After you’ve told us about the circumstances surrounding your case, we’ll advise you on what your options are. You may wish to defend your case and seek an acquittal. If this is the case, we’ll work with forensic experts and specialist barristers to prepare the strongest defence possible.
We’ll liaise with the police, court, and CPS on your behalf, and instruct the country’s top barristers to represent you at court.
Prosecutors must prove every element of the offence. This means defences we may be able to use include:
- You didn’t drive or attempt to drive
- You didn’t drive on a public road or in a public place
- You drank after you drove
- You weren’t fit to be detained
- The alcohol reading isn’t consistent with what you drank
- You weren’t warned that failing to provide was an offence you could be prosecuted with
- The police didn’t complete the procedure in getting a breath / blood / urine sample correctly
- You have a medical condition which may have caused a higher alcohol reading – for example, reflux
- The laboratory analysis of a blood or urine sample isn’t reliable due to the method of testing or lack of continuity.
On the other hand, you may choose to plead guilty. If you plead guilty, we’ll work to get you the most lenient sentence possible.
However you want to proceed, we’ll be by your side.
Contact us to discuss your case and find out more about how we can help you.
Our experts have been securing positive outcomes for our clients in drink driving cases for more than 25 years. Whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty, we’ll do everything we can to get the best possible result for you.
We have excellent working relationships with specialist barristers and forensic experts. These relationships make a huge difference in helping us to prepare a solid defence against your drink driving charge. This is proven by our exceptional success rate.
Our past clients have given us consistently good feedback. Our team’s lead, Philip Somarakis, has received high praise for his work on drink driving cases. One client said: “Unbelievable work and result from Philip Somarakis who saved me completely on two separate drink driving offences over three months. Both of which could have resulted in lengthy suspensions and heavy fines.”
We have offices around the country. This means you can visit your local office for expert legal advice. If you prefer, we can speak via telephone, email, or video call. We work in a way that suits your needs.
Yes, if you’re charged with drink driving, you’ll need to go to court.
At your first hearing, you’ll need to confirm a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you’ll be banned from driving. You may also be fined, given a community order, or sent to prison.
If you don’t attend your court appearance, a warrant may be issued for your arrest and further charges could be brought against you.
That’s why it’s so important you have a qualified and experienced legal expert representing you. We’ll prepare your case and advise you fully before your hearing. We’ll also be there to represent you in court. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Penalties for drink driving vary, but if you’re convicted you will be disqualified from driving (unless you have Special Reasons).
The Sentencing Guidelines are structured according to the level of alcohol found in your system. The table below gives you an overview of the likely sentence you can expect to receive if you’re convicted.
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Level of alcohol
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Range
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Disqualification
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Disqualification if 2nd offence in 10 years
|
|
Breath (ug)
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Blood (mg)
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Urine (mg)
|
|
|
|
|
120-150 and above
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276-345 and above
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367-459 and above
|
High level community order – 26 weeks’ custody
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29-36 months
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36-60 months
|
|
90-119
|
207-275
|
275-366
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Low level community order – High level community order
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23-28 months
|
36-52 months
|
|
60-89
|
138-206
|
184-274
|
Band C fine – Low level community order
|
17-22 months
|
36-46 months
|
|
36-59
|
81-137
|
108-183
|
Band B fine – Band C fine
|
12-16 months
|
36-40 months
|
A Band B fine can range from 75-125% of your relevant weekly income.
A Band C fine can range from 125-175% of your relevant weekly income.
If you’re charged with driving a vehicle while being over the prescribed limit of alcohol, you’ll be disqualified if special reasons don’t exist. Your sentence may also include:
- A prison sentence
- A community order
- A fine.
If special reasons exist in your case, you may be able to avoid a driving disqualification. Examples of special reasons include:
- You drove a very short distance
- You drove because it was an emergency
- Your drink was spiked or laced without your knowledge.
If your case requires you to put forward special reasons, you’ll need to enter a Guilty plea at your first hearing. Your case will then be adjourned, and a second hearing will be fixed for your special reasons to be put forward to the court. We’ll work with you and advise you on the preparation you’ll need to evidence your case.
For some people, a drink driving conviction can be life altering. Some clients rely on driving to be able to work. Some need to keep a clean criminal record for their profession. A criminal record can lead to the loss of employment, reduced employment opportunities, and can sometimes make it harder to travel abroad.
If you’re convicted of drink driving, you may also find that the future cost of car insurance is much more expensive. You might even need to retake your driving test or have a medical examination after the driving ban has ended.
Our lawyers can discuss the potential consequences of your case. We’ll work hard to protect your legal position and to give you reliable advice.
Your initial consultation with an expert in our team will be free of charge.
After this, our costs will depend on whether you wish to challenge the charge and seek an acquittal or plead guilty and seek the most lenient sentence.
Our professional fees for your first hearing will start from £1,500 plus VAT and disbursements. Disbursements include fees such as the barrister’s court attendance fee.
