Crime Videos

Date when Video was Published: 03/10/2023

Drink/Drug driving Driving with excess levels of alcohol or quantities of specific drug in your body (ie Drink or drug driving) are two of the most serious and life impacting offenses a motorist can face. In English law the legal limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. Similar measurements apply for blood and urine. The police will ordinarily take a roadside sample of breath prior to an arrest and obtain an evidential sample used for court (in breath, blood or urine -chosen at their discretion) at the police station with more sophisticated equipment or via a medical practitioner. Since 2015 it has been an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood. This includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs . The limit set for each drug is different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low. The procedure for prosecuting this type of case is now very similar to that used in alcohol cases. The mandatory minimum penalty for a drink and drug driving conviction is a 12 month disqualification coupled with a fine but all too often more serious sentences are handed out. The courts will deal with such cases as a matter of routine and an unrepresented defendant should take caution before defending such a matter alone as this is a complicated area. Careful and thorough advice and advocacy could help establish a defence and if not certainly help in mitigating the harshness of the courts orders. At Duncan Lewis, we understand the consequences of a conviction can be life changing. Our solicitors have an excellent track record at defending cases involving drink and drug driving charges as well as an array of other motoring offences which could go hand in hand with such allegations. If you’re facing a drink or drug driving prosecution please get in touch with one of our experienced motoring lawyers for more information on 033 3772 0409.

Disclaimer

This video content was created on 03/10/2023 to provide an overview of the legal position and the information was correct at the time this video was created. This video has been produced for purposes of generic information and marketing purposes only. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularised advice of your own legal advisor. Please consult one of our lawyers to provide you with advice and assistance on any matters touched on this video. Viewing of this video does not create legally binding advice and does not create a retainer with Duncan Lewis Solicitors. This video is Copyrighted at Duncan Lewis Solicitors 2023. Any illegal reproduction of this content is prohibited and will result in immediate legal action.