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Defence for drink driving, drug driving, licence offences, dangerous driving, and all traffic charges across Melbourne and Victoria. Get urgent advice before a police interview or court date.
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Years Criminal Defence Experience
We defend people charged with drink driving, drug driving, suspended driving, careless driving, dangerous driving, refusal offences, and other traffic matters in Victorian courts. Whether you’ve just been charged, have a court date approaching, or need advice before a police interview — Lauren Tye can help.
Lauren Tye is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Supreme Court of South Australia, with training from a leading London criminal law firm. She appears daily in Victorian courts and has personally represented over 500 clients facing traffic and driving charges — from first-offence drink driving to serious dangerous driving matters carrying prison time.
Select your charge below for detailed information on penalties, court process, and how Lauren can help.
Defence for all drink and drug driving charges under s 49 of the Road Safety Act 1986, including low range, mid range, and high range BAC offences. Penalties range from fines and licence cancellation to up to 18 months imprisonment. Defended in Magistrates' Courts across Melbourne.
Defence for dangerous driving under s 64 of the Road Safety Act 1986 and negligent driving charges. Maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and minimum 12-month licence cancellation. Defended in County Court and Magistrates' Courts.
Advice if you've been charged with refusing a preliminary breath test, evidential breath test, or blood/urine sample under s 49(1)(e) of the Road Safety Act 1986. Penalties mirror the highest applicable drink or drug driving offence. Defended in Magistrates' Court.
Representation for careless driving under s 65 of the Road Safety Act 1986, including rear-end collisions, failure to give way, and other common traffic offences. Penalties range from fines to licence suspension. Defended in Magistrates' Courts.
Representation for driving while unlicensed under s 18 or while suspended/disqualified under s 30 of the Road Safety Act 1986. Penalties range from fines to up to 2 years imprisonment for repeat or suspended driving offences. Defended in Magistrates' Court.
Criminal defence for the most serious driving charges, including culpable driving causing death under s 318 of the Crimes Act 1958 (maximum 20 years imprisonment) and dangerous driving causing serious injury. Defended in County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria.
Defence for fail to stop after an accident under s 61 of the Road Safety Act 1986, including hit and run charges. Maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment where injury is involved. Defended in Magistrates' Court.
Legal defence for charges involving failure to render assistance at the scene of an accident under s 61(5) of the Road Safety Act 1986. Maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment. Defended in Magistrates' Court.
Representation for road rule breaches under the Road Safety Act 1986, including red light offences, illegal U-turns, failure to indicate, and other infringement-level matters that escalate to court. Penalties range from fines to licence suspension. Defended in Magistrates' Courts across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Advice and representation for speeding fines, demerit point suspensions, and other minor traffic matters under the Road Safety Act 1986. We challenge penalties, represent at internal review hearings, and defend contested matters in Magistrates' Court.
Assistance with licence restoration applications and alcohol interlock device conditions after a period of disqualification. Applications made under the Road Safety Act 1986 in Magistrates' Courts across Victoria.
Legal representation for vehicle impoundment and forfeiture matters under the Road Safety Act 1986 and the Confiscation Act 1997. We challenge impoundment notices and represent at court hearings to recover your vehicle.
Maximum penalties under Victorian law. Lauren Tye regularly achieves outcomes well below these maximums through careful preparation and strategic advocacy. Contact Lauren for advice specific to your charge.
