There are choices at many levels when it comes to the issue of drink driving. A lot of focus, and quite rightly so, is the choices you make right before you do it. Whether to have a drink, if so of what, how many, whether you are fit to drive, and why you actually take control of the vehicle.

It is unfortunate that it happens at all. What must be remembered is that it is a criminal offence, and as a result you will have a criminal record. If convicted, there is a possibility that you will go to prison, and receive a large fine. You will lose your licence for a minimum of 12 months, it will be endorsed for up to 11 years, and as a result you will find it harder and more expensive to insure your car.

If losing your licence means losing your employment, remember that the ban is none discretionary – unlike the totting up system of points from speeding or bad driving, there is no defence of undue hardship. The Courts frown upon the very act itself, deem it to have been committed wilfully and therefore hand out the punishment as they must.

Did you know?

It is a little known fact that the levels of alcohol in your blood, breath or urine that warrant a prosecution are lower in Scotland that the rest of the UK. So, you could cross the border under the limit in England, but be above the Scottish limit. Losing your licence in one part of the UK means no driving in the whole of the UK.

Many convictions are from the morning after, when people assume that they are okay, but alcohol only dissipates at 1 unit per hour, so a heavy and late night can mean a very bad morning indeed.

Factors between individuals can vary the results also. Size, gender, weight, metabolism, and food intake all affect the reading, so there really can be no definitive guide, even when the alcoholic units are now prominently displayed on most alcoholic beverages.

Your Choices:

If you are faced with a drink driving charge, arrest, or prosecution, then you will need to instruct a specialist to help you. You will need to retain the services of a solicitor. Drink driving solicitors can help you after the event and there are many good reasons to make the right choice at this point.

Whilst driving bans are none discretionary, there are many factors which drink driving solicitors can help you with. Here are a few:

  • Did you drink after you drove – the so called “hip flask defence”
  • Is there actual evidence that you drove and can it be proven – the burden of proof is on the prosecution in criminal cases.
  • Were correct procedures followed throughout the stop, testing and charging stages – this isn’t just a legal loophole, there is a rule of law to uphold, and procedures are implemented for a reason, things have to be done properly
  • If you are not familiar with the Police, Courts or Solicitors, and most aren’t, then a drink driving solicitor will guide you through the process and make it as stress free as possible in the circumstances
  • Did you drive in fear for your safety?
  • Just being in control of a vehicle, even when not driving can lead to a ban, and a fine too.
  • Mitigating circumstances can be applied to any fine and or possible prison sentence, so though the drink driving solicitors may not save your licence, they may reduce the fine and keep your liberty
  • Drink driving solicitors can act on a fixed fee, so you know the level of cost before you instruct them.

People will make mistakes. When they do they will come up against the Police and the Courts, often with little idea or experience of how to cope. This is why drink driving solicitors should be instructed. You will have to pay for their services and they won’t save your licence, but in the end they will limit the damage caused through an error of judgement. At all times, your choices matter.