Melbourne lawyer Emad Fuad Khraim, 28, pleaded guilty to several drug and driving offenses following two separate incidents.
Incident Details
On August 9, police intercepted Khraim in a black Mercedes parked across a driveway in Malvern. Khraim's driver's license was expired. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded 34 Valium tablets, eight oxycodone tablets, and three containers of cannabis. Khraim admitted to the findings at the scene.
Days later, on August 14, Khraim was involved in a collision with another vehicle on Springvale Road in Doncaster East. The incident occurred while he was attempting an illegal U-turn. He was taken to hospital as a precaution and tested positive for cannabis. Khraim informed police he had smoked a joint approximately 45 minutes before driving to the library.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
Khraim's defense barrister, Kate Ballard, sought a fine without conviction. She cited potential disciplinary action from the Legal Services Board and highlighted Khraim's efforts to seek treatment. Ballard emphasized Khraim's regret and concern over losing his legal career.
Magistrate Caroline Boult acknowledged Khraim's remorse and his pursuit of treatment. However, she stated that driving under the influence of cannabis posed a risk to other road users.
Khraim was ultimately convicted of five charges, including careless driving. He was ordered to pay a fine of $1500. Additionally, his driver's license was cancelled and disqualified for 12 months.