Drink and Drug Driving Lawyers Wollongong | Morrisons
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Drink and Drug Driving Lawyers in NSW

A drink or drug driving charge in NSW can have serious consequences: loss of licence, fines, a criminal record and in some cases, imprisonment. Whether you have returned a positive breath test or been charged following a roadside drug test, the decisions you make in the hours and days after being charged can significantly impact the outcome.

The team at Morrisons are specialist drink and drug driving lawyers with extensive experience defending clients across Wollongong, Campbelltown, and the broader Illawarra. We offer a free 30 minute initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any decisions.

4.9 Over 199 Reviews

Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your situation.


Real Case Scenarios We Handle

These cases illustrate the kinds of traffic matters we handle every week. What connects them all is this: traffic law appears simple but contains traps that can have serious consequences for your licence, employment, and future. Early, expert legal advice before you pay a fine or make an election can make the difference between keeping your licence and losing it.

Our firm has represented clients in thousands of traffic matters across drink driving, drug driving, speeding, and mobile phone offences. We offer flat-fee pricing from $1,500 + GST, and free initial consultations to help you understand your options.

Case Study: Prescribed Cannabis (Second Offence Trap)

Our client was lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis. They drove their vehicle, were tested at a roadside Mobile Drug Testing checkpoint, and returned a positive result for cannabis. They received an infringement notice and elected to take the matter to court without legal representation. At Court they received no conviction.

Six months later, under the same circumstances, they were charged again. Because it was now a second offence within five years — and the first had resulted in no conviction — the court was legally prevented from recording no conviction for the second offence. They were convicted and disqualified, despite driving with a lawfully prescribed substance in their system.

Key insight: What you do with a first offence can directly affect the options available to you for any subsequent charge. In NSW, it remains an offence to drive with cannabis in your system, even if you hold a valid prescription.

Case Study: Music Festival Cocaine Detection

A client used cocaine recreationally at a music festival over the weekend. A number of days later they were stopped for a random breath test on the way to their job as an apprentice. The alcohol result was negative, but a drug swab detected cocaine still in their system.

Their apprenticeship contract required them to hold a valid driver’s licence. They received an infringement notice carrying a three-month suspension. By seeking legal advice promptly, they were able to understand their options for challenging the infringement and protecting their licence and employment.

Key insight: Drugs like cocaine can remain detectable for up to a week or longer. Many people are caught days after use when they feel completely unaffected. If your licence is essential for employment, immediate legal advice is critical.

Case Study: Christmas Party Mid-Range DUI

A client attended their work Christmas party with their partner, consuming several beers over the course of the evening. Many hours later, believing they were fine to drive, they decided to drive home. They were pulled over for a random breath test and recorded a reading of 0.085, just into the mid-range.

Their licence was immediately suspended. They were arrested and taken to the police station for a formal breath analysis, which confirmed the mid-range reading. Despite having no intention to drink drive and no prior criminal history, they now faced a court appearance for a mid-range drink driving offence and the prospect of an extended licence disqualification.

Key insight: Even responsible social drinking can result in mid-range readings that surprise people. Early legal advice is critical to minimising the impact on your licence and record.

Case Study: Morning After Low-Range (Second Offence)

A client celebrated their 21st birthday with a big night out with friends. The next morning, around 9:30-10:00am, feeling recovered, they drove to visit a family member. They were pulled over due to a faulty taillight, which led to a breath test. The result came back in the low range.

The complication: they had a previous low-range offence within the past 5 years where they had received no conviction. Because this was technically a second offence within five years, they faced increased penalties and had to appear in court for sentencing despite the offence occurring the morning after and involving a relatively low reading.

Key insight: “Morning after” drink driving is more common than people realise. A prior offence, even one with no conviction, can significantly increase the consequences of a second charge.

Case Study: Prescribed Cannabis (Second Offence Trap)

Our client was lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis. They drove their vehicle, were tested at a roadside Mobile Drug Testing checkpoint, and returned a positive result for cannabis. They received an infringement notice and elected to take the matter to court without legal representation. At Court they received no conviction.

