High-Range Drink Driving Defence at Parramatta Local Court
Jameson Law recently represented a client at Parramatta Local Court charged with high-range drink driving. This case required a detailed and sensitive approach, given the seriousness of the offence and the client’s personal circumstances.
Background and Charges
The client was intercepted during a random breath test, recording a BAC of 0.211, over four times the legal limit for full licence holders in NSW. Officers discovered opened bottles of wine in the vehicle and signs of emotional distress.
She was immediately arrested and charged under Section 110(5) of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), with potential penalties including up to 18 months imprisonment, a $3,300 fine, and a minimum disqualification period of 12 months.
Client Background
The client, a 39-year-old single mother of two, was going through a difficult separation and had no prior criminal history. She was employed part-time and relied heavily on her ability to drive for school runs and essential appointments.
Legal Strategy
Jameson Law adopted a multi-layered defence strategy:
Obtained psychological reports confirming recent emotional instability
Gathered strong character references from school officials and colleagues
Demonstrated commitment to rehabilitation, including voluntary counselling
Presented evidence that no harm was caused and no collision occurred
The solicitor also made early contact with police prosecutors to streamline proceedings and avoid delays.
The Hearing
At Parramatta Local Court, the magistrate acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but was also persuaded by the level of preparation and remorse shown. During sentencing submissions, our solicitor explained the impact a conviction would have on her ability to provide for her children and attend medical appointments.
Our arguments focused on principles of proportionality and rehabilitation, citing NSW case law including *DPP v Parisi [2020]* and *R v Sokolowskyj [2019]* where non-custodial outcomes were applied in similar cases involving exceptional circumstances.
Outcome
The magistrate imposed the following:
6-month licence disqualification
Conditional Release Order (CRO) without conviction
No fine, no criminal record
Final Considerations
This case demonstrates how experienced drink driving lawyers can influence the outcome of serious charges through smart preparation, client advocacy, and a deep understanding of sentencing law in NSW. The outcome was a just and rehabilitative one, allowing our client to move forward and rebuild her life without the burden of a conviction.
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Jameson Law – Drink Driving Defence in NSW
