We win the vast majority of the trials we take on.
However, we pride ourselves on giving realistic advice in drink driving cases. There are instances where no realistic defence exists, in which case the best course of action may be to plead guilty.
In such cases the quality of your representation can make a significant difference to the sentence imposed and we have consistently surpassed our client’s expectations. However, depending on the circumstances, there may also be instances where legal representation may not be cost effective.
Where a custodial sentence is a possibility due to a high reading the Court may enquire as to whether there is an underlying alcohol problem. It may therefore be useful to show that steps have been undertaken to address these issues.
Penalty Guidelines
Type of sample | Reading | Range of Penalties | |
First offence in the last 10 years | Not First offence in the last 10 years | ||
Breath | 36-59 | Band C fine, disqualification of 12-16 months | Same but with Disqualification of between 36-40 months |
60-89 | Band C fine, disqualification of 17-22 months | Same but with Disqualification of between 36-46 months | |
90-119 | Low to medium level community order, disqualification of 23-28 months | Same but with disqualification of 36-52 months | |
120-150 | Potential custodial sentence of up to 26 weeks, disq of 29-36 months | Same but with disqualification of 36-60 months | |
Blood | 81-137 | Band C fine, disqualification of 12-16 months | Same but with Disqualification of between 36-40 months |
138-206 | Band C fine, disqualification of 17-22 months | Same but Disqualification of between 36-46 months | |
207-275 | Low to medium level community order, disqualification of 23-28 months | Same but with disqualification of 36-52 months | |
276-345 | Potential custodial sentence of up to 26 weeks, disq of 29-36 months | Same but with disqualification of 36-60 months | |
Urine | 108-183 | Band C fine, disqualification of 12-16 months | Same but with Disqualification of between 36-40 months |
184-274 | Band C fine, disqualification of 17-22 months | Same but Disqualification of between 36-46 months | |
275-366 | Low to medium level community order, disqualification of 23-28 months | Same but with disqualification of 36-52 months | |
367-459 | Potential custodial sentence of up to 26 weeks, disq of 29-36 months | Same but with disqualification of 36-60 months |