Guilty Your Honour: representing yourself in NSW Local Courts when charged with drink driving
by Helen Walsh.
3rd edition, Walsh Publishing, 2006.
A practical guide to defending a drink driving charge. Examines the offence and penalties, whether to plead guilty, whether to get a lawyer, how to prepare for court, and what happens on the day of court.
Copies of this book are also available in the Tool Kit at your local public library.
Introduction
Information about representing yourself in NSW Local Courts when charged with drink driving.
The offence
Explains the five most common charges: high range PCA, mid range PCA, low range PCA, special range PCA and novice range PCA. Common penalties such as fines, bond, community service, imprisonment or disqualification periods.
Should I plead guilty?
Checklist to help you decide if it is appropriate to plead guilty to a drink driving charge.
Do I need a lawyer?
Information about when you should consult a lawyer.
Preparing for court
Information about obtaining character references, preparing submissions, and a description of drink driving programs.
The day of court
Checklist for preparing for court, covers what to call the magistrate, entering a plea, reading the facts and prior record, making a submission, and adjournments.
The penalty
This section covers understanding the penalty, negotiating time to pay, how to appeal and consquences of disqualification.
Some additional matters
This section covers programs for drink drivers, explains the interlock program as well as a warning about arguing with the magistrate, driving whilst disqualified, insurance, renewing your licence and habitual traffic offenders.
Penalty chart
Penalty chart for offences under the following NSW Acts: NSW Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999, NSW Road Transport (General) Act 2005, NSW Road Transport (Driver Licence) Act 1998.
Copyright © Third Edition Helen Walsh.
Material reproduced from Guilty Your Honour: Representing yourself in New South Wales Local Courts when charged with drink driving, 3rd edition, published by Walsh Publishing, Lismore Australia. Reproduced with permission.
