Facing a drink driving charge can be a stressful and life-altering experience. Whether you have been accused of driving over the legal alcohol limit or being in charge of a vehicle while intoxicated, securing expert legal representation is crucial. Our dedicated team of drink driving solicitors in London specialises in defending clients against all types of drink driving offences, providing clear advice and robust representation to protect your rights and minimise the impact on your life.
Understanding Drink Driving Law in the UK
Drink driving offences are governed primarily by the Road Traffic Act 1988, which outlines two main charges where legal help from a drunk driving lawyer is often required:
- Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit (Section 5(1)(a))
- Being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit (Section 5(1)(b))
The law sets strict alcohol limits for drivers:
| Test Type | Legal Limit (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Breath | 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres |
| Blood | 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres |
| Urine | 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres |
If you are found to exceed these limits, you could face serious penalties including driving disqualification, fines, and even imprisonment.
How Our Drink Driving Solicitors Can Help
Our drink driving solicitors provide expert advice and representation tailored to your individual circumstances. We assist clients at every stage, from the initial police investigation through to court hearings. Our services include:
- Case assessment and advice: We carefully review the evidence, including breath, blood, or urine test results, and police procedures to identify any weaknesses or procedural errors.
- Defence strategy: Our drunk driving attorneys explore all possible defences, such as the ‘hip flask defence’ (where alcohol was consumed after driving), challenges to the reliability of breathalyser results, or questioning whether you were actually driving or in charge of the vehicle.
- Mitigation: If you accept responsibility, our solicitors prepare compelling mitigation to present to the court, aiming to reduce penalties such as driving bans or custodial sentences.
- Representation in court: We act as your advocates in Magistrates’ Court, ensuring your case is presented clearly and effectively.
- Appeals and licence restoration: If necessary, we assist with appeals or applications to reduce disqualification periods and help you regain your driving licence as soon as possible.
Penalties for Drink Driving Offences
The consequences of a drink driving conviction can be severe:
- First offence: Minimum 12-month driving ban, fines, and up to 26 weeks imprisonment.
- Being ‘drunk in charge’: Up to 12-month driving ban and up to 6 weeks imprisonment.
- Second offence within 10 years: Mandatory driving ban of 3 to 5 years.
- Additional consequences: Increased insurance premiums, impact on employment, and travel restrictions.
Our drink drive solicitors understand the gravity of these penalties and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Defences Our Drink Driving Lawyers Explore
Not every drink driving charge results in conviction. Our solicitors investigate all potential defences, including:
- You were not driving or attempting to drive.
- You were not on a public road or place.
- Alcohol was consumed after driving (hip flask defence).
- Procedural errors by the police during testing or arrest.
- Inaccuracies or malfunctions in breath, blood, or urine testing equipment.
Each case is unique, and our drink driving solicitor team will provide honest advice on the strength of your defence and the best course of action.
Common Special Reasons in Drink Driving Cases
Our solicitors frequently encounter the following Special Reasons arguments:
1. Short Distance Travelled
If the distance driven while over the legal alcohol limit was very short—such as moving a vehicle a few yards to a safer location—this may be considered a Special Reason. The court recognises that minimal driving reduces the risk posed to other road users and may allow for a reduced or avoided ban.
2. Spiked or Laced Drinks
In cases where a driver unknowingly consumed alcohol due to a spiked or laced drink, the court may accept this as a Special Reason. Successfully arguing this requires detailed evidence, including witness statements and sometimes expert testimony, to demonstrate lack of intent and reduced culpability.
3. Emergency Situations
Driving in a genuine emergency—such as transporting someone to hospital when emergency services are unavailable—can constitute a Special Reason. The court will consider whether all other alternatives were reasonably explored and whether a “reasonable and sober” person would have acted similarly under the circumstances.
Why Choose Our Drink Driving Solicitors in London?
- Specialist expertise: We focus exclusively on motoring offences, with extensive experience in drink driving cases.
- Client-focused approach: We listen carefully to your situation and tailor our advice to your needs.
- Transparent fees: Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs.
- Strong advocacy: Skilled negotiators and courtroom advocates who fight to protect your rights.
- Support throughout: From initial consultation to final resolution, we guide you every step of the way.
Contact Our Drink Driving Lawyers Today
If you are facing a drink driving charge, don’t delay. Early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. Contact our experienced drink driving solicitors in London for a confidential consultation. We are here to protect your future and help you navigate this challenging time with confidence.
Our address:
Wellingtons Solicitors Ltd
63 St Mary Axe
London
EC3A 8AA
Tel. +44(0)20 8528 3171
E-mail: info@wellingtons-solicitors.com
FAQ
Q1: What defences are available if I am charged with drink driving?
A1: There are several defences that drink driving lawyers may explore to protect your rights and future, including challenging the accuracy of breathalyser tests or questioning the circumstances of your arrest. To learn more about the possible defences and how they can help you, see Defences Our Drink Driving Lawyers Explore Protecting Your Rights and Future.
Q2: Can special reasons arguments help me avoid a driving ban for drink driving?
A2: Yes, special reasons arguments can sometimes be used in drink driving cases to avoid or reduce a driving ban. These arguments focus on exceptional circumstances that may justify leniency. For detailed information on how these arguments work and how solicitors can assist, visit Special Reasons Arguments in Drink Driving Cases: How Wellingtons Solicitors Can Help You Avoid a Driving Ban.
Q3: What is the best defence for reckless driving?
A3: The best defence for reckless driving depends on the specifics of the case but may include proving that your driving was not dangerous or that there were mitigating circumstances. For a comprehensive overview of effective defences, see What Is the Best Defence for Reckless Driving?.
Q4: What are the punishments for reckless driving in the UK?
A4: Punishments for reckless driving in the UK can include fines, driving bans, and even imprisonment depending on the severity of the offence. To understand the range of penalties and how they are applied, read What Is the Punishment for Reckless Driving in the UK?.
Q5: What happens if you get caught drunk driving in the UK?
A5: If caught drunk driving in the UK, you may face arrest, a driving ban, fines, or imprisonment. The process involves police procedures and legal consequences that vary by case. For detailed information on what to expect, see What Happens If You Get Caught Drunk Driving in the UK?.
Q6: Do you always get a ban for drink driving in the UK?
A6: You do not always automatically receive a driving ban for drink driving in the UK; however, bans are common. Certain defences or special reasons may influence the court’s decision. For more insight into when bans are applied and exceptions, refer to Do You Always Get a Ban for Drink Driving in the UK?.
Q7: What is the penalty for a first-time drink driving offence in the UK?
A7: The penalty for a first-time drink driving offence in the UK typically includes a driving ban, fines, and possibly a driving awareness course. The exact penalty depends on the circumstances and the level of alcohol detected. For full details, visit What Is the Penalty for First Time Drink Driving Offence in the UK?.