Six months later, under the same circumstances, they were charged again. Because it was now a second offence within five years — and the first had resulted in no conviction — the court was legally prevented from recording no conviction for the second offence. They were convicted and disqualified, despite driving with a lawfully prescribed substance in their system.

Key insight: What you do with a first offence can directly affect the options available to you for any subsequent charge. In NSW, it remains an offence to drive with cannabis in your system, even if you hold a valid prescription.

Case Study: Music Festival Cocaine Detection

A client used cocaine recreationally at a music festival over the weekend. A number of days later they were stopped for a random breath test on the way to their job as an apprentice. The alcohol result was negative, but a drug swab detected cocaine still in their system.

Their apprenticeship contract required them to hold a valid driver’s licence. They received an infringement notice carrying a three-month suspension. By seeking legal advice promptly, they were able to understand their options for challenging the infringement and protecting their licence and employment.

Key insight: Drugs like cocaine can remain detectable for up to a week or longer. Many people are caught days after use when they feel completely unaffected. If your licence is essential for employment, immediate legal advice is critical.

Case Study: Christmas Party Mid-Range DUI

A client attended their work Christmas party with their partner, consuming several beers over the course of the evening. Many hours later, believing they were fine to drive, they decided to drive home. They were pulled over for a random breath test and recorded a reading of 0.085, just into the mid-range.

Their licence was immediately suspended. They were arrested and taken to the police station for a formal breath analysis, which confirmed the mid-range reading. Despite having no intention to drink drive and no prior criminal history, they now faced a court appearance for a mid-range drink driving offence and the prospect of an extended licence disqualification.

Key insight: Even responsible social drinking can result in mid-range readings that surprise people. Early legal advice is critical to minimising the impact on your licence and record.

Case Study: Morning After Low-Range (Second Offence)

A client celebrated their 21st birthday with a big night out with friends. The next morning, around 9:30-10:00am, feeling recovered, they drove to visit a family member. They were pulled over due to a faulty taillight, which led to a breath test. The result came back in the low range.

The complication: they had a previous low-range offence within the past 5 years where they had received no conviction. Because this was technically a second offence within five years, they faced increased penalties and had to appear in court for sentencing despite the offence occurring the morning after and involving a relatively low reading.

Key insight: “Morning after” drink driving is more common than people realise. A prior offence, even one with no conviction, can significantly increase the consequences of a second charge.

Case Study: Prescribed Cannabis (Second Offence Trap)

Our client was lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis. They drove their vehicle, were tested at a roadside Mobile Drug Testing checkpoint, and returned a positive result for cannabis. They received an infringement notice and elected to take the matter to court without legal representation. At Court they received no conviction.

Six months later, under the same circumstances, they were charged again. Because it was now a second offence within five years — and the first had resulted in no conviction — the court was legally prevented from recording no conviction for the second offence. They were convicted and disqualified, despite driving with a lawfully prescribed substance in their system.

Key insight: What you do with a first offence can directly affect the options available to you for any subsequent charge. In NSW, it remains an offence to drive with cannabis in your system, even if you hold a valid prescription.

Case Study: Music Festival Cocaine Detection

A client used cocaine recreationally at a music festival over the weekend. A number of days later they were stopped for a random breath test on the way to their job as an apprentice. The alcohol result was negative, but a drug swab detected cocaine still in their system.

Their apprenticeship contract required them to hold a valid driver’s licence. They received an infringement notice carrying a three-month suspension. By seeking legal advice promptly, they were able to understand their options for challenging the infringement and protecting their licence and employment.

Key insight: Drugs like cocaine can remain detectable for up to a week or longer. Many people are caught days after use when they feel completely unaffected. If your licence is essential for employment, immediate legal advice is critical.

