If you Police find you drink driving with a blood alcohol
reading over the prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) limits,
they'll generally issue you with a penalty notice, or a
Court Attendance Notice. These have a date to
attend the Local Court. Police may also immediately suspend your
licence until your court date.
When police charge you with drink driving, there are two options
available in Court:
Pleading 'not guilty'
If you plead not guilty, the court will set down a date for
Hearing. At the Hearing, the Magistrate will consider evidence from
you and the prosecution to determine the case. The Court will then
deliver a verdict of 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.
If you are found 'not guilty', your charge is dismissed
and your matter is concluded. You will not have a licence
disqualification, criminal record, or fine. If your licence was
suspended at the time you were charged, you can resume driving.
