Drug Driving Lawyers Sydney
Award-winning Sydney law firm recognised every year among the city’s best.
Book your consultation
Call us now on 1800 911 129 or fill out the form below
Drug Driving Lawyers Sydney
Award-winning Sydney law firm recognised every year among the city’s best.
Book your consultation
Call us now on 1800 911 129 or fill out the form below
Accused of drug driving? We’ll fight to protect your licence and clear your name.
Drug Driving Lawyers in Sydney
Being charged with drug driving in New South Wales can lead to licence suspension, fines, and a criminal record. Whether you tested positive for cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, or prescription medication, our experienced team at Best Criminal Lawyers Sydney will help you fight the charge and protect your future.
Understanding Drug Driving Laws in NSW
In NSW, drug driving charges fall under the Road Transport Act 2013. You can be charged for having an illicit drug present in your system while driving, even if you do not appear impaired. The law applies to both illegal and some prescription substances.
Common Drug Driving Charges Include:
Driving with an illicit drug present (THC, MDMA, cocaine, etc.)
Driving under the influence of a drug (DUI)
Refusing or failing a roadside saliva or blood test
Prescription medication driving offences
The roadside saliva test used by NSW Police can detect drug presence days after use — even if you’re no longer affected. This often leads to unfair charges, especially for medicinal cannabis users or people on legal prescriptions.
We Fight to Protect Your Licence
Our lawyers know how to challenge testing procedures, protect your driving record, and get results. We work with toxicologists, examine testing timelines, and present strong submissions in court to minimise the legal impact on your life.
First offence? We may help you avoid a conviction
Repeat offence? We help reduce disqualification periods
Medicinal users? We explore medical defence options
Find out more about the law directly from NSW Road Transport Act 2013 or review relevant case outcomes at Jameson Law – Drug Driving Lawyers.
Facing a drug driving charge in NSW?
Our team defends clients in THC, MDMA and prescription drug cases. We know how to challenge test results and minimise penalties. Let’s get your licence and your life back on track.
Penalties for Drug Driving in NSW
Drug driving offences carry serious consequences — even for first-time offenders. Most charges result in an automatic licence disqualification, fines, and a criminal record unless dealt with properly. Our job is to minimise these outcomes or avoid them altogether.
Possible Penalties Include:
Automatic licence disqualification (3–12 months)
Fines up to $2,200
Possible community service or conditional orders
Criminal record affecting travel and employment
You can view the current penalties on the NSW Government Transport website.
Defending a Drug Driving Charge
We explore every legal avenue to reduce or dismiss your charge. Depending on your case, we may be able to argue:
Inaccurate or delayed test results
Medicinal use with prescription (e.g. legal cannabis)
No evidence of actual driving or vehicle control
Breach of police procedure
Even if you plead guilty, we can present strong submissions for a Section 10 (no conviction) or reduced penalty.
We Help You Move Forward
Drug driving doesn’t have to ruin your future. We help you take proactive steps — like education courses, toxicology reports, or rehab documentation — to show the court that you’re taking the matter seriously.
Our lawyers will explain every stage, appear for you in court, and handle the paperwork so you can focus on getting your life back on track.
Need help now? Talk to our team today.
Learn More About Related Topics
FAQs
Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between DUI and drug driving in NSW?
What is the difference between DUI and drug driving in NSW?
DUI refers to driving under the influence where a person shows clear signs of impairment. Drug driving, however, means you tested positive for a substance like THC or MDMA, even if you weren’t impaired. Learn more on LawAccess NSW.
Can I be charged if I used cannabis days ago?
Yes. The saliva test detects drug presence, not impairment. THC can remain detectable in your system for days. That’s why having a lawyer challenge timing and procedures is essential. See how we help on our Drug Driving Defence page.
What if I was using prescription medication?
If the medication affects your driving, you may still be charged. But we may raise a medical defence if you were legally prescribed and taken as directed. Visit Jameson Law – Drug Driving for more guidance on this defence.
Can I avoid a criminal record for drug driving?
In some cases, yes. Our lawyers can seek a non-conviction outcome under Section 10, especially for first-time offenders. Read about Section 10 here.
How long will I lose my licence for?
It depends on the charge. A first offence typically means 3–6 months disqualification. We may argue to reduce this or apply for exemptions. See more on our Licence Suspension Lawyers page.