Drink Driving

Drink Driving Offences in England and Wales

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Have You Been Charged with a Drink Driving Offence?

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If you've been charged with a drink driving offence, it's crucial to understand the legal implications and the potential penalties involved. Drink driving is a serious offence in England and Wales, governed by strict laws designed to ensure road safety. Joe Rawlings specialises in helping clients navigate the complexities of these cases with over 25 years of experience in criminal defence.

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Understanding Drink Driving Laws

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In England and Wales, the legal limits for alcohol consumption while driving are:

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• 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath

• 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood

• 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine

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Driving with alcohol levels above these limits is considered a criminal offence and can result in severe penalties.

 

Sentencing for Drink Driving

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Penalties for drink driving can vary based on the circumstances of the offence, including your level of intoxication, whether it’s a first-time offence, and if any accidents or injuries occurred as a result. Common penalties include:

 

• Driving Ban: You could be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months.

  • Fines: Financial penalties can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds

  • Imprisonment: For more serious offences, a prison sentence of up to 6 months is possible.

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• Penalty Points: In some cases, penalty points may be added to your licence.

  • For repeat offenders or particularly serious incidents, the penalties can be even more severe, with longer bans, larger fines, or longer prison sentences.

 

Drink Driving Defences

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When you contact Joe, he will explore every possible avenue to defend you! Some common drink driving defences include:

 

Faulty Breathalyser or Equipment: If the equipment used to measure your alcohol levels was faulty or incorrectly calibrated.

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Incorrect Police Procedures: If the police did not follow proper procedures during your arrest or while gathering evidence.

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Special Reasons: In some cases, we may be able to argue that there were special reasons for driving under the influence, such as an emergency situation.

 

Case Study: Incorrect Police Procedures

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In a recent case, Joe Rawlings successfully defended a client who had been charged with drink driving. Upon reviewing the evidence, he found that the police had not followed proper procedures during the arrest, leading to the case being dismissed in court. Each case is unique, and Joe's approach is always tailored to the specific details and circumstances.

 

Sentencing Guidelines for Drink Driving

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The courts follow strict sentencing guidelines for drink driving offences. The higher your alcohol level, the more severe the penalty will be. Factors that may influence sentencing include:

 

• Whether this is your first offence or a repeat offence
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• Whether any injuries or damage occurred as a result of your driving
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• The circumstances surrounding your arrest
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• Appeal and Early Removal of Disqualification

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If you've already been disqualified from driving, you may be eligible to appeal the conviction or apply for early removal of the disqualification. Joe can guide you through this process, ensuring you have the best chance of success.

 

Why You Should Contact Joe Rawlings today.

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Navigating the legal process after being charged with drink driving can be stressful and overwhelming. With over 25 years of experience, Joe Rawlings provides expert legal advice and representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Joe is committed to defending your rights and will thoroughly review your case to identify any potential defences.

 

Get in touch below

 

If you’re facing a drink driving offence, don't wait. Contact Joe today for a confidential consultation. He is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.