Case Study: Christmas Party Mid-Range DUI

A client attended their work Christmas party with their partner, consuming several beers over the course of the evening. Many hours later, believing they were fine to drive, they decided to drive home. They were pulled over for a random breath test and recorded a reading of 0.085, just into the mid-range.

Their licence was immediately suspended. They were arrested and taken to the police station for a formal breath analysis, which confirmed the mid-range reading. Despite having no intention to drink drive and no prior criminal history, they now faced a court appearance for a mid-range drink driving offence and the prospect of an extended licence disqualification.

Key insight: Even responsible social drinking can result in mid-range readings that surprise people. Early legal advice is critical to minimising the impact on your licence and record.

Case Study: Morning After Low-Range (Second Offence)

A client celebrated their 21st birthday with a big night out with friends. The next morning, around 9:30-10:00am, feeling recovered, they drove to visit a family member. They were pulled over due to a faulty taillight, which led to a breath test. The result came back in the low range.

The complication: they had a previous low-range offence within the past 5 years where they had received no conviction. Because this was technically a second offence within five years, they faced increased penalties and had to appear in court for sentencing despite the offence occurring the morning after and involving a relatively low reading.

Key insight: “Morning after” drink driving is more common than people realise. A prior offence, even one with no conviction, can significantly increase the consequences of a second charge.

Case Study: Prescribed Cannabis (Second Offence Trap)

Our client was lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis. They drove their vehicle, were tested at a roadside Mobile Drug Testing checkpoint, and returned a positive result for cannabis. They received an infringement notice and elected to take the matter to court without legal representation. At Court they received no conviction.

Six months later, under the same circumstances, they were charged again. Because it was now a second offence within five years — and the first had resulted in no conviction — the court was legally prevented from recording no conviction for the second offence. They were convicted and disqualified, despite driving with a lawfully prescribed substance in their system.

Key insight: What you do with a first offence can directly affect the options available to you for any subsequent charge. In NSW, it remains an offence to drive with cannabis in your system, even if you hold a valid prescription.

Case Study: Music Festival Cocaine Detection

A client used cocaine recreationally at a music festival over the weekend. A number of days later they were stopped for a random breath test on the way to their job as an apprentice. The alcohol result was negative, but a drug swab detected cocaine still in their system.

Their apprenticeship contract required them to hold a valid driver’s licence. They received an infringement notice carrying a three-month suspension. By seeking legal advice promptly, they were able to understand their options for challenging the infringement and protecting their licence and employment.

Key insight: Drugs like cocaine can remain detectable for up to a week or longer. Many people are caught days after use when they feel completely unaffected. If your licence is essential for employment, immediate legal advice is critical.

Case Study: Christmas Party Mid-Range DUI

A client attended their work Christmas party with their partner, consuming several beers over the course of the evening. Many hours later, believing they were fine to drive, they decided to drive home. They were pulled over for a random breath test and recorded a reading of 0.085, just into the mid-range.

Their licence was immediately suspended. They were arrested and taken to the police station for a formal breath analysis, which confirmed the mid-range reading. Despite having no intention to drink drive and no prior criminal history, they now faced a court appearance for a mid-range drink driving offence and the prospect of an extended licence disqualification.

Key insight: Even responsible social drinking can result in mid-range readings that surprise people. Early legal advice is critical to minimising the impact on your licence and record.

Case Study: Morning After Low-Range (Second Offence)

A client celebrated their 21st birthday with a big night out with friends. The next morning, around 9:30-10:00am, feeling recovered, they drove to visit a family member. They were pulled over due to a faulty taillight, which led to a breath test. The result came back in the low range.

The complication: they had a previous low-range offence within the past 5 years where they had received no conviction. Because this was technically a second offence within five years, they faced increased penalties and had to appear in court for sentencing despite the offence occurring the morning after and involving a relatively low reading.

Key insight: “Morning after” drink driving is more common than people realise. A prior offence, even one with no conviction, can significantly increase the consequences of a second charge.

