Drink driving
Driving over the limit carries a minimum ban — but the procedure has to have been followed correctly.
How we can help
- Reviewing the procedure at the roadside and at the station
- Checking calibration records and the operation of the breath testing device
- Advising on special reasons arguments that can avoid disqualification
- Representing you at plea, trial and sentence
- Advising on the drink drive rehabilitation course and reduced ban
- Dealing with the consequences for insurance and employment
What happens next
- Tell us what happened from the stop through to the station procedure.
- We obtain and review the procedural records — errors are more common than people assume.
- We advise on plea, and run any available defence or special reasons argument.
Fees for this work
Fixed fee quoted before you instruct us, covering the hearings involved.
Common questions
Will I definitely be banned?
A conviction carries a minimum twelve month disqualification, and considerably longer at higher readings or on a repeat offence. Special reasons arguments can avoid a ban but succeed only in narrow circumstances.
Can I challenge the breath test?
Sometimes. The procedure is prescribed in detail and must be followed — the roadside test, the station procedure, the device’s calibration and the officer’s compliance are all capable of challenge where something has gone wrong.
What is the drink drive rehabilitation course?
A course offered on conviction which, if completed, reduces the disqualification period by up to a quarter. It is voluntary, and you pay for it, but for most people it is worth taking.
I was over the limit the morning after.
The offence has no requirement that you felt impaired. Alcohol clears more slowly than people assume, and morning-after cases are common. The evidential position is the same.
Tell us what's happened
Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.