Drink Driving Solicitors
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we have a team of highly experienced drink driving solicitors in the UK. Our trusted solicitors offer expert services, defending individuals who have been charged with being drunk in charge of a vehicle. We provide professional advice and free police representation.
Drink Driving
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, drink driving in the UK is defined as “A person who drives or attempts to drive a motor vehicle on a road or other public place or is in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in their breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit, is guilty of an offence.”
Current legal limits are as follows:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath
- 80 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
- 107 mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine
If you’re caught drink driving, you will likely need expert legal assistance and representation. This is where a dedicated drink driving solicitor from Bell Lamb & Joynson can step in.
Drink Driving Penalties
You may potentially be issued:
- 3 months in prison
- A fine of up to £2,500
- A possible driving ban
You may potentially be issued:
- 6 months in prison
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban for at least 1 year (or 3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
You may potentially be issued:
- 6 months in prison
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban for at least 1 year (or 3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
You may potentially be issued:
- Life in prison
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban for at least 5 years
- An extended driving test before having your licence returned (unless you’re a high-risk offender)
Failing to Provide a Specimen
The police have the right to request a specimen from you if they suspect you've been drink driving. If you fail to provide a specimen, you'll likely be issued severe penalties. However, there are a few reasonable excuses why you could refuse to give a specimen:
- Respiratory issues
- Urinary or prostate issues
- Mental health
- Needle phobia
- Physical inability
To use a reasonable excuse in your defence, you’ll need the assistance of our drink driving solicitors, who can gather medical evidence on your behalf.
How Our Drink Driving Solicitors Can Help
Our highly experienced drink driving solicitors can challenge all motoring offences:
- Driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol (Section 5(1)(a) Road Traffic Act 1988 - breath, blood or urine cases)
- Being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit (Section 5(1)(b) RTA 1988)
- Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink (Section 4(1) RTA 1988)
- Being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink (Section 4(2) RTA 1988)
- Refusing to give a roadside breath test (Section 6(6) RTA 1988)
- Failing to provide a specimen for analysis (breath, blood or urine) (Section 7(6) RTA 1988)
Speak With Our Drink Driving Solicitors Today
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we have a team of dedicated drink driving solicitors in the UK. We regularly travel across the country to assist and represent clients at the police station or court. There’s no doubt that our team consists of some of the best drunk driving solicitors - all of which are dedicated to providing expert services to keep you on the road. No matter the time, we're available to help you.
To speak to a solicitor for drink driving today, please contact us.
Drink Driving Solicitors FAQs
Is it worth getting a solicitor for drink driving?
Yes, it is worth getting a solicitor for drink driving. Hiring a solicitor is highly recommended, as being caught drink driving is a criminal offence that often leads to penalties, fines, driving bans, and even imprisonment. Our solicitors will offer advice and support throughout the process to reduce your penalty and keep your licence.
How much does a drink driving solicitor cost?
The cost of hiring a drink driving solicitor depends on the complexity of your specific case. At Bell Lamb & Joynson, our fees start at £950 + VAT. To discuss our fees in greater detail based on your circumstances regarding drink driving, please get in touch.
Should I work with drink driving solicitors near me?
No, it's not always a requirement to work with a drink driving solicitor near you. Many solicitors, such as ourselves, can travel across the country to support you at the police station or court.
How much do you charge for police representation?
Our police station representation service is completely free of charge. It is your legal right to have representation at the police station, and our reliable drink driving solicitors will be there by your side.
Can you still drive while waiting to go to court for drink driving?
Yes, you can usually still drive while waiting to go to court for drink driving. This is because you’ve only been charged with drink driving, and not yet convicted. However, you must stop driving immediately if instructed by the court upon your hearing.
Still got a question? Get in touch!