Drink Driving Offences in NSW

Drink driving in NSW is taken seriously by the courts. A conviction can potentially remain on your record for up to 10 years and, depending on your BAC reading and prior history, penalties range from fines and licence disqualification through to imprisonment.

Your charge is determined by your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reading at the time of breath analysis.

BAC Categories for Drink Driving

BAC Range Charge Category
0.150 or above High-range drink driving
0.08 to 0.149 Mid-range drink driving
0.05 to 0.079 Low-range drink driving
0.02 to 0.049 Special-range drink driving
Above 0 to 0.019 Novice-range drink driving
No specific reading required DUI — evidence of impairment by alcohol or drugs while driving or attempting to drive

For unrestricted licence holders, driving is not permitted with a BAC of 0.05 or above. Provisional, learner, and interlock licence holders must not drive with any alcohol in their system.

Reach out to us today for a free 30 minute consultation and let our experienced lawyers guide you through the intricacies and provide dedicated representation.

Enquire Today

Penalties for Drink Driving in NSW

The penalties for drink driving in NSW vary depending on your BAC level, whether it is a first or second offence within five years, and the circumstances of the offence.

Range Max Penalty (1st Offence) Automatic Disqualification Minimum Disqualification Interlock Period
Novice $2,200 6 months 3 months –
Special $2,200 6 months 3 months –
Low $2,200 6 months 3 months –
Mid $2,200 + up to 9 months imprisonment 6 months 3 months 12 months
High $3,300 + up to 18 months imprisonment 9 months  6 months  24 months*
DUI (alcohol) $3,300 + up to 18 months imprisonment 9 months 6 months 24 months*

The above penalties apply to a charge deemed to be a first offence. If it is a second offence, then the maximum penalties and disqualification periods increase. It can also cause a mandatory interlock order to apply, that does not apply for a first offence. 

An application can be made to the Court to be exempt from the interlock licence. The test for this can depend on the offence you are charged with. If the application is successful, it means that the interlock licence does not apply. However, this will increase the automatic and minimum disqualification periods that apply. 

For first-time low-range, novice, or special-range offences, you may receive an on-the-spot fine and an immediate licence suspension without a mandatory court appearance. However, you have the right to elect to go to court or to appeal the suspension period. For mid-range, high-range, DUI, and repeat offences, a court appearance is mandatory.

If your licence has been suspended or you are facing disqualification, you may also have options to appeal your licence suspension. A lawyer can advise you on whether an appeal is likely to succeed in your circumstances.

Reach out to us today for a free 30 minute consultation and let our experienced lawyers guide you through the intricacies and provide dedicated representation.

Enquire Today

Can You Drive With a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription?

This is one of the most misunderstood areas of NSW drug driving law. In NSW, it remains an offence to drive with any detectable level of THC in your system, even if you hold a valid prescription for medicinal cannabis. The law does not currently provide an exemption for lawfully prescribed patients.

The consequences of this can be severe for patients who are unaware. A first offence might be resolved without a conviction, but a second offence within five years even under identical circumstances means the court is legally prevented from recording no conviction again. A conviction and disqualification become unavoidable, regardless of the legitimacy of your prescription.

If you hold a medicinal cannabis prescription and drive, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice before any court appearance and particularly before making any elections on your infringement notice.

What Are the Penalties for Drink and Drug Driving?

The penalties for drink and drug driving in NSW depend on the specific charge, the substance and reading involved, whether it is a first or second offence within five years, and the circumstances surrounding the particular case. Key factors the court considers include the BAC level or drug detected, the distance driven, whether there were passengers in the vehicle, what drew police’s attention to you, and your overall criminal and traffic history.

For first offences, some matters can be resolved without a court appearance through an on-the-spot fine. However, electing to go to court can produce better outcomes in the right circumstances or significantly worse ones if handled incorrectly. A lawyer can assess your specific situation and advise which path gives you the best chance of minimising the impact on your licence and record.

