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Penalty for Drink Driving
If you are convicted of a drink driving offence, you could be handed penalty points, a driving ban, a fine and even a prison sentence. It all depends on the severity of the offence and the discretion of the courts.
If you have been charged with an alcohol related driving offence, please contact us now. We specialise in drink driving law and can help you get the best outcome possible. We have successfully defended 87% of all drink driving cases we have dealt with.
Call us on 03303411690 or Make an Online Enquiry and we will contact you shortly.
Penalties for drink driving
If you are convicted of a drink driving offence, the court must decide how to penalise you. There are guidelines which set out the maximum punishment for each offence. This includes penalty points, a fine, a prison sentence and a driving disqualification.
Ultimately, the court has the power to exercise its discretion. The magistrates who hear your case will decide whether to hand you the maximum punishment available, or whether to offer a more lenient sentence.
If you are convicted of being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink (offences DR40 or DR50), you may get -
- 10 penalty points
- £2,500 fine
- 3 month prison sentence
- Possible driving disqualification
If you are convicted of driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink (offences D10 or DR20), you may get -
- 3 to 11 penalty points
- An unlimited fine
- 6 month prison sentence
- Driving disqualification for at least one year
If you are convicted of failing to provide specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis (offences DR30, DR60 or DR70), you may get -
- 3 to 11 penalty points
- An unlimited fine
- 6 month prison sentence
- Driving disqualification for at least one year
Other possible penalties
The court may offer you the chance to go on a drink driving rehabilitation course in return for a more lenient sentence. If you accept, you will have to pay for the course. The court can also demand that you do community service for a set number of hours. You could even be placed under a Curfew Order, where you have to be at a certain place on specified dates/times.
In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, there are other consequences of a drink driving conviction. For example, your vehicle insurance premiums will rise. If you need to drive for work, a disqualification could put your job on the line. Employers will also be able to see your conviction on your driving record, meaning you may struggle to secure work in the future.
Drink driving solicitors
The penalties for drink driving can be ruinous. We understand this, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you. At DFR Solicitors, we can represent you throughout legal proceedings, working to secure a positive result on your behalf.
Make an enquiry
To find out more, contact us for a free initial enquiry.
Call us on 03303411690 or Make an Online Enquiry and we will contact you shortly.
I was charged with drink driving and my case looked hopeless. There was witness evidence and forensic evidence. From my first meeting with Abdul he reassured me that we could win the case. Abdul was fantastic and the end result is that I am a happy man as I have kept my driving licence and my job. Scott McDonald.
I was initially somewhat sceptical about keeping my licence, I was stopped for Drink Driving and the costs were high, but the result was excellent, and the money was certainly well spent. I would not hesitate to use DFR again. Michael A.
I had never been in court previously, and the prospect was terrifying. I was stopped for Drink Driving, and was looking at a significant disqualification. The result in the circumstances was unbelievable, the solicitor was excellent in presenting my case and explaining the extenuating circumstances. I was overjoyed with the final result.
NM