Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Karditsa as it is across Greece. Police enforce drink-driving rules through roadside checks and breathalyzer or blood tests. Consequences can include on-the-spot measures like provisional license suspension, administrative fines, and criminal prosecution for more serious incidents such as causing injury or death. Procedures combine administrative traffic rules and criminal law, so outcomes range from fines and administrative penalties to possible criminal trials depending on circumstances and prior record.
People facing drunk driving allegations often need a lawyer for several reasons. A qualified lawyer can explain the applicable law and likely outcomes, review evidence such as breathalyzer or blood-test results and the police report, challenge improper procedure or unreliable testing, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, represent you at court hearings, advise on administrative appeals and license reinstatement, and help you prepare mitigation materials such as medical or rehabilitation records. If the case involves injury, death, or a complex evidentiary record, legal representation is especially important.
Greek traffic law sets blood alcohol concentration - BAC - thresholds and equips police to conduct roadside testing. For most drivers the legal BAC limit is 0.05 percent. Lower limits apply to novice drivers and to certain professional drivers - commonly 0.02 percent. Police may stop vehicles at checkpoints or after observed driving behavior, and use breathalyzers or order blood tests when necessary.
Immediate consequences can include detention for questioning, a provisional suspension of the driving licence, administrative fines and seizure of the permit in some cases. More serious cases - for example when drink driving results in bodily harm or death, or when BAC is very high - can lead to criminal prosecution in a local criminal court, potential imprisonment, and longer licence revocation. Refusal to submit to testing can itself lead to penalties and may be treated as an aggravating factor. Administrative procedures for fines and suspension may run separately from criminal proceedings.
Greece generally sets the BAC limit at 0.05 percent for ordinary drivers. Lower limits - typically around 0.02 percent - apply to novice drivers and to many professional drivers. Local police will apply the national limits in Karditsa.
If police stop you they may ask for documents and may perform a breath test. If the breath test indicates a BAC above the legal limit, you may be detained for further testing, your driving licence may be provisionally suspended, and you may receive instructions about administrative or criminal procedures. Cooperating calmly and asking for legal advice is advisable.
Refusing a breathalyzer or a legally ordered blood test can have serious consequences. In many cases refusal may lead to administrative penalties, automatic suspension