Drink driving is one of the most common yet serious motoring offences in the UK. While the consequences can be severe, many drivers are unaware of their rights or how to defend themselves when facing drink driving charges. If you’ve been caught driving under the influence, it’s important to act quickly and understand your options. In this article, we’ll explore what drink driving is, the legal consequences, and how Motoring Defence’s drink driving solicitors London can help you navigate the legal system and fight your case.
What is Drink Driving and How is It Measured?
Drink driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle with more alcohol in their system than the legal limit allows. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the legal limits are:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood
- 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of urine
The police can stop you for a breath test if they suspect you've been drinking or involved in an accident. If the breath test shows a positive result, you may be taken to the police station for further testing, either through a blood or urine sample. This is where things can get tricky, and having professional guidance from drink driving solicitors London becomes crucial.
Consequences of a Drink Driving Conviction
A conviction for drink driving carries severe penalties, even for a first offence. The consequences vary depending on your alcohol level, previous convictions, and the circumstances of your arrest. Some common penalties include:
- A minimum 12-month driving ban
- Up to 6 months in prison
- An unlimited fine
- A criminal record
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Potential loss of employment
In more severe cases, such as causing death by careless driving while under the influence, penalties can include a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Understanding the potential consequences can be overwhelming. That’s why it's important to consult with drink driving solicitors London from Motoring Defence. We have years of experience defending drink driving cases and can help mitigate the impact of a conviction.
Can You Defend Against a Drink Driving Charge?
Many people believe that once they’ve failed a breath, blood, or urine test, their case is lost. However, this is not true. There are several defences that could be used in drink driving cases:
- Challenging the Accuracy of Testing Devices
Breathalysers and other testing equipment are not infallible. If the device was faulty or improperly calibrated, it could give an inaccurate reading. Our expert drink driving solicitors London can request maintenance records of the breathalyser used in your case and assess if any errors occurred.
- Procedural Mistakes
The police are required to follow strict procedures when administering breath, blood, or urine tests. If they fail to do so, your case could be dismissed. For example, if the police did not give you enough time between the first and second breath tests, this could be grounds for defence.
- Post-Driving Consumption
In some cases, a person may have consumed alcohol after they stopped driving. If this can be proven, it might show that you were below the legal limit while driving but above it when the test was administered. Motoring Defence’s drink driving solicitors in London are skilled at investigating these scenarios and presenting them effectively in court.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Advice Immediately
If you’ve been charged with drink driving, it’s vital to get legal advice as soon as possible. The earlier you seek help from a specialist, the better your chances of achieving a favourable outcome. Delaying could lead to missed opportunities to challenge the evidence or prepare an effective defence.
At Motoring Defence, our experienced drink driving solicitors London are experts in representing individuals facing drink driving charges. We understand that each case is unique, and we work tirelessly to explore every possible angle to achieve the best results for our clients.
What to Expect When Working with Motoring Defence?
When you choose Motoring Defence, you’ll receive comprehensive support throughout the entire legal process. Here’s what you can expect when working with our team:
1. Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your case, review the evidence, and explain your options. Our drink driving solicitors London will give you honest, straightforward advice about the strength of your case and the potential outcomes.
2. Building Your Defence
Once we take on your case, our solicitors will start gathering all the necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and breathalyser records. We’ll work with you to build a strong defence and explore all potential avenues for challenging the prosecution’s case.
3. Court Representation
If your case goes to court, our expert solicitors will represent you at every stage. We’ll present your defence, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and fight to reduce your penalties or have your case dismissed.
Why Choose Motoring Defence?
At Motoring Defence, we pride ourselves on providing expert legal advice with a personal touch. We understand how stressful drink driving charges can be, and we’re committed to helping you through this difficult time. Our drink driving solicitors London have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against drink driving charges, and we’ll do everything possible to protect your rights and your licence.
We offer:
- Tailored Legal Strategies: Every case is different, and we’ll build a defence strategy specific to your situation.
- Expert Knowledge: Our solicitors are experts in motoring law and have years of experience in defending drink driving cases.
- Supportive Service: We know how overwhelming this process can be, and we’ll provide support and guidance every step of the way.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Future
If you’ve been charged with drink driving, don’t wait until it’s too late to act. Getting expert legal advice is your best chance to avoid harsh penalties and protect your future. Motoring Defence’s drink driving solicitors London are here to help you fight your case and achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take control of your situation. Call on 0203-970-9955 or visit us at motoringdefence.co.uk.