How a Drink and Drug Driving Lawyer Can Help

Whether you are facing a drink driving charge or a drug driving offence, specialist legal representation makes a significant difference to the outcome. At Morrisons, our lawyers will:

  • Advise you on your specific charge, your options, and the likely outcomes before you make any decisions
  • Identify any procedural or evidentiary issues with the breath or drug testing process
  • Help you gather supporting evidence, including character references and completion of programs such as the Traffic Offender Program
  • Advise whether paying the infringement or electing to appear in court is the better strategy for your situation
  • Represent you in court and make persuasive submissions on your behalf

We understand that a drink or drug driving charge can affect your licence, your employment, and your livelihood. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances. 

We offer flat-fee pricing  and free 30-minute initial consultations so you know exactly where you stand from the outset.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a specialist drink and drug driving lawyer.

Reach out to us today for a free 30 minute consultation and let our experienced lawyers guide you through the intricacies and provide dedicated representation.

Enquire Today

What our clients say

4.9 Over 199 Reviews
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From the start , Annalise Ritchie took care of me in a way that made the process seem that much easier to be able to cope with , there is no question in my mind that Annalise and the team at Morrisons got me through the hardest and most difficult point in my life so far , and I will always be forever grateful . Thank you again , I cant tell you in words here how much it meant .
-Nick & Boofy
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I have to thank Cameron and the team who helped me get the best possible outcome on a traffic matter in court Cameron and the team are highly professional and respectful at all times i will highly recommend them
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Highly recommended!
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Zali Kelly was an excellent Solicitor. She understood all details of my case and due to her work and thoroughness we walked away with the best possible result.
Thank you Zali
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Matthew Ward was exceptional regarding assisting with a recent traffic offence, where he represented me in court on multiple occasions and, thanks to his expertise and dedication, all charges were dropped. Matthew was not only professional and knowledgeable, but also incredibly approachable and responsive. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance as you won’t be disappointed.
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I was very happy to receive a great outcome for a traffic issue involving Morrisons—especially thanks to Cameron, who was very understanding of the circumstances. If I ever need assistance with any legal matter in the future, I would choose Morrisons again. Thank you.
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Cameron was a great assistance at quite a stressful time! Very knowledgable and instructive about the potential outcomes and how things could progress in the day
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Cameron invested himself in his pursuit for the best possible outcome for me.
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I have recently had Matt Ward represent my son a second time, and I cannot praise him enough for his professionalism in every way. He showed a lot of compassion towards my husband and I during this stressful time, and he achieved an amazing result for our son .

