Drink Driving Penalty
Drink Driving Penalty
If you are facing a first or second drink driving offence, you need to know what the potential drink driving penalties are. Depending on the severity of the offence, those convicted could face a fine, disqualification, a prison sentence or a combination of the three.
Why not get the specialist Drink Driving Penalty Lawyers with a proven track record of 87 to 96% success in helping their clients to keep their driving licence on your side?

Are you facing a drink driving penalty?
If you have an impending court hearing date and are worried about losing your licence, please contact our specialist drink driving lawyers as a matter of urgency.
Whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty, our dedicated lawyers will provide you with the best advice and defence.
With a success rate of at least 87%, you could not be in safer hands.
Please call us on 033 03411690 or make a Free Online Enquiry for immediate assistance. All enquiries are completely confidential.
“Abdul guided me through my in charge of motor vehicle. Was excellent throughout the process. Managed to keep my driving licence.
Thank you, Abdul.”
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.
Depending on the offence, the possible penalties include the following. These are not automatic sentences; the court considers the circumstances of each case.
Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
- A possible prison sentence
- A fine
- Penalty points or a possible driving ban
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
- A possible prison sentence
- 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
- A possible prison sentence
- 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
- A prison sentence, potentially life imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A lengthy driving ban and an extended driving test
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?
A second drink driving offence can lead to a longer driving ban and more serious penalties. The offence, your previous convictions and the circumstances of your case all matter. Speak to us for advice on the current rules before entering a plea.
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.
Why We Are Well Placed To Give You The Best Chance Of Success
If you ask us to represent you, we will go through the circumstances of your case in detail, checking to see whether any errors have been made in the collection or processing of your sample, in the way that you were stopped or detained, or in the prosecution of the case against you.
We will identify any issues that could allow us to request that charges be dropped. Should your case go ahead, we will put together the strongest possible defence on your behalf and ensure that you have expert representation in court.
Those charged with drink driving often assume there is no way to contest this, and may simply accept the charge and penalties. We will assess your options carefully; past results do not guarantee the outcome of your case.
Drink driving charges are often misunderstood by clients and lawyers without expertise in this highly regulated area of law. You have rights which must not be infringed, and it is for the prosecution to both follow the correct procedure throughout and to prove guilt.
Law officers often fail to follow the right process, which is a breach of your rights. We can step in to defend you, ensuring that your interests are observed. Please note that it is crucial to work with expert drink driving solicitors who deal with these types of cases on a daily basis. General solicitors rarely have the understanding to handle a drink driving case in the right way.
We will attend the initial hearing with you and explain what the court may ask you.
Following this, we will work on your case to try to have it dropped wherever possible. Should it go to trial, we will ensure you are thoroughly prepared, including by holding a mock trial with you in advance, so that you understand what questions you will be asked and know how to answer them.
We have an outstanding reputation in the specialist area of drink driving, and we are confident that we will obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf.
We know how vital it can be for you to be able to drive to meet family and work responsibilities, and we will do all we can to protect your licence.
Our Results
Our skilled solicitors are experienced in handling motoring complex offences and have an excellent track record. We have successfully defended 87% of the drink driving cases we've handled, with some cases exceeding even this strong success rate, as highlighted below:

Even if you think there is no chance of winning, we know what tactics to use to your advantage.
We've often achieved results far better than our clients anticipated.
We do this because we understand just how important your driving licence is, for you, for your job, career or business, and for your family and friends.
We will do all that we can to help you keep your licence, so please do not delay, call us now on 033 03411690 or make a Free Online Enquiry and let us take the strain from hereon in.
“Despite my stress and nervous late night calls to the firm they were available to help whenever.”
“It was really a great to connect with Abdul Ali (Parnell and Peel Solicitors) who had taken up my case in the beginning and provided me a competent barrister from his team i.e. Mukesh Sohal. I had the pleasure of working with Barrister Mukesh Sohal on my traffic case, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise and dedication. From the beginning, Abdul Ali and Mukesh showed a deep understanding of the intricacies of traffic law, and he was incredibly thorough in preparing my case. His communication was clear and reassuring, keeping me informed every step of the way and addressing all my concerns with patience.
In court, Mukesh’s strategic approach and confidence made a significant difference, and his commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me was evident. Thanks to his efforts, the case was resolved favorably, and I am extremely appreciative of his professionalism and skill. I would highly recommend Mukesh Sohal to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate barrister for legal representation.”
How Many Penalty Points For Drink Driving?
Driving or attempting to drive over the limit normally carries a mandatory driving ban. Different rules can apply to being in charge of a vehicle, and the court may consider special reasons in appropriate cases.
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:
- 87.5 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or more
- 200 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood or more
- 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.