Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in Austria

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English
Kanzlei Mag. Alexander Lirk, Mag. Florian Möstl Ges.b.R. is a Braunau am Inn based law firm in Austria that serves both private clients and businesses with careful legal guidance across a broad spectrum of matters. The two attorneys bring long standing experience in Austrian law and regularly...

Founded in 2004
2 people in their team
English
Mag. Karin Leitner is a sole practitioner attorney based in Leoben, Austria, offering extensive experience in both civil and criminal matters. She began practicing as an independent attorney in 2004 and, after acquiring the long standing law firm of Dr. Diethard Kallab in 2005, continued to grow...

English
Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Kathrein & Schmidhammer, located in the heart of Innsbruck, Austria, is a distinguished legal practice offering comprehensive services across Austrian criminal, private, and public law. The firm is led by experienced attorneys MMag. Eva Kathrein, Dr. Bernd Schmidhammer, and...

1 person in their team
English
Dr. Şelale Hale Kaçar is a Salzburg-based lawyer with concentrated expertise in insolvency and criminal law while also advising on family, contract and civil law matters. She provides personal representation in both judicial and extrajudicial proceedings and offers services in Turkish in addition...
Mag. Paul Wolf
Vienna, Austria

1 person in their team
English
Mag. Paul Wolf is an Austrian attorney based in Klagenfurt who provides civil and criminal legal services with a focus on employment law, construction law, family law, patient rights and criminal defence. He represents private clients and businesses in disputes, contract matters and regulatory...

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
German
English
Efficient & EffectiveOur law firm is a service company that adapts to the needs of our clients and offers optimal services in those legal areas that are important in everyday private and business life. Creativity combined with competence and goal orientation characterize our actions.In a...
KAIBLINGER Rechtsanwalts GmbH
Gunskirchen, Austria

Founded in 2019
8 people in their team
English
KAIBLINGER Rechtsanwalts GmbH is a well established Austrian law firm based in Gunskirchen, Oberosterreich, specializing in real estate, corporate and commercial matters, civil disputes and criminal defense. The practice combines deep technical knowledge with practical problem solving, drawing on...
Hartberg, Austria

Founded in 1778
English
Kulac & Carli Rechtsanwälte is a Hartberg based law firm with a lineage dating back to 1778. Led since 2014 by Mag. Selma Mauerhofer-Kulac, the firm blends a long tradition with contemporary legal practice to deliver reliable, client-focused representation across a broad range of matters. The team...
RECHTSATELIER Proxauf
Innsbruck, Austria

English
RECHTSATELIER Proxauf, officially known as Schmidinger-Singer Meyer Zeilinger Rechtsanwälte GmbH, is a distinguished law firm based in Innsbruck, Austria. The firm offers comprehensive legal services to both private individuals and businesses, positioning itself as an outsourced legal department...
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About Drunk Driving Law in Austria

Drunk driving, known as "Alkoholisierung" in German, is a serious offense in Austria. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is set at 0.5 mg/ml (0.05%). For novice drivers with less than two years of driving experience and professional drivers, the BAC limit is 0.1 mg/ml (0.01%). Strict penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment, underscore the country's commitment to road safety. Austrian authorities employ random breath tests as a preventive measure and enforce heavy penalties to deter impaired driving.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Facing a drunk driving charge in Austria can be a daunting experience. Legal representation may be crucial under circumstances such as potential imprisonment, high fines, or license suspension. A lawyer can provide guidance through the legal process, assist in presenting defenses, negotiate lesser charges or penalties, and ensure that your rights are protected. Those unfamiliar with Austrian legal proceedings, especially international drivers, may particularly benefit from seeking legal counsel.

Local Laws Overview

The local laws governing drunk driving in Austria encompass several key components:

  • BAC Limit: 0.5 mg/ml for most drivers, with stricter limits for novice and professional drivers.
  • Penalties: Fines vary based on BAC levels, potentially reaching up to €5,900. License suspensions range from one month to a permanent ban.
  • Imprisonment: Severe cases, especially those involving accidents or repeated offenses, may result in imprisonment for up to three years.
  • Testing: Police conduct random breath testing to enforce compliance.
  • Insurance Implications: Conviction can lead to increased insurance premiums or denial of coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal BAC limit in Austria?

The legal BAC limit is 0.5 mg/ml for most drivers, with stricter limits of 0.1 mg/ml for novice and professional drivers.

What are the penalties for exceeding the BAC limit?

Penalties include fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment, varying by the level of BAC and whether it’s a repeated offense.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test?

Refusing a breathalyzer test can lead to penalties similar to those for failing one, including fines and license suspension.

What happens if I am caught driving under the influence more than once?

Repeated offenses may result in harsher penalties, such as longer license suspensions or imprisonment.

Can foreigners face deportation for drunk driving?

While deportation is generally not a direct consequence, severe cases may impact one's residency status or lead to entry bans.

How does a drunk driving charge affect my insurance premiums?

Convictions typically result in higher premiums or even cancellation of your insurance policy.

Are there any programs to help reduce penalties?

Participation in a rehabilitation or educational program may sometimes reduce penalties, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

What defenses are available for a drunk driving charge?

Common defenses include challenging the accuracy of BAC testing, procedural errors by law enforcement, or proving the necessity of the action.

How long does a conviction remain on my record?

Convictions can remain on a driving record for up to five years, potentially affecting future employment or insurance rates.

Can I apply for a hardship license?

A hardship license may be available in certain cases, allowing for limited driving privileges. Consultation with a lawyer is recommended.

Additional Resources

For more information and assistance, consider contacting the following:

  • ÖAMTC: Offers legal advice and support for its members involved in traffic violations.
  • KFV - Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit: Provides road safety information.
  • VVO - Verband der Versicherungsunternehmen Österreichs: Offers insights on insurance ramifications related to drunk driving.

Next Steps

If you are in need of legal assistance regarding a drunk driving offense in Austria, consider the following steps:

  • Seek immediate legal counsel from a lawyer specializing in traffic law.
  • Gather all relevant documentation, including any police reports, test results, and correspondence from your insurance company.
  • Explore consultations offered by Austrian automobile clubs or legal aid services if budget constraints are a concern.
  • Stay informed about your rights and responsibilities under Austrian law to make informed decisions moving forward.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Austria through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Drunk Driving, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.