What are the Queensland Penalties for Causing Death Due to DUI?

Queensland's DUI-related accident laws are considered the strictest in Australia. brisbane city, queensland image by manic35 from Fotolia.com

In Queensland, Australia driver under age 21, bus and large-vehicle drivers are driving under the influence (DUI) if they have a blood content (BAC) of .00. All other drivers are subject to a .05 percent BAC limit. If a driver in Queensland causes a death due to DUI, the penalties are significantly higher.

First and Subsequent DUI Offense Penalties

Regardless of fatality, Queensland drivers with a first-tine DUI offense will be subject to heavy fines, an automatic license suspension for 24 hours, a license disqualification for three to nine months and a possible three to nine months jail time. The severity of first-time Queensland DUI penalties is based on the driver's blood alcohol content at the time of the arrest. Subsequent DUI offenses carry harsher penalties, including higher fines, prison sentences up to 18 months and mandatory alcohol education courses.

Criminal Penalties for DUI-Related Death

According to a study completed by the the State of Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland's Criminal Code Act of 1899 stipulates that persons who cause bodily harm or death due to drug- or alcohol-influenced, severe impairment while driving will be imprisoned. The term of prison sentence depends on the magistrate and the circumstances surrounding the death, but sentences can range from 10 to 14 years.

Queensland Law vs. Australian Law

While other Australian states have tough DUI-related accident laws, Queensland is the strictest state in Australia, according to the State of Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. In Western and Northern Australia, the penalty for causing an accident due to DUI-related driving is seven to 10 years, while New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory hold respective prison sentences of seven to 10 years, seven to 14 years, and five to 10 years. However, in South Australia, DUI drivers that cause an accident-related death may be sentenced to as little as seven years or as long as a lifetime, depending on the circumstances of the crime.

References

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: On DWI Laws in Other Countries
• The State of Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads: Drink Driving in Queensland