Thank you Matt and the team at Morrisons Law
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I was very confident and reasured with my lawyers knowledge of the law. The proffessional advise i recieved resulted in the best outcome for my offence. I highly recomend this law firm and in particular the lawyer who represented me. Thank you
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nice result, John was very professional and got a great result
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I cannot speak highly enough of Morrison’s Zali Kelly (who successfully appealed my case). Thank you so much Zali !!.
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Today I had the pleasure of meeting Analise Ritchie, I couldn’t thank her enough for her time and effort in helping me resolve my court appearance. Annalise was professional, considerate and understanding.
I highly recommend Analise and have only positive feedback from my experience with her. Hopefully I never need her services again but If I do I’ll be calling Analise Ritchie.
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Highly recommend Morrisons, I’ve dealt with both Cameron & Harry and am so grateful for their help with all my court matters. Thanks again guys
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Fantastic support – very professional
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From the moment i called i had great service, my solicitor covered everything she was wonderful thank you Zali. Highly recommend!!
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Couldnt recommend Morrisons and specifically Harry for his professionalism and support in working through our case and providing practical advice based on our unique circumstances. Incredibly helpful and grateful.
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I would like thank Matt and Analise for their professionalism and dedication to my case. Both lawyers kept me updated and were very understanding of my situation. They made a really difficult time a little easier. Highly recommend this firm.
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Cameron from Morrisons was extremely professional, he was able to guide me through every step of the way, having to be in a Court room and understanding how everything works can be very overwhelming . He achieved the best out come I could have hoped for and I could not have done it with out him.
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Harry Lollback was professional, understanding and explained the criminal law and court process. I could not be happier with the outcome and would highly recommend him to anyone.
Jasmine
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Morrison Law brings sharp legal insight and a clear understanding of personal priorities. Their strategic approach, responsiveness, and attention to detail gave me the confidence at every step. A trusted advisor who adds real value—highly recommended.
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Morrisons law came in a saved the day for me recently 5 stars 👌🏾 highly recommend.
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Cameron fought my case. BIG WIN!
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The team here has got me great results thanks you guys.
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Was represented by Zali Kelly and she got the best possible result for me. Thank you for your great service.
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Very professional and thorough. Was very happy with the court outcome.
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A great team to work with.
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I had Cameron as my solicitor at Kiama court, he got me the best outcome very professional.
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Today, Zali, represented me in court for a traffic offence. I was grateful for her professionalism, and ability to allow me to understand the court process and support me. The outcome was a good one and a fair result and I was given what I had hoped for. I would recommend Morrisons if you are unclear of what to do. I believe their fees are respectable and true to the work they do. I thank Zali and appreciate the service she gave me.
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I had a Cameron Meaney as my solicitor. I can only sing high praises about himself and the team at Morrisons who will get the best possible outcome for you. They are very easy to work with and very friendly staff. I will definitely be recommending anyone who needs a solicitor to call Morrisons.
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Morrison’s was absolutely hands down the best choice for my matter. Graeme made the whole process less daunting and his professionalism was 1st class. I cannot thank him enough for helping me through this trying time. Clearly his knowledge and experience earnt him the respect given to him by the court and he never once let me down at any point. I highly recommend Morrison’s.
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Great legal service from Cameron and the team with an amazing outcome in such a short period of notice to intal court date, would highly recommend for your legal needs and representation
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I had an excellent experience with Annalise at Morrisons criminal and traffix law for my family matter. They were professional, compassionate, and always kept me informed. Their expertise made the process smoother, and I felt supported every step of the way. Highly recommend their services!
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Thank you Zali Kelly for representing me. Zali was very professional and achieved an outstanding result. Forever grateful, thank you.
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Zali was so thorough for my court matter and made me feel at ease when I was stressed. She explained everything clearly when I was confused. I couldn’t recommend her, or this firm, high enough due to their obvious commitment to your cause. Zali won a tough case for me and I couldn’t thank her more.
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Matt Ward and the team at Morrissons have been very professional, understanding and caring throughout the case. Matt communicated and explained every step of the process in a manner we could understand including answering questions and providing any advice we may have required. Nothing was ever an issue. Thanks to Matt and the team at Morrissons. Highly Recommended.
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Very happy with the result Matt achieved at court for me. Kept me informed over the whole process and went in with a clear plan and understanding of the case.

