Drunk Driving Lawyer

Drink driving is one of the most common yet serious motoring offences in the UK. A conviction for drunk driving can lead to severe penalties, including disqualification from driving, hefty fines, increased insurance costs, and even imprisonment in extreme cases. Beyond the legal consequences, such allegations can also damage your professional reputation and personal life.

If you have been accused of drink driving, seeking immediate advice from an experienced drunk driving lawyer is essential. At our firm, we specialise in defending clients against drink driving allegations, providing expert advice, robust representation, and tailored strategies to achieve the best possible outcome.

What is Drink Driving?

Drink driving occurs when a person operates a vehicle while exceeding the legal alcohol limit. The law is strict and leaves little room for error.

Legal Alcohol Limits in the UK:

• Breath: 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
• Blood: 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
• Urine: 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

It is worth noting that alcohol affects individuals differently, and even small amounts can push you over the legal limit.

Consequences of a Drink Driving Conviction

A conviction for drink driving can have life-changing repercussions, including:

• Driving Disqualification: A mandatory driving ban of at least 12 months. Repeat offences or high levels of alcohol can result in longer bans.
• Fines: Financial penalties vary depending on the severity of the offence and your income.
• Penalty Points: Penalty points may be imposed, impacting your driving record and insurance costs.
• Imprisonment: Serious offences, such as causing death while drunk driving, can result in custodial sentences.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: A drink driving conviction can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage.
• Reputational Damage: For professionals, a conviction can harm your career and personal reputation.

How Our Drunk Driving Lawyers Can Help

Our experienced drunk driving lawyers provide expert advice and representation to help you navigate the complexities of drink driving law. We focus on protecting your rights, challenging the evidence, and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

1. Early Legal Advice

Seeking legal advice as soon as you are charged or contacted by the police is critical. Early intervention can shape the direction of your case.

Our Services Include:

• Advising on your legal rights and the potential consequences of the charges.
• Reviewing the evidence against you to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Preparing you for police interviews and court appearances.

2. Challenging the Evidence

Drink driving cases often rely on technical evidence, such as breathalyser or blood test results. Our solicitors meticulously examine this evidence to identify errors or procedural breaches.

Common Defences Include:

• Breathalyser Calibration: Challenging the accuracy or maintenance of the device used to measure alcohol levels.
• Procedural Errors: Arguing that the police failed to follow correct procedures during testing or arrest.
• Medical Defences: Demonstrating that a medical condition, such as acid reflux or diabetes, affected the test results.
• Exceptional Circumstances: Providing evidence that you were driving under duress or in an emergency situation.

3. Avoiding Disqualification

In drink driving cases, a disqualification is often mandatory. However, our solicitors explore all legal avenues to minimise or avoid a driving ban where possible.

Strategies Include:

• Arguing “Special Reasons” to avoid a ban, such as unintentional consumption of alcohol or short distances driven.
• Negotiating alternative penalties, such as participation in a drink driving rehabilitation course, to reduce the disqualification period.

4. Representation in Court

If your case proceeds to court, our experienced advocates provide skilled representation to ensure your defence is presented effectively.

In Court, We Will:

• Cross-examine witnesses, including police officers, to challenge their accounts of the incident.
• Present expert testimony to refute breathalyser or blood test results.
• Deliver persuasive arguments to secure an acquittal or mitigate sentencing.

5. Appeals and Post-Conviction Support

If you are convicted of drink driving, you may still have grounds to appeal the decision or seek a reduction in your sentence.

Post-Conviction Services Include:

• Reviewing trial records for procedural errors or new evidence.
• Preparing and submitting appeal documents to challenge the conviction or sentence.
• Advising on steps to restore your driving privileges, such as completing rehabilitation courses.

Why Choose Us as Your Drunk Driving Lawyers?

Drink driving cases require specialist knowledge of motoring law, forensic evidence, and court procedures. Our solicitors are dedicated to providing exceptional legal support and advocacy for clients facing these serious allegations.

1. Specialist Expertise

We have extensive experience defending clients in drink driving cases, from minor infractions to complex situations involving multiple charges.

2. Tailored Defence Strategies

Every case is unique. We work closely with you to understand your circumstances and develop a strategy that aligns with your priorities.

3. Proven Track Record

Our solicitors have successfully defended clients against drink driving charges, achieving acquittals, reduced penalties, and shorter disqualification periods.

4. Professional and Discreet Representation

We understand the impact of drink driving allegations on your personal and professional life. Our team provides confidential, supportive, and professional legal services.

5. 24/7 Availability

Drink driving arrests often occur outside of regular hours. Our solicitors are available around the clock to provide immediate advice and representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I challenge a drink driving charge? Yes. Our solicitors will review the evidence and identify grounds for challenging the charge, such as procedural errors or faulty equipment.
2. What are “special reasons” in drink driving cases? “Special reasons” are circumstances that do not excuse the offence but can justify avoiding a disqualification, such as driving under duress or unknowingly consuming alcohol.
3. How long does a drink driving case take? The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Simple cases may be resolved within weeks, while contested cases can take several months.
4. Can I appeal a drink driving conviction? Yes. If you believe your conviction or sentence was unjust, we can help you explore options for appeal and represent you in appellate proceedings.
5. Will my licence be automatically reinstated after a ban? In most cases, you will need to apply for licence reinstatement and may be required to pass a medical examination, particularly for high-alcohol readings.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Lawyers Today

If you are facing allegations of drink driving, early legal intervention is vital to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome. Contact us now on 0208 732 5458 or 07946 424 154, or email us at admin@makwanas.co.uk to arrange a confidential consultation.

Our experienced drunk driving lawyers are available 24/7 to provide expert advice, robust defence, and practical support. Protect your licence, reputation, and future—call us today.