Drug Driving
Drug Driving
Experienced Drug Driving Solicitors
If you are worried about a drug driving conviction, don’t hide away in fear. Speak with our team of highly experienced drug driving offence solicitors at the earliest opportunity to achieve the most favourable outcomes. Parnell and Peel offer representation across England and Wales and have a 95% success rate in overturning or reducing driving bans. Please call us on 033 03411690 or make a free online enquiry with zero commitment. All enquiries are completely confidential.
Drug Driving: What You Need to Know
For a long time, drug driving was penalised in the UK under broad laws around dangerous driving. However, in 2015, the Road Traffic Act was updated regarding the use of over-the-counter, prescribed and illegal drugs. It is unlawful to drive with any drug (legal and illegal) in your system if it impairs your ability to drive safely. The law defines specific limits for 17 illegal (and some otherwise legal) drugs.
Under the new regulations, police have the authority to conduct roadside tests for cannabis and cocaine. For other illegal substances like ecstasy, LSD and heroin, laboratory testing is required. Additionally, the police may perform a roadside field impairment test, which includes checking for signs like pupil dilation and asking drivers to perform tasks such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg.
Regardless of whether the drug involved is a legally prescribed medication or an illegal substance like cannabis or cocaine, the police must prove you had over that set amount of that particular drug in your body while driving. If the police believe that they have sufficient evidence, they will charge you with drug driving.
Consequences of Drug Driving
While the consequences of being convicted for drink driving are well known, drug penalties are not as well documented. However, if you are found guilty of committing a drug offence, the penalties can be equally or more severe. Without any expert legal help, a drug driving conviction can bring:
- A minimum one-year driving ban
- An 11-year penalty on your licence
- An unlimited fine
- A sentence of up to 6 months in prison
- A criminal record
These penalties can apply to even first-time offenders. Mitigating or aggravating factors can influence the severity of your offence.
Have You Been Caught Drug Driving?
If you’ve been caught drug driving, the police have six months to prosecute you. A large part of this time often elapses while the police wait for the blood test you provided to be tested by a forensic scientist and the results sent back. However, don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security. Crossing your fingers and hoping for the best is always a bad idea in legal matters – especially when the penalty for drug driving is so severe. Instead of burying your head in the sand or living in fear, speak with a solicitor now to access legal advice and strategise the best defence.
Talk To A Specialist Drug Driving Solicitor In Total Confidence
Parnell and Peel Solicitors offer professional, experienced legal guidance throughout the UK from London, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Manchester and Cheshire. We have a track record of excellent results for our clients, as evidenced in our client testimonials and case studies.
To find out how we can help you achieve similar results, please reach out to our team today by calling 033 03411690 or making a free online enquiry. All enquiries are kept entirely confidential.
“Hi Abdul, I would like to thank you and your team for looking after me after been charged with Drink Driving, from the initial contact with Nancy to speaking to you and especially Keiran who represented me in court, who I can’t thank enough. When I thought there was no hope you and Kieran sorted what I thought was a hopeless case. I would strongly recommend you to anyone in the same position. Again thank you to you and your team.”