Broadbents Solicitors have been advising and representing clients in drink driving offence cases since before the breathalyser was even introduced. Therefore, we are experts in the complex technicalities surrounding drink driving penalties, convictions, and pleas. If you’ve been charged with a drink driving offence, we understand that it is an extremely difficult and worrisome time. We’ve therefore outlined below, in as clear a way as possible, just what the potential penalties might be for you.
There is a distinction between the following two drink-driving offences:
- Being in charge of a vehicle while unfit.
- Driving or attempting to drive while unfit.
We will be covering the range of potential penalties that could be given if the circumstances are that you were driving or attempting to drive while over the legal alcohol limit.
Depending on the level of alcohol measured in your system, and if there is an existence of prior offences, drink driving penalties could be as follows:
Driving Ban
A mandatory driving ban of a minimum of 12 months
A mandatory driving ban of a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of 36 months if a death was caused
Fine
A minimum fine of £1000 with a usual maximum of £5000
An unlimited fine if a death was caused
Penalty Points
A minimum of 3 penalty points to a maximum of 11 penalty points
Prison Sentence
A prison sentence of a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 6 months
A prison sentence of up to 14 years if a death was caused
Failing to co-operate with a preliminary test will generally not lead to jail time
If you have been charged with a drink driving offence, please be aware that a solicitor can help you in regards to the possible drink driving penalties. The circumstances in which your blood alcohol levels can be taken are very strict, and if the correct procedures are not followed, the drink driving penalties may not apply. There are also extraneous circumstances which are sometimes taken into account in order to negate the usual penalties.
If you have been charged with a drink driving offence, we urge you to contact a lawyer as a matter of urgency. We have local offices in Alfreton and are available to discuss your case with you on an individual basis. The quicker you speak with a solicitor, the sooner we can build a case to help you with the potential drink driving penalties that you might face.
