Criminal Defence
What it is: Drink driving and drug driving are serious motoring offences under the Road Traffic Act, covering driving or attempting to drive while over the prescribed alcohol limit or with controlled drugs above specified limits in your system. Conviction usually brings a mandatory driving disqualification, a fine, and in some cases imprisonment. When it applies: These offences arise after a roadside breath test, a blood or urine sample, or a failure to provide a specimen. Related charges include being drunk in charge of a vehicle and causing death by careless driving when under the influence. How a solicitor helps: A criminal defence solicitor scrutinises the procedure followed by the police, including the calibration of testing equipment and whether your rights were respected. They can identify defences, advise on plea, and present mitigation to reduce the length of any disqualification, including special reasons arguments or the drink drive rehabilitation course. First steps: Note the exact circumstances of your stop and testing as soon as possible, keep any paperwork provided by the police, and seek advice before your first court hearing, which is usually in the Magistrates' Court. Early advice can significantly affect the outcome. Scotland applies a lower alcohol limit and separate procedures.
