Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Police in Bialystok may stop a driver, conduct a breath test and, where necessary, arrange a blood test. If results indicate an offence, officers may retain the driving licence and refer the matter for further proceedings.
The legal classification depends on the alcohol reading and the circumstances. A reading above 0.2‰ and up to 0.5‰ in blood generally falls within the “after use of alcohol” category; a reading above 0.5‰ generally constitutes a state of intoxication. Different breath-alcohol thresholds apply.
Cases are handled under national Polish law, not separate Bialystok rules. Depending on the alleged offence, the case may proceed as a petty offence or as a criminal case, usually through the police, prosecutor and competent court.
A lawyer can review whether testing and evidence were properly obtained, explain potential penalties and represent you in dealings with investigators and the court. Local venue generally depends on where the alleged driving occurred.
Your test result is close to a legal threshold. A lawyer can examine the testing record, timing, device information and any blood-test results, which may affect whether the allegation is treated as a petty offence or a crime.
Police retained your licence after a stop in Bialystok. Prompt advice can clarify the immediate restrictions, how to challenge a decision where available and what to do before driving again.
You were involved in a collision on a Bialystok street or road. The investigation may consider drink-driving alongside injury, damage or other alleged offences, making early evidence review important.
You deny driving or dispute how the stop and test were conducted. A lawyer can seek relevant records, identify witnesses and assess whether the evidence supports the allegation.
You have a previous conviction or a foreign driving licence. Repeat offending can increase the consequences, while a foreign licence may raise separate questions about the reach and enforcement of a Polish driving ban.
Criminal Code (Kodeks karny), Act of 6 June 1997. In force since 1 September 1998, it criminalises driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Amendments effective from 1 October 2023 changed several criminal penalties. Vehicle-forfeiture provisions took effect on 14 March 2024 and may be relevant in some cases.
Code of Petty Offences (Kodeks wykroczeń), Act of 20 May 1971. In force since 1 January 1972, it addresses driving after alcohol use below the criminal intoxication threshold, including possible fines or arrest and a driving ban.
Code of Criminal Procedure (Kodeks postępowania karnego), Act of 6 June 1997. In force since 1 September 1998, it governs criminal investigations, court proceedings and defence rights, including access to a lawyer and applications for court-appointed counsel.
Driving is generally a crime when blood alcohol exceeds 0.5‰ or breath alcohol exceeds 0.25 mg per litre. Lower readings may constitute driving after alcohol use, a petty offence under Polish law.
Most people are not required to hire a lawyer in a drink-driving case. A lawyer may still help assess evidence, explain the procedure and present your position to investigators or the court.
Police may arrange a blood test where breath testing is unavailable, unreliable or otherwise insufficient. Refusing a breath test does not necessarily prevent testing or end the investigation.
Do not assume you can continue driving after your licence is retained. The legal effect depends on the circumstances and any subsequent decision, so confirm your status with a lawyer or the authority handling the case.
A conviction under the Criminal Code can bring imprisonment, a driving ban and a financial payment to the Fund of Justice. For the basic offence, the driving ban is generally at least three years, but the outcome depends on the charge and case facts.
Polish law provides for vehicle forfeiture or payment of an equivalent amount in certain cases. Whether those rules apply depends on factors such as the offence, alcohol level, vehicle ownership and other circumstances.
Private fees are generally agreed with the lawyer and vary with the case’s complexity and the work required. Ask for a written fee proposal explaining whether it covers investigation-stage work, court hearings and any appeal.
There is no single timetable. A straightforward case may move faster than one involving disputed tests, expert evidence, a collision or multiple allegations; proceedings can take several months or longer.
You may apply for court-appointed counsel if you cannot afford a lawyer without serious harm to your necessary living expenses. The court decides the application, and some cases also require mandatory defence under procedural rules.
A lawyer can review the test records, device details, timing and any blood-test evidence for issues that may affect reliability or interpretation. A challenge depends on the specific evidence and does not guarantee that the allegation will be dismissed.
A Polish court can impose a ban on driving in Poland even when the person holds a licence issued abroad. Questions about recognition or consequences in another country depend on that country’s law and the case details.
Municipal Police Headquarters in Bialystok (Komenda Miejska Policji w Białymstoku). The local police handle road checks and may conduct or investigate suspected drink-driving offences.
District Court in Bialystok (Sąd Rejonowy w Białymstoku). The court hears many first-instance criminal and petty-offence cases arising within its jurisdiction. Check with the court for case-specific procedural information.
District Bar Association in Bialystok (Okręgowa Rada Adwokacka w Białymstoku). This professional body can help with information about advocates and professional registration in the region.
Secure your paperwork today. Keep the police documents, test results, licence-retention notice, summons and any case reference together. Do not drive until you have confirmed that you are legally permitted to do so.
Write down your recollection within one or two days. Record the stop location, test times, what officers said and the names of any witnesses, while the details remain clear.
Contact several local advocates or legal advisers promptly. Ask whether they handle Polish drink-driving cases and can act at the investigation stage as well as in court.
Ask about relevant experience and strategy during the first consultation. Find out how the lawyer will review the test evidence, explain possible outcomes and communicate with you as the case progresses.
Request a written fee agreement before engaging counsel. Confirm what work is included, likely extra costs and whether hearings or an appeal are charged separately.
Meet all deadlines and attend required appointments. Give your lawyer complete information promptly, and ask about court-appointed counsel if private fees are unaffordable.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Bialystok through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Drunk Driving, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Bialystok, Poland — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
