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Drug Driving Lawyers Sydney

Sydney's Leading Drug Driving Lawyers

NSW legislation imposes stringent penalties for drug-affected driving, ranging from first-time offences to serious repeat infractions. The legal consequences can be severe and far-reaching.

If you’re facing drug driving charges in Sydney, the complexities of the legal system can be overwhelming. At Repute Law, our specialist drug driving lawyers offer expert guidance and robust defence strategies for residents navigating these challenging circumstances.

With our extensive experience and in-depth understanding of NSW drug driving laws, we’re committed to protecting your rights, preserving your driving privileges, and safeguarding your future. Contact Repute Law today for a confidential consultation and personalised legal advice.

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Principal & Founder

Drug driving offences

Drug driving offences can be laid if you drive with the presence of any illegal or illicit drug in your system. They can lead to a loss of licence. Police can charge you with a drug driving offence if a roadside drug test detects illegal drugs in your system. There is no requirement that your driving is impaired by the consumption of drugs. 

Repute Law lawyers have successfully defended clients facing a range of drug driving charges. Our expert knowledge has saved thousands of drivers from disqualification as well. With a track record of successful outcomes, you can be sure you’re getting the best legal advice.

In addition to support for drug driving charges, we offer fixed fee legal services for the following traffic charges:


If you’re looking for legal representation in your drug driving charge, you can trust the team at Repute Law to defend your rights in Court. We invite you to contact us today at 1800 888 228 to speak with a Senior Drug Driving Lawyer in Sydney.

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Proven Results

30,000 Criminal Cases experience

SUCCESSFUL REPUTATION

A team made up of only Senior Criminal Defence Lawyers

We are very different

Typically, traditional law firms have expensive offices, layer upon layer of partners and associates, not to mention company cars and lots of long lunches. Guess who pays for all of that? Yes, you do—the client. At Repute Law, we think this approach is just plain wrong, so we take an entirely new approach. We truly value our clients, and we keep all our company expenditures as low as possible so that your money is spent on what it needs to be spent on—the best Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer and legal advice to get you the best outcome.

If you have been charged with a drug driving offence, you know we will look after you in every way possible, both legally and financially.

Insider Knowledge

Former Prosecutors on Your Side

The serious impact of your charge

A drug driving offence is a serious matter. If convicted, you will be disqualified from driving. You may be fined or even be given a community corrections order or intensive correction order. For serious traffic offences involving drugs, you can also go to prison. A conviction can also have far-reaching consequences beyond your sentence, such as job opportunities, job retention, travel visas, and or residency visas.

Therefore, if you are charged with a drug driving offence, you must seek expert legal advice at the earliest possible opportunity. The sooner you involve a specialist drug driving lawyer, the more likely you are to get a favourable result in your case.

Unlike a DUI (driving under the influence) charge, the prosecution isn´t required to prove that having the drug in your system caused you to drive less safely. This is a strict liability offence. A conviction can be secured if you simply had the drug in your saliva or blood, regardless of whether you were affected by the drug, did not or did intentionally consume the drug, or if it was prescribed by a doctor.

We don’t engage inexperienced junior lawyers

We only assign senior criminal defence lawyers—never juniors. Your case demands expertise, and we leave nothing to chance.

Why is Addressing Addiction Important?

For many, drug charges stem from deeper issues like addiction. Addressing these issues is not only important for your legal case but also for your overall well-being.

The Role of Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about reclaiming your life. Engaging in rehab can also demonstrate to the court that you’re serious about making positive changes.

Our Commitment to You

We understand that your case is unique. That’s why we tailor our defence strategy to your specific circumstances, prioritising both your legal defence and your recovery journey.

Insider Knowledge

Former Prosecutors on Your Side

Where to Find Help

Need help with addiction? There are plenty of resources in NSW:

Speak With A Lawyer

If you're looking for a senior criminal lawyer with 20+ years experience handling cases like yours, book your consultation today. It costs nothing to know where you stand with the law.
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Why Choose Repute Law?

Being charged with a drug driving offence can be a frightening experience, but Repute Law can help you. We believe that every one of our clients deserves the same level of service and expertise. If you instruct us, your case will be handled by a Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer. There is a lot at stake, so you need an experienced legal expert specialising in drug driving offences.

