Drink Driving Solicitors

Specialist Drink Driving Defence from Stryders

Being accused of drink driving can be extremely stressful, particularly if you rely on your driving licence for work, family responsibilities or your independence.

At Stryders, our specialist criminal defence lawyers represent people facing drink driving offences, from the initial police investigation through to court proceedings. We can explain what you are accused of, advise you on your options and ensure your case is properly prepared.

Whether you have been arrested after failing a roadside breath test, are accused of driving over the legal alcohol limit, have been charged with being unfit through drink or are facing a potential driving ban, early legal advice can be important.

What is Drink Driving?

Drink driving is a criminal offence. In England and Wales, it is illegal to drive or attempt to drive when the level of alcohol in your breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit. It is also possible to commit an offence by being unfit to drive through drink, even where the issue is not simply the amount of alcohol detected.

The legal alcohol limits in England and Wales are:

• 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
• 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood
• 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine

There is no reliable way to calculate how many drinks you can have before reaching the legal limit. Alcohol affects people differently depending on factors including body weight, metabolism, food consumption and the type and amount of alcohol consumed.

What happens if you are arrested for drink driving?

If the police suspect you have been driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be asked to provide a specimen. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a breath, blood or urine specimen.

If you are subsequently charged with a drink driving offence, you may have to appear before the Magistrates’ Court.

The consequences can be serious. For driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol, the maximum penalties include six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a driving disqualification of at least 12 months. A second conviction within 10 years can result in a minimum three-year disqualification.

However, the precise outcome will depend on the circumstances of the offence, the level of alcohol recorded and your individual circumstances.

What drink driving offences do Stryders deal with?

Our criminal defence solicitors can advise and represent clients facing a range of alcohol-related motoring offences, including:

• Driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol
• Being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit
• Driving while unfit through drink
• Failing to provide a specimen
• Repeat drink driving offences
• High-level drink driving offences
• Drink driving causing injury
• Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink

Cases involving serious injury or death can carry significantly more severe penalties. For example, causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Can I avoid a drink driving ban?

A drink driving conviction does not necessarily mean that every case will result in the same outcome.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged offence need to be carefully considered, including the evidence relied upon by the prosecution, how the specimen was obtained and analysed, and whether there are any relevant legal or evidential issues.

Where a conviction is unavoidable, there may also be circumstances that can be relevant to sentencing.

If you are facing a drink driving charge, do not assume that a particular outcome is inevitable before your case has been properly assessed by a solicitor.

What can a drink driving solicitor do?

At Stryders, our specialist drink driving solicitors can assess the evidence against you and advise on the appropriate approach to your case. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Reviewing the prosecution evidence
• Advising you about the alleged offence and possible penalties
• Examining the circumstances surrounding the police investigation
• Considering issues relating to breath, blood or urine specimens
• Advising on whether there are grounds to challenge the prosecution case
• Preparing your case for a Magistrates’ Court hearing
• Representing you in court
• Presenting relevant mitigation where appropriate
• Advising you about the potential impact of a driving disqualification

At Stryders, we understand that losing your licence can have a significant effect on your employment, finances and family life. We provide clear, practical advice so that you understand what is happening and what your options are.

Specialist Drink Driving Defence Solicitors

Being accused of drink driving can be worrying, particularly if you are concerned about losing your licence, your job or your independence. At Stryders, we understand what is at stake and provide clear, practical advice and robust representation to help you navigate the process with confidence. Whether you have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving, charged with driving over the legal alcohol limit or accused of being unfit to drive through drink, we will take the time to understand your circumstances and ensure your case is properly prepared and presented.

Most importantly, we are there when you need us. Our team provides 24-hour police station representation, helping to protect your rights from the outset. If your case proceeds to court, we will continue to provide dedicated support, expert guidance and robust representation, working towards the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

Stryders offer competitive legal fees for defending all types of drink-driving offences

If you are being interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to free legal representation at the police station, regardless of your financial circumstances. You also have the right to free legal representation at court under the legal aid scheme if you are under 18.

Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike the uncertainty of a duty solicitor, we will provide expert support for a wide range of offences, including dangerous driving, drink-driving , driving without insurance and drug driving. After your interview, we will contact the police as part of our follow-up service to ensure you know the next steps and any actions you need to take. We may be able to offer a fixed fee for additional assistance beyond the initial interview and court representation.

Drink Driving Solicitors FAQs