| Charge | Legislation | Mandatory Licence Loss | Max Penalty | Typical Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING OFFENCES | ||||
| Driving Under the Influence | Road Safety Act s 49(1)(a) | 2 yrs (first); 4 yrs (subseq) | 25 PU / 3 mths (first); 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Drink Driving — Low Range | Road Safety Act s 49(1)(b) | 6–14 months (varies by BAC) | 20 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Drink Driving — High Range | Road Safety Act s 49(1)(f) | 15–48 months (varies by BAC) | 20 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Exceed PCA | Road Safety Act s 49(1)(g) | 6–48 months (varies by BAC) | 20 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Drug Driving | Road Safety Act s 49(1)(ba) | 6 months (first); 12 months (subseq) | 12 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Combined Drink & Drug | Road Safety Act s 49(1)(bc) | 12 months minimum (first) | 30 PU (first); up to 270 PU / 18 mths (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Refuse Breath/Blood/Fluid Test | Road Safety Act s 49(1)(c)(d)(e) | 2 yrs (first); 4 yrs (subseq) | Varies — up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subsequent) | Magistrates' |
| DRIVING AND TRAFFIC OFFENCES | ||||
| Careless Driving | Road Safety Act s 65(1) | Discretionary | 12 PU (first); 25 PU (subsequent) | Magistrates' |
| Improper Use of Motor Vehicle | Road Safety Act s 65A | Discretionary | 5 penalty units | Magistrates' |
| Dangerous Driving | Road Safety Act s 64(2) | 6 mths (12 mths if 45km/h+ over) | 240 PU or 2 yrs; min. 6-mth licence loss | Magistrates' |
| Driving While Suspended/Disqualified | Road Safety Act s 30 | Court Discretion (often 6 mths+) | 240 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment | Magistrates' |
| Driving While Suspended (Fines Reform) | Road Safety Act s 30AA | None (administrative focus) | 10 penalty units | Magistrates' |
| Unlicensed Driving | Road Safety Act s 18(1A) | Discretionary | 60 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment | Magistrates' |
| Refuse to Stop (Police Direction) | Road Safety Act s 64A | 6 months minimum | 60 PU / 6 mths (first); 120 PU / 12 mths (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Negligent Driving (Serious Injury) | Road Safety Act s 65 | Discretionary | 12 months imprisonment (Note: See s 64) | Magistrates' |
| Fail to Stop — Property Damage | Road Safety Act s 61 | Discretionary | 5 PU / 14 days (first); 10 PU / 1 month (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Fail to Stop — Person Injured | Road Safety Act s 61 | Discretionary | 80 PU / 8 mths (first); 240 PU / 2 yrs (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Fail to Report — Person Injured | Road Safety Act s 61 | Discretionary | 80 PU / 8 mths (first); 240 PU / 2 yrs (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Fail to Report — Property Damage | Road Safety Act s 61 | Discretionary | 5 PU / 14 days (first); 10 PU / 1 month (subseq) | Magistrates' |
| Failure to Nominate Driver | Road Safety Act s 60 | Discretionary | 20 PU or 4 months (serious); 20 PU or 2 months | Magistrates' |
| Bypass/Interfere with Interlock | Road Safety Act s 50AAK | Cancellation of Interlock Trial | Penalties as prescribed under the Act | Magistrates' |
| SERIOUS AND INDICTABLE DRIVING CHARGES | ||||
| Fail to Stop — Death/Serious Injury | Road Safety Act s 61(3) | 2 yrs (non-conv); 4 yrs (conv) | 10 years imprisonment (indictable) | County Court |
| Fail to Render Assistance | Road Safety Act s 61(3) | 2 yrs (non-conv); 4 yrs (conv) | 10 years imprisonment (indictable) | County Court |
| Dangerous Driving (Serious Injury) | Crimes Act s 319(1A) | 18 months minimum | 5 years imprisonment | County Court |
| Dangerous Driving (Death) | Crimes Act s 319(1) | 18 months minimum | 10 years imprisonment | County Court |
| Dangerous/Negligent (Police Pursuit) | Crimes Act s 319AA | 2 years minimum | 3 years imprisonment | Magistrates' |
| Culpable Driving Causing Death | Crimes Act s 318 | Minimum 2 years (usually 5+) | 20 years imprisonment | County/Supreme |
| OTHER VEHICLE OFFENCES | ||||
| Fraudulent Use of Documents/ID | Road Safety Act s 72 | Discretionary | 10 PU or 2 months; 60 PU or 6 months (ID) | Magistrates' |
