loss of your licence would result in extreme hardship to you or your family by diminishing your earning capacity
The loss of your licence would result in other severe or extreme hardship
Applying for a special hardship licences can be a complex and time consuming as it requires affidavit evidence from both yourself and your employer. In order to increase your chances of success, contact our experienced team at Kroesen & Co. Lawyers.