What are the penalties if I am caught drink driving

Drink driving is a serious offence which we have a wealth of experience in dealing with in a sensitive, non judgmental fashion.

Drink driving and the penalties the Courts hand out are contained in the Sentencing Guidelines, which are contained in the link below:-

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/magistrates-court/item/excess-alcohol

If you are convicted of drink driving but this is your first ever drink driving related offence in the last 10 years then, unless you have what are known as “Special Reasons”, you will be given a minimum mandatory 12 month disqualification from driving.

The ban which someone who has been convicted of drink driving receives increases as the alcohol level that has been found in the body increases.   So, for example, someone who has an alcohol reading of 36 will receive a 12 month driving ban as a minimum, whereas someone with an alcohol reading of 60 will receive at least a 17 month driving ban.

It is also possible to receive what is known as a “Community Order”, which is unpaid work.  In serious cases, it is possible to be sent to prison for a period of up to 6 months.

Individuals who are caught drink driving will also have to pay a fine, as well as the prosecution costs of bringing the case, and what is known as a “Victim Surcharge”.

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of having been arrested for a drink or drug driving related offence and you would like a free initial consultation which is non-judgmental, please do call Nils O’Donoghue on 01484 468331.