DUI Defence When It Matters Most
How many drink-driving lawyers are there in New Zealand?
We list 30 lawyers who name "Criminal" as an area of practice on the New Zealand Law Society register, read in September 2026. The register has no separate drink-driving area; it sits under Criminal. Most are in Auckland (12), Wellington (6) and Bay of Plenty (3).
How do I check a drink-driving lawyer?
Every practising lawyer in New Zealand must hold a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society. Search the Law Society's Find a Lawyer page, or open a profile here: each links to the lawyer's register entry and shows the certificate type and expiry date as we last read them. The Law Society does not accredit specialisations.
Coverage: we hold 1,322 of about 19,126 register entries (roughly 7%), so these are our counts, not the size of the profession. Practice areas are self-selected by each lawyer and indicate the work they are willing to take on. The New Zealand Law Society does not accredit areas of practice.
Charged with Drink Driving? Here's What You Need to Know
Quick Answer: DUI lawyers cost $3,000-8,000 for first offenses, $5,000-15,000 for repeats. Legal limit: 250mcg breath/50mg blood. Penalties include fines, license suspension, possible prison. Professional defence can significantly reduce consequences.
You Need a Lawyer:
- • Any drink driving charge
- • License at risk
- • Second+ offense
- • High reading
- • Professional driver
What It Costs:
- • First offense: $3,000-8,000
- • Repeat offense: $5,000-15,000
- • Hourly: $350-650
- • License appeal: $2,000-5,000
Possible Penalties:
- • 6+ months disqualification
- • Fines: $4,500-$20,000+
- • Prison: up to 5+ years
- • Criminal record
How Lawyers Help:
- • Challenge evidence
- • Negotiate charges
- • Minimize penalties
- • Protect your license
- • Court representation
NZ Alcohol Limits
Drivers 20+ Years:
- • Breath: 250 micrograms/litre
- • Blood: 50 milligrams/100ml
- • About 2 standard drinks
Under 20 (Zero Tolerance):
- • Breath: 0 micrograms/litre
- • Blood: 0 milligrams/100ml
- • Any alcohol = offense
DUI Defence Services
Comprehensive legal defence for all drink driving matters in New Zealand
Drink Driving Defence
Expert defence against all drink driving charges, from excess breath/blood alcohol to driving while intoxicated.
Court Representation
Professional court appearances and advocacy to achieve the best outcome available in your case.
License Appeals
Legal assistance to appeal license suspensions and minimize disqualification periods.
Evidence Challenges
Scrutinizing police procedures, breathalyzer calibration, and blood test handling for defence opportunities.
Charge Negotiation
Negotiating with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or achieve more favorable sentencing.
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🚗 Get Free Case AssessmentComplete Guide to DUI Law in New Zealand
A drink driving charge is a serious matter with significant consequences for your driving privileges, employment, and personal life. Our experienced DUI lawyers understand the complexities of New Zealand traffic law and can help minimize the impact on your life.
Understanding DUI Offenses
- Excess Breath Alcohol: Breath reading over 250mcg/L
- Excess Blood Alcohol: Blood test over 50mg/100ml
- Driving While Intoxicated: Impaired driving regardless of reading
- Refusing Tests: Refusing breath or blood tests
- Zero Alcohol (Under 20): Any detectable alcohol
How DUI Lawyers Can Help
- Challenge breathalyzer or blood test procedures
- Question police procedure compliance
- Negotiate reduced charges where possible
- Present mitigating factors to minimize sentencing
- Appeal license disqualifications
- Protect professional driving licenses
Related Legal Services
- Criminal Law - comprehensive criminal defence
DUI Lawyers by Location
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