Fixed Fees

We also believe in offering a fixed fee service, so there is certainty in the cost of the legal work we provide for you and transparency—no unexpected hidden fees or bias costs based on your occupation or postcode. Our Senior Criminal Defence Lawyers conduct our consultations either in person at one of our prestigious office locations in the city, or via Zoom from the convenience of your home or office (with a support person/s of your choice, if so required), with no time off work is required to attend your solicitor meetings.

Deep Knowledge of Drug Laws

Our lawyers are experts in NSW drug laws, including the intricacies of the Misuse and Trafficking Act. We’re also well-versed in sentencing guidelines and alternative programs that could benefit your case.

You’re never assigned an inexperienced or junior lawyer, only a Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer

We go above and beyond to ensure you will get the care and attention you deserve. As well as always being assigned a Senior Criminal Defence Lawyers, never an inexperienced or junior lawyer, every Repute Law client is supported by being assigned their own designated Case Concierge, which is unique to Repute Law. The Case Concierge will monitor your case and give you regular updates by phone, text, and email so you’re never left in the dark wondering what is happening. The Case Concierge will also regularly check in with you to make sure you are kept up to date with everything.

Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer

If your case goes to court, your Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer and Repute Law Case Concierge will ensure you are Court Ready. This is a unique process created by Repute Law to ensure our clients know what to expect and how to behave in court.

At Repute Law, we have Senior Criminal Defence Lawyers who specialise in drug driving offences, including:
- Driving with a relevant drug in the blood or saliva. Relevant drugs are THC (cannabis), MDMA (ecstasy) and methylamphetamine (meth, ice, speed)
- Driving under the influence of a drug
- Refusal or failure to undergo a drug test
- Failure to provide a blood or urine sample or change the result of the drug in the blood before testing
- Failure to provide blood or urine sample by a driver involved in a fatal accident

Meet Our Sydney Drug Driving Lawyers

At Repute Law, we specialise exclusively in criminal and traffic law and are recognised as go-to experts in the field. Boasting a team of senior drug driving lawyers, we are a powerhouse of knowledge and experience who will guide you through the complex criminal justice system.

Michael Gleeson

Principal & Founder

Michael Gleeson, founder of Repute Law, is a renowned criminal lawyer with over 30 years of experience. He has handled thousands of cases, from minor offences to major crimes, passionately defending clients' rights and providing expert legal representation across Australia.

Tania Russo

Senior Lawyer & Practice Manager

Tania Russo, admitted as a Solicitor in 2001, is a dedicated lawyer known for providing compassionate, unbiased legal representation. With a background in assisting death row inmates and a strong commitment to fairness, she champions inclusion and respect while achieving optimal outcomes for her clients.

Client Testimonials

To say it was a relief is an understatement

I found myself in a situation I never imagined. I left a message through the website and on a Sunday I had already spoken to Michael who took my case on. To say it was a relief is an understatement. Michael was extremely thorough and Melissa helped me pull materials together. I cannot recommend this team enough. They were there for my whole journey and I couldn’t have done it without Michael and his team. They are the best!
– Emelie

You want the best of the best

I always felt safe and confident when Michael represented me in court as he is experienced and respected in the legal system. I had numerous driving offences and drug issues but Michael’s expertise cleared my charges and enabled me to go to rehab. You want the best of the best – then go to Michael and his team.
– Deanna

Michael’s experience and professional service got the best outcomes

Michael Gleeson represented my son after he got himself into lots of trouble with the law. Michael’s experience and professional service got the best outcomes for many of my son’s charges such as not losing his license, he had many charges dropped and he avoided prison time. I would recommend Michael Gleeson to anyone.
– Joe

Michael’s years of experience and professionalism gave my son the best outcomes

Michael Gleeson represented our son who at 24 had never been in trouble with the law, got himself into all sorts of trouble since falling into a cycle of drugs. This was extremely stressful for family. Michael’s years of experience and professionalism gave my son the best outcomes throughout his many visits to courtroom. I am glad he was recommended to us and I could not recommend him and his team highly enough.
– Connie

I appreciate my new start in life you achieved for me

Thank you so much Michael, your expertise, knowledge and professionalism kept me out of jail for which I’m grateful to you and your firm to this very day. I knew I was in good hands from our first meeting. I appreciate my new start in life you achieved for me. Thanks for your diligent work and caring
– Peter

The team at Repute Law were amazing!