Thanks Matt and the extended team
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Outstanding service. Very reliable, helpful, professional and organised. Cameron was extremely pleasant to deal with. He did a fantastic job getting me the best outcome possible.
Highly recommended.
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Cheers Graham…..for all your help….couldn’t of asked for a better result….
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Highly recommend Cameron 👏
First of all Cameron was very accommodating to the fact we live in Sydney, He went above and beyond to help achieve a great outcome for the case, He was very understanding and explained every detail throughout the entire time.
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Cameron goes above and beyond in helping in legal matters, he is very professional and understanding and informs you about each possible outcome. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal help. Thank you Cameron
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Cameron was very professional across my case, he explained everything along the way to ensure I understood everything. Highly recommend reaching out if your in need of legal advice
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Highly recommend Cameron who helped with our son’s traffic matter in court, he was always easy to contact and very knowledgeable and explained everything so we could understand easily. My son got the best outcome we could of hoped for, once again thank you Cameron and team
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I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the excellent service and support I received during my court case. The team’s professionalism, expertise, and dedication made a significant difference, and I truly appreciate their efforts. Thank you again for all your help—I highly recommend CAMERON MEANEY for anyone in need of reliable legal assistance!
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Thank you Cameron for representing my son. The court process was new to us. We felt very fortunate to have someone as competent and confident as you in our corner. You do a great job. In our matter we got the best outcome we could hope for. Thanks again Cameron.
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Mr Cameron Meaney recently defended me and he and his team were honestly amazing, very easy to work with and explained things very thoroughly throughout the entire process ! The outcome was better than I could have hoped for.
Highly recommend for anyone needing a criminal defence attorney ! Cameron is your man !
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Excellent service and highly professional work.
Thanks to Cameron Meaney who handled my court matter. He is highly skilled and kind to others. Thanks again for the patience and care 🙏
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Excellent service!
Very professional 💯
Thank you
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Cannot thank these guys enough! Cameron really knows what he is doing and will cover all of the bases. A testament to his work ethic and professionalism.
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I first contacted Morrisons in August this year, and I’m glad I did.
From when I made the appointment to the end of the matter , Morrisons showed respect, kindness and professionalism.
The office staff and particularly Analise Ritchie was an absolute pleasure to deal with.
Analise would always return my calls and answer my emails in a timely manner and explain everything in detail.
If anyone needs a great solicitor and Law firm i recommend give Morrisons a call.
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Cameron supported me through court and I had a very good outcome. Very happy would recommend using them.
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I had my court appearance today regarding a driving while suspended offense. Cameron, with his excellent skills, represented me and helped me obtain a Section 10(a) with no conviction, no fines, and no additional suspension period. Before the court, Cameron guided me through the process, helping me prepare character references and complete the Traffic Offenders Program. I 1000% recommend Cameron and the Morrisons team for their professional and outstanding services.
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My experience with Morrisons Law was Reliable, supportive and professional service, I appreciate the work they put into helping me through the stressful and confusing time, making easy to follow through on the court strategy.
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I cant thanks the team enough the understanding and the support is on another level the process easy and the out come was what i have expected thank you guys
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I could not be happier with the outcome of my court case. Cameron Meaney from ‘Morrisons – Criminal and Traffic Law Specialists’ is an outstanding solicitor who handled my case with professionalism, intelligence, empathy, and exceptional skill. The brief Cameron presented to the court on my behalf was so well-crafted that he was commended for it by the magistrate. I would hire Cameron again in a heartbeat.
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One of the best criminal lawyers in Australia
I highly recommend Morrisons.
Graeme morrison is an Exceptional lawyer
Straight to the point down to earth bloke
That I would recommend to all my close friends and family
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Cameron was calm and effective in helping me deal with a rather difficult situation involving traffic law. He went above and beyond to help and even reached out later to check on me. Thanks, Cameron.
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Great advice caring lawyers
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Cameron Meaney from Morisons defended me on a traffic charge. At all times he was professional attentive and informative.
He represented me in court as I was overseas and communicated with me throughout the process. The outcome was in my favour.
I would recommend Cameron and his team highly
Thank you
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Highly recommend!!
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Recently my son had a problem with getting his full licence after contacting so many other firms including legal aide no one was going to help then I contacted Cameron meaney and he has gone above to help us and was very kind and patient with explaining everything to us of what to do we have had a positive outcome and really can’t thank him enough will definetly recommend him thanks again Karen family
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Possibly the best lawyers in the land Mr Morrison is nothing short of the best.
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If you’re reading this review, let it be the last review you read and choose Cameron Meaney at Morrisons as your solicitor. Cameron did not disappoint, he was a clear communicator, thorough throughout my case, professional and also caring. I was extremely stressed through this matter, Cameron was always there to reassure me. I would like to also thank Analise & Matt for their help as well.
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Absolutely the best solicitors I have ever dealt with, especially Matthew Ward. When something has happened to your loved one these people are well worth the money! It’s not cheap but you get what you pay for and my experience so far is they know what they are doing and they do it well!!
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I was highly recommended to Morrisons by a family friend .Now I know why . Not only was Analise Ritchie thorough in her research and outlining what I needed to do .She also takes a personal interest in you and your welfare .
Would not go anywhere else and will advise my friends too.
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The way that my case was handled was amazing. Reassurance was given the whole way. Was given my quote and a reasonable payment plan. Then hand my fee reduced as proceedings were occuring quicker then foreseen and had my bill reduced $
550 without asking for it. I came out with the realistic best case sentence. Got charges combined and reduced. Will use again if need legal help
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Cameron is an outstanding solicitor! His expertise and commitment got me an excellent outcome for my case. I’m incredibly grateful for his exceptional legal representation. Highly recommend Cameron and the team at Morrisons Law
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Drink and Drug Driving FAQs

