Harry RedwoodCriminal defence barrister · Auckland
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Practice area

Drink Driving & Traffic Offences

Drink driving and traffic offences are among the most common criminal charges in New Zealand, but the consequences (including licence disqualification, fines, and in more serious cases, imprisonment) can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life, particularly if you rely on a licence for work.

Harry Redwood is a criminal defence barrister based in Auckland with experience defending clients facing drink driving and traffic-related charges.

Types of charges

  • Driving with excess breath or blood alcohol (EBA/DIC)
  • Refusing to undergo an evidential breath or blood test
  • Driving while disqualified or forbidden
  • Careless or dangerous driving, including causing injury or death
  • Failing to stop or ascertain injury after an accident

Key issues in drink driving cases

Drink driving cases often turn on whether the correct testing procedures were followed by Police. There are specific legal requirements around how breath and blood alcohol tests must be administered, and errors in this process can, in some cases, provide grounds to challenge the charge.

Limited licences and disqualification

If you have been disqualified from driving, or are at risk of losing your licence due to accumulated demerit points, you may be able to apply for a limited licence allowing you to drive for essential purposes such as work. Understanding your eligibility and the application process is an important part of managing the practical impact of a driving conviction.

Why early advice matters

Because many people rely on a driver's licence for employment, understanding your options, including whether the charge itself can be challenged, and what disqualification or limited licence outcomes may apply, is important as early as possible.

Get in touch

If you are facing a drink driving or traffic-related charge, contact Harry for a confidential consultation.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Harry practises exclusively in criminal defence.

Related information

Act early

If you’ve been charged, don’t wait

Early advice can make a critical difference. Request a confidential consultation or call Harry directly.