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I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.
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I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks
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Anastasia Qvist is an outstanding lawyer. My criminal law situation (family violence order) was difficult, complex and Ana's diligence saved me as I was going through the most difficult period of my life. Ana is down to earth, commonsense and she even kept our costs to a minimum. She is a skilled litigator and knows the ins and outs of the ACT Magistrates Court. She dealt skillfully with the DPP and is an excellent negotiator. You will get a fair representation and she genuinely cares about her clients. She has my complete recommendation. The lady goes to bat for her clients.
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I would strongly recommend Anastasia to anyone who is seeking legal representation. As a first-time offender who was charged with a Level 2 Drink Driving offence, she walked me through every step of the matter and was very upfront and clear on all aspects of my case. She was always accessible when I needed advice. Her approach and advice were excellent. Under her representation, I received the best possible outcome and managed to avoid a criminal conviction. She was a pleasure to deal with throughout the whole matter.
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Anastasia Qvist was very professional and helpful in every step of my matter. I got a very good outcome and I can’t thank you enough for your hard work and the Armstrong Legal team in Canberra. I would highly recommend her!!!
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Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.
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Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.
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Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.
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"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."
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This article was written by Michelle Makela - Legal Practice Director
Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (state and federal industrial tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...
Drug Driving Offences
There are two types of drug driving offences in New South Wales. They are driving with the presence of certain drugs in oral fluid, blood or urine; and driving under the influence of a drug. This article will provide details as to the maximum penalties, disqualification periods and sentencing statistics for both drug driving offences.
Drug driving offences: The Presence of Certain Drugs in Oral Fluid, Blood or Urine
Under section 111 of the Road Transport Act 2013, it is an offence for a person to drive or occupy the driver’s seat of a vehicle and attempt to put it in motion with the presence of an illicit drug in the person’s system. It is also an offence for the holder of a full driver’s licence to supervise a learner driver while drugs are present in the full license holder’s system.
This drug driving offence is committed when a person is caught driving with any of the following drugs in their oral fluid (saliva) blood or urine:
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC – found in cannabis),
- Methylamphetamine (also known as speed),
- Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (also known as ecstasy),
- Morphine,
- Cocaine
The maximum penalties for this offence are a fine of $1,100 for a first offence and $2,200 for a second or subsequent offence. The automatic period of disqualification for a first offence is six months and the minimum period of disqualification if you are convicted is 3 months. The automatic period of disqualification for a second or subsequent offence is 12 months and the minimum period of disqualification if you are convicted is 6 months.
Defence
If a person is found driving with morphine in their system, it is a defence if the drug was prescribed by a medical practitioner and taken for medicinal purposes in accordance with the instructions.
Drug driving offences: DUI
It is an offence under section 112 of the Road Transport Act 2013 to drive, occupy the driver’s seat of a vehicle and attempt to put it in motion or supervise a learner driver while under the influence of a drug or a combination of drugs (DUI).
The maximum penalties for the offence of driving under the influence of a drug are a fine of $2,200 or nine months imprisonment for a first offence and $3300 or up to 12 months imprisonment for a second or subsequent offence. The automatic period of disqualification for a first offence is 12 months and the minimum period of disqualification if you are convicted is 6 months. The automatic period of disqualification for a second or subsequent offence is 3 years and the minimum period of disqualification if you are convicted is 12 months.
What is the difference between these two drug driving offences?
In order for a person to be found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs, the person’s driving must actually be affected by the drug or combination of drugs. They must be unable to have proper control of the vehicle, due to the drugs in their system.
In order to be found guilty of driving with the presence of a drug in the oral fluid, blood or urine, a person need only have a drug present in their system at the time of driving. As different drugs stay in a person’s system for different periods of time, the presence of some drugs in a person’s blood or urine may be detected long after the person has ceased to be ‘drug-affected.’
If you require legal advice or representation in relation to drug driving offence or in any other legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
All charges relating to drug possession and self-administering a drug are finalised in the Local Court in New South Wales.…
All drug possession and self administer drug charges will be finalised in the Local Court of New South Wales. However,…
WHERE TO NEXT?
If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.
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