For a BAC below 0.05, this typically means no more than one standard drink per hour. However, your BAC is influenced by many individual factors: your gender, body weight, recent food intake, fatigue, whether you are a regular drinker, and other medical factors.

Because of these variables, no one can tell you with certainty how many drinks will keep you under the limit. Our guide to how many standard drinks you can have before driving explains the legal risks in more detail. If you are going to drink, the safest approach is not to drive.

Your BAC starts to rise as soon as you begin drinking and can continue to increase for up to two hours after your last drink. Because it is impossible to accurately calculate your own BAC in real time, we advise avoiding driving after any alcohol consumption. The morning-after situation, where a driver feels sober but still has alcohol in their system, is more common than most people realise.

An interlock licence allows a driver to continue driving, after serving the initial disqualification period, for offences such as a mid-range and high-range drink driving, but only in a vehicle fitted with an alcohol interlock device. The device requires a breath sample before the car will start, with random tests required during trips. A camera ensures the driver is the one providing the sample, rather than another person.

A positive initial MDT swab result does not immediately result in a charge. A second oral fluid sample is collected and sent to an accredited laboratory for confirmation. If the lab analysis confirms the presence of a prohibited drug, you will receive either an infringement notice or a court attendance notice, depending on your traffic history and the specific offence.

The most common penalty for drink driving in New South Wales is typically a fine combined with license disqualification. However, the exact punishment may vary based on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and whether it’s a first or repeat offence.

Detection windows vary by substance. THC can be detected in oral fluid for up to 12 hours and in blood for significantly longer depending on frequency of use. Methamphetamine is typically detectable in saliva for up to 48 hours (at a minimum). MDMA is usually detectable for 12 to 24 hours in saliva. These are general guides — individual results vary. Our article on whether you can drive days after taking drugs explains this in detail.

No. NSW law does not provide an exemption for medicinal cannabis patients. It remains an offence to drive with any detectable level of THC in your system, regardless of whether you hold a valid prescription. If you are a medicinal cannabis patient and you drive, you are at risk of a drug driving charge. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice before making any decisions about your case.

Driving with an illicit drug in your system is charged when a prohibited drug is detected through MDT or blood testing. Impairment does not need to be proven — the presence of the substance is sufficient. A DUI (driving under the influence) offence, by contrast, is based on observable impairment. Police can charge you with DUI if they believe your driving ability was impaired by drugs or alcohol, even without a specific BAC reading or positive drug test result.

When determining a sentence, the court will consider a number of factors:

  • Your BAC reading
  • The distance you drove
  • Whether you had passengers in the vehicle
  • What drew police attention, such as an RBT versus a collision
  • The circumstances in which you drove
  • Your criminal and traffic history

The most common penalty for drink driving in NSW is a fine combined with a licence disqualification. The exact outcome depends on your BAC reading and whether it is a first or repeat offence within five years. For first-time low-range offences, some matters are resolved without a court appearance. For mid-range, high-range, and repeat offences, a court appearance is mandatory and the consequences are more serious.

For a complete overview of the current penalty ranges, see the NSW drink and drug driving penalties page on the NSW Government website.

Your rights and future matter to us, and we’re here to help you make informed decisions in all traffic law matters.

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