Mid-range PCA is one of the most common drink driving offences in NSW, but also one of the most heavily penalised.
Many people charged for the first time panic and ask:
“Can I actually go to jail for this?”
The short answer: It’s possible, but avoidable with proper preparation.
What Is Mid-Range PCA?
A mid-range PCA occurs when:
- Your BAC is 0.080 to 0.149, and
- You were driving, attempting to drive, or in the driver’s seat
Immediate Consequences
Police may:
- Suspend your licence on the spot
- Impound or confiscate your vehicle in certain circumstances
- Require you to attend court
Penalties for Mid-Range PCA
These may include:
- Up to 9 months imprisonment (first offence)
- Heavy fines
- Mandatory interlock orders
- Criminal conviction
- Long licence disqualifications
If an accident or dangerous driving was involved, penalties can escalate quickly.
Will You Go to Jail?
Most first-time offenders do not receive jail, but the risk is real.
Courts consider:
- The circumstances of driving
- Your reading
- Your traffic history
- Your remorse and insight
- Completion of a traffic offender program
- Character references
Strong legal submissions can often reduce penalties significantly, or help you avoid a conviction in exceptional cases.
If you’ve been charged with mid-range drink driving, our experienced traffic lawyers are here to help.