Drink Driving Penalty
Drink Driving Penalty
If you are facing allegations of driving while under the influence of alcohol, you need to know what the drink driving penalty is. Depending on the severity of the offence, those convicted could face a fine, disqualification, a prison sentence or a combination of the three.
Should you be charged with drink driving, you need to speak to an expert drink driving defence solicitor promptly. It is often the case that there are failings in the way a case is conducted that could mean we can ask for charges to be dropped. Alternatively, there may be a defence available to you, or circumstances that mean that you should not lose your licence.
Our drink driving solicitors are highly experienced and have an outstanding track record in dealing with drink driving cases. To speak to us today, please call us on tel: 033 00532252 or make a Free Online Enquiry for immediate assistance. All enquiries are completely confidential.
What Are The Penalties For Drink Driving?
Drink driving cases are generally heard in the Magistrates’ Court, although the most serious offences can be referred to the Crown Court. The magistrates or judge will decide on the punishment for drink driving based on the circumstances of the case.
Those convicted of drink driving can expect one or more of the following penalties:
Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
• 3 months in prison
• A fine of up to £2,500
• A driving ban of at least a year
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
• 6 months in prison
• An unlimited fine
• A driving ban of at least a year, or 3 years if convicted twice within 10 years
Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis
• 6 months in prison
• An unlimited fine
• A driving ban of at least a year, or 3 years if convicted twice within 10 years
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink
• Life in prison
• An unlimited fine
• A driving ban of at least 5 years
The level of fine, length of time in custody and/or period of disqualification will vary depending on the facts of your case, in particular the level of alcohol recorded.
Aggravating features are likely to increase the penalty. These include:
• Being involved in a road traffic accident
• Carrying passengers at the time of the offence
• A particularly high level of alcohol
• Very poor driving, such as sharp braking, swerving, or excessive speed
• Previous relevant convictions
If you are banned for a year or more, the court may offer a reduction if you agree to take a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme course. It is up to the magistrates or judge as to whether this is offered.
What Are The Penalties For A Second Drink Driving Offence?
If you are convicted of a second drink driving offence within 10 years of a first offence, the penalties for the second offence will be more severe. There is a mandatory driving ban of 3 years, and a much higher risk of a prison sentence.
Because of the potential severity of the punishments for a second drink driving conviction, you are strongly advised to speak to expert drink driving lawyers before entering a plea or attending court.
How Many Penalty Points For Drink Driving?
If found guilty of drink driving, there is a mandatory ban of at least one year.
Other implications of a drink driving conviction include:
• A criminal record
• Higher insurance premiums,
• Potential employment problems
• Potential travel difficulties
• Potential seizure of your vehicle
• Potential immigration and visa problems
High Risk Offenders
So-called high risk offenders will not have their driving licence returned until they have passed a medical examination. This is carried out by a doctor appointed by the DVLA.
High risk offenders are those who:
• Have been convicted of two drink driving offences within 10 years
• Had an alcohol reading of either:
o 87.5 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or more
o 200 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood or more
o 267.5 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of urine
• Refused to provide a sample to the police
• Refused to allow a sample to be tested
Contact Our Drink Driving Solicitors
Our expert drink driving solicitors are highly experienced and will put together the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Call us now on 033 00532252 or make a Free Online Enquiry for immediate assistance. All enquiries are completely confidential.