Boorman Lawyers provides expert legal defense for drug driving charges across the Gold Coast, including roadside testing issues and prescription medication defenses.
Drug driving charges can arise from both illegal drugs and prescription medications. Even trace amounts can lead to serious penalties including licence disqualification and criminal conviction.
Queensland has a zero-tolerance approach to drug driving. Unlike drink driving, there are no safe limits for driving with drugs in your system. Any detectable presence of certain drugs can result in charges, regardless of whether your driving ability is actually impaired.
Drug driving occurs when you drive with any relevant drug present in your saliva or blood. The law applies to both illegal drugs and some prescription medications, making it a complex area requiring expert legal knowledge.
Understanding the roadside drug testing process is crucial for identifying potential defenses and procedural issues.
Police can randomly stop drivers for drug testing or test after traffic violations.
Driver provides saliva sample using testing device operated by police.
Initial test provides indicative result within minutes at roadside.
If positive, second sample sent to laboratory for confirmation analysis.
Many people are surprised to learn that some prescription medications can lead to drug driving charges. This is a complex area of law that requires careful legal analysis.
Work licences may be available for first-time drug driving offenders, but the application process is more complex than for drink driving cases.
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