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Regretfully, there are a large number of law firms holding themselves out to be motoring law experts who are willing to defend your case on any basis they can possibly imagine.  The court is aware of unscrupulous tactics that do little more than attempt to overburden the CPS with tasks to prove their case hoping that that they fail and withdraw.  The problem with this is you may be quoted several thousand pounds to do no more than object and challenge the evidence in the case rather than focusing on realistic defences and evidential failures and also providing you better advice on how to manage the situation.  If you are being quoted thousands STOP.   Call us and we will explain your options and offer you a much fairer price for representation.

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Drink Driving offences - Useful Information

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If you have been charged with a drink driving offence and you would like some help and advice the following might be of assistance. 

 

We are experts on these issues and the important questions are, firstly, whether the law has been broken and secondly what is the strength of the evidence in the case e.g. can the offence be proved.  Sometimes there are procedural irregularites that result in a case being throw out of court, or perhaps there are errors in the way that the police have gathered evidence that gives rise to a doubt as to its accuracy.  

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If you are in doubt or have any questions or feel that something is not right or fair then give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your case to explore whether there are issues in your case that we can help with or resolve.  Having confidence in the decisions that you make can give great peace of mind.

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Useful Information

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The offences associated with drink driving are Excess alcohol (drive/attempt to drive) and Excess alcohol (in charge). Both these offences come under section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

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There are strict alcohol limits for drivers in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the alcohol limit for drivers is:

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• 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath

• 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood

• 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine

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The legal alcohol limit for drivers in Scotland is lower in all three categories.

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What happens if a person is caught drink driving?

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The police have the right to ask anyone who is driving, attempting to drive or in charge of a vehicle who they suspect has been drinking to take a breath test. Anyone who refuses to supply a breath sample without reasonable excuse will be arrested. If a person fails the breath test they will be taken to a police station for a second breath test. If that returns a positive result, that person will be charged with drink driving. Failing to take the roadside test or police station test without reasonable excuse is an offence.

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Anyone caught over the limit in their car, even if they are not actually driving it, could still be charged under excess alcohol (in charge). 

 

Offences relating to being drunk in charge can be very complicated and it is important that you seek advice on the circumstances of your situation.

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Sentencing

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Parliament sets the maximum (and sometimes minimum) penalty for any offence. When deciding the appropriate sentence, the court must follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, unless it is not in the interests of justice to do so.

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What is the penalty for drink driving?

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If a person is found guilty of drink driving they could be banned from driving, fined or even sent to prison. The sentence depends on the severity of the offence and is decided by a magistrates’ court.

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The maximum sentence for excess alcohol (drive/ attempt to drive) is an unlimited fine and/or six months’ custody.

If the offence was drive/ attempt to drive, the driver will also lose their licence for at least 12 months. The court may offer a reduced ban if the driver completes a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course.

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If the offence was excess alcohol (in charge), the maximum sentence is a fine up to £2,500 and/ or three months’ custody.  The offender may lose their licence or receive 10 points.

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Find out more about the different types of sentence the courts can impose.

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How is the sentence worked out?

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Sentences are based on the level of alcohol found from testing. The court also considers adjustment based on any aggravating or mitigating factors.

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Aggravating factors may increase the severity of the sentence. Examples include:

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• previous convictions relating to the nature of the offence

• if the driver was carrying passengers

• evidence of an unacceptable standard of driving

• if the driver was involved in an accident

• if there was a high level of traffic or pedestrians in the vicinity

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Mitigating factors may reduce the severity of the sentence. Examples include:

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• no previous convictions or relevant/recent convictions

• if it was a genuine emergency

• if the driver’s drinks had been spiked

• if the distance driven was very short

• if the driver showed remorse or was of good character

• if the driver has a serious medical condition, mental disorder or learning disability

• if the driver is the sole or primary carer for dependent relatives

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If the defendant pleads guilty, they will also receive a reduced sentence, although not a reduced disqualification period.

You can find out more about how sentences for drink driving are calculated depending on the offence type. See the sentencing guidelines for:

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• Excess alcohol (drive/attempt to drive)

• Excess alcohol (in charge)

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Call us and let us help you.

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