| Alter/Deface/Place Engine Number | Road Safety Act s 73 | Discretionary | 10 penalty units or 2 months imprisonment | Magistrates' |
| Tampering With Motor Vehicle | Road Safety Act s 70(1) | Discretionary | 2 PU / 14 days; 25 PU (specific equipment) | Magistrates' |
| Obstruct Road Safety Camera | Road Safety Act s 73A | Discretionary | 60 penalty units | Magistrates' |
Road Safety Act s 49(1)(a)
2 yrs (first); 4 yrs (subseq)
25 PU / 3 mths (first); 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 49(1)(b)
6–14 months (varies by BAC)
20 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 49(1)(f)
15–48 months (varies by BAC)
20 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 49(1)(g)
6–48 months (varies by BAC)
20 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 49(1)(ba)
6 months (first); 12 months (subseq)
12 PU (first); up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 49(1)(bc)
12 months minimum (first)
30 PU (first); up to 270 PU / 18 mths (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 49(1)(c)(d)(e)
2 yrs (first); 4 yrs (subseq)
Varies — up to 180 PU / 18 mths (subsequent)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 65(1)
Discretionary
12 PU (first); 25 PU (subsequent)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 65A
Discretionary
5 penalty units
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 64(2)
6 mths (12 mths if 45km/h+ over)
240 PU or 2 yrs; min. 6-mth licence loss
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 30
Court Discretion (often 6 mths+)
240 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 30AA
None (administrative focus)
10 penalty units
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 18(1A)
Discretionary
60 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 64A
6 months minimum
60 PU / 6 mths (first); 120 PU / 12 mths (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 65
Discretionary
12 months imprisonment (Note: See s 64)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 61
Discretionary
5 PU / 14 days (first); 10 PU / 1 month (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 61
Discretionary
80 PU / 8 mths (first); 240 PU / 2 yrs (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 61
Discretionary
80 PU / 8 mths (first); 240 PU / 2 yrs (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 61
Discretionary
5 PU / 14 days (first); 10 PU / 1 month (subseq)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 60
Discretionary
20 PU or 4 months (serious); 20 PU or 2 months
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 50AAK
Cancellation of Interlock Trial
Penalties as prescribed under the Act
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 61(3)
2 yrs (non-conv); 4 yrs (conv)
10 years imprisonment (indictable)
County Court
Road Safety Act s 61(3)
2 yrs (non-conv); 4 yrs (conv)
10 years imprisonment (indictable)
County Court
Crimes Act s 319(1A)
18 months minimum
5 years imprisonment
County Court
Crimes Act s 319(1)
18 months minimum
10 years imprisonment
County Court
Crimes Act s 319AA
2 years minimum
3 years imprisonment
Magistrates'
Crimes Act s 318
Minimum 2 years (usually 5+)
20 years imprisonment
County/Supreme
Road Safety Act s 72
Discretionary
10 PU or 2 months; 60 PU or 6 months (ID)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 73
Discretionary
10 penalty units or 2 months imprisonment
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 70(1)
Discretionary
2 PU / 14 days; 25 PU (specific equipment)
Magistrates'
Road Safety Act s 73A
Discretionary
60 penalty units
Magistrates'
Note: Excessive speed (25+ km/h over the limit or 130+ km/h) triggers mandatory court suspension or disqualification under s 28(1)(a) and Schedule 5 of the Road Safety Act 1986. Vehicle impoundment, immobilisation, and forfeiture consequences for relevant offences are set out in Part 6A of the Act.
How Lauren Tye has defended real clients facing traffic charges in Victorian courts.
Our client, a professional with no prior criminal history, was charged with mid-range drink driving after returning a BAC of 0.102 at a random breath test in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. They faced a mandatory licence cancellation of at least 12 months, a potential criminal conviction, and the installation of an alcohol interlock device — consequences that would have severely impacted their career and family responsibilities.
Lauren Tye personally reviewed the police brief, identified mitigating circumstances, and prepared a comprehensive plea submission for Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. The submission included character references, evidence of our client’s immediate steps toward rehabilitation, and a detailed outline of the exceptional hardship a standard penalty would cause.
The Magistrate accepted Lauren’s submissions in full. Our client received a significantly reduced licence cancellation period, avoided a conviction being recorded, and was able to continue working without interruption. The outcome reflected the careful preparation and strategic advocacy that Lauren brings to every drink driving matter.
Our client was charged with serious traffic offences after an incident on a major Melbourne road. Police alleged dangerous driving and failing to stop, with the matter listed for a contested hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. If convicted, our client faced imprisonment, a lengthy licence disqualification, and a permanent criminal record.
Lauren Tye obtained the full police brief and conducted a detailed review of every piece of evidence — including CCTV footage, witness statements, and the police informant’s notes. Lauren identified critical inconsistencies between the CCTV evidence and the version of events outlined in the witness statements. She prepared written submissions to the prosecution highlighting these evidentiary issues and arguing that the charges could not be sustained.
Following Lauren’s representations, the prosecution agreed to withdraw all charges prior to the hearing date. Our client walked away with no conviction, no penalty, and no criminal record. This case demonstrates the value of thorough evidence review and early, strategic engagement with the prosecution.
Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
If you have been charged with a traffic offence in Victoria, what you do before a police interview or first court date can affect your licence, your criminal record, and the outcome of your case. These are the first steps Lauren Tye recommends.
You have the right to silence and the right to a lawyer before any police interview. Anything you say can be used as evidence. Contact Lauren before answering any questions.
Character references, employment records, medical evidence, and proof of rehabilitation steps can all strengthen your case. Lauren will advise you on exactly what to gather.
Traffic charges are criminal matters. They require a lawyer who understands criminal court procedure, evidence law, and sentencing in Victoria. Lauren Tye is available 24/7 on 0451 877 714.
Early legal advice can help you avoid unnecessary admissions, protect your licence, and prepare properly for court.
Police issue a charge notice or arrest you for a traffic or driving offence. You may receive a court date or summons. This is often stressful and confusing — but it is the starting point for building your defence.
Contact Lauren Tye Legal immediately for urgent advice. We're available around the clock — including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Lauren personally reviews your charge, the evidence, and the police brief. She builds a tailored defence strategy based on the specifics of your case.
Lauren appears with you at Melbourne Magistrates' Court, the County Court, or whichever jurisdiction your matter is listed in. Strong, strategic advocacy at every appearance.
Lauren fights for the best possible result — whether that's charges withdrawn, penalties reduced, a licence saved, or a conviction avoided.
Available 24/7 including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Direct access to your lawyer, not a call centre or junior associate.
Call Lauren directly on nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Melbourne Magistrates' Court, County Court, Supreme Court, and regional Victoria.
Your initial consultation is free. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Will a traffic offence give you a criminal record in Victoria?
Yes — many traffic offences in Victoria are criminal charges, not just infringements. A conviction for drink driving, drug driving, dangerous driving, or careless driving results in a criminal record unless the court makes a diversion order or dismisses the charge without recording a conviction. Lauren Tye prepares specific submissions aimed at avoiding a conviction wherever circumstances allow.
Can a traffic charge affect your licence?
What court deals with traffic offences in Victoria?
When should you contact a traffic offence lawyer?
This information is general only and not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, contact Lauren directly.
Victoria has a multi-tiered court system with over 51 Magistrates’ Court locations across the state. Most traffic and driving charges — including drink driving, drug driving, careless driving, and unlicensed driving — are heard in the Magistrates’ Court closest to where the offence occurred or where the accused lives. More serious charges such as dangerous driving causing serious injury or culpable driving causing death may be heard in the County Court or the Supreme Court of Victoria. Lauren Tye appears in all three court levels and regularly represents clients at Magistrates’ Courts across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Lauren Tye appears in Magistrates’ Courts, the County Court, and the Supreme Court of Victoria for traffic and driving matters.