The team at Repute Law were amazing! The communication, time they spent and the result were all fantastic! I got an incredibly good result, it literally couldn’t have been better and I am so grateful for Michael and the team there for achieving the result they did. They were empathetic and straight forward and provided me with everything I needed. Thanks again!
– Nicholas

Drug Driving FAQ's

A drug driving offence is driving a motor vehicle with the presence of an illegal substance in the blood, saliva or urine. Being caught by the police driving with drugs like cannabis, ecstasy or MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine being detected in your saliva or blood may lead to a drug driving conviction.

If you are convicted of a drug driving offence, you will lose your licence and also incur other penalties such as fines or, in a serious case, imprisonment. There’s a chance you may incur other consequences, including the loss of your job or the inability to travel overseas to certain countries.
The best way to contest a drug driving charge is to contact the professionals at Repute Law. Our Senior Drug Driving Lawyers in Sydney can fight for your rights and defend your reputation in a Court of law. Call us today to learn more.
Any conviction received by the Court remains on your permanent criminal record. After ten years and no further similar offences, it will be spent. Call Repute Law today to learn more.

You may continue driving after receiving a drug driving charge — unless the police serve you with an immediate suspension order. Unless and until you are convicted in a Court of law, you may be able to maintain your privilege to drive. 

There are circumstances in which the Court may not proceed to conviction. This would generally arise from a charge stemming from a routine interception with no allegation of adverse driving and with the accused having a good driving record. Also, there is a compelling need for a licence so it can be demonstrated to the Court that a conviction and loss of licence is not warranted or required and would be out of proportion to the offending.

A conviction for drug driving requires the police to prove you drove a vehicle with the presence of drugs in your system. This is determined in the firs instance by a roadside drug test involving you giving a saliva sample on a swab. Your driving does not need to be impaired; rather, it is enough just to have the drug in your system.

Diving under the influence of drugs (DUI) is a more serious offence and occurs when a person uses or attempts to use a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of drugs. This may be established by the observations of police or other witnesses as to a person’s driving, appearance, conduct, speech, mannerisms such as walking and steadiness, or any other aspect of their behaviour. In certain cases, such as after an accident, blood and urine tests may be taken to determine if you are affected by drugs.

Let our Senior Drug Driving Lawyers in Sydney help you and determine if there are any possible defences, technical or otherwise to your charges and what may be done to avoid a conviction or loss of licence.

The penalties for a drug driving offence depend on the circumstances of your offence, dangers to other road users, your prior criminal history and whether this is a first offence. The Court must also give a sentencing discount of up to 25% if you plead guilty.
Senior Drug Driving Lawyers can represent your best interests after you receive a criminal charge. Not only can they fight for your rights and reputation, but they can also help you avoid steeper penalties and potentially life-changing consequences. Call Repute Law to connect with a Senior Defence Lawyer.
You should immediately contact Repute Law so we can ensure that this is addressed. A wrong drug driving charge is a serious matter, and you need an experienced lawyer to ensure that the case is dismissed and if appropriate make an application to have the police pay for your legal costs. You can call Repute Law’s legal hotline at 1800 888 228 to defend yourself from a wrongful drug driving charge.

Firstly, you should only plead guilty if you accept your culpability for the offence and agree with the police summary of what happened. If you do plead guilty, the Court will hear an outline of your case from the police, and then they will hear from your lawyer.

In an appropriate case, a plea of guilty can give a sentencing discount of up to 25%, which is a significant reduction. You should not plead guilty without first obtaining legal advice. If you decide to plead guilty to a drug driving charge, you may be sentenced immediately in which case it is imperative to have your lawyer at the ready to make persuasive submissions to further lessen your penalty or fine. It’s important to discuss the options available to you with a trained Senior Drug Driving Lawyer from Repute Law.

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