A low level matter on the Gold Coast
In this Southport low range drink driving case study, Joshua Boorman appeared at Southport Magistrates Court on what he describes as quite a low level drink driving offence. The reading was 0.064, and it was the client’s first offence.
A family holiday
In January, the client was travelling up to Noosa with his family. He had three drinks between midday and 3 pm, took a two-hour break, then went to dinner and had two more drinks. He was driving back to his accommodation when he was pulled over for a random breath test and returned a positive reading of 0.064.
Moving the matter to Southport
Because the offence happened at Noosa, the matter was first listed at Noosa Magistrates Court. Joshua had it transferred to Southport, because the client lives interstate and it was easier for him to get to Southport.
Preparing for court in this Southport low range drink driving case study
Joshua points to the low reading and the client’s very good record. The client also completed the Traffic Offenders Program and provided strong letters. Joshua says the case was presented well, and the magistrate was very receptive to the submissions that this was clearly a mistake and a very out-of-character decision.
The outcome
Joshua pushed for the minimum, which he describes as one month, and the court agreed. The client received:
- the minimum disqualification of 1 month;
- a $350 fine; and
- no conviction recorded.
Joshua says he could not have got a better outcome.
No work licence option
Joshua explains that the client would otherwise have wanted to apply for a work licence, but was ineligible because he held an interstate driver licence. Instead, he planned to take his month off the road during some Easter leave, so it would not affect his work.
Joshua describes him as a very happy man who can move forward knowing that a one-off mistake will not cause significant fallout for his job or his family.
What this case shows
For a low first offence, preparation can help reach the minimum disqualification and a no-conviction outcome. A matter can also sometimes be transferred to a more convenient court. Work licence eligibility depends on the person’s licence and circumstances, so it is worth checking early. Every case is different.
Key general information (QLD)
General information only, not legal advice, as at October 2026. Every case turns on its own facts.
- Drink driving offences: In Queensland, drink driving offences are set out in the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld).
- The broad penalty picture: TMR describes a 24-hour suspension where the reading is under 0.10, and an immediate suspension, lasting until the charge is dealt with, for mid and high range charges and some other situations.
- Sentencing and convictions: Alongside the disqualification set under the road transport laws, the general sentencing law in Queensland is the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld).
- Work licences: Queensland has a “restricted licence”, commonly called a work licence, under section 87 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
- The court process: Drink and drug driving charges in Queensland are dealt with in the Magistrates Court.
Further reading and related videos
Boorman Lawyers has more on appearing at Southport, no-conviction outcomes for drink driving in Queensland and Queensland work licences. Its Gold Coast site covers drink driving matters on the Gold Coast.
On this site, see a Southport high range case and a Atherton low range case, or browse all Queensland and drink driving videos.
For people who are preparing to plead guilty without a lawyer, DIY DUI’s guide to drink and drug driving charges at Southport covers the local court and plea process. (DIY DUI is a self-help program for people preparing their own guilty plea. It is not legal representation and is not part of Boorman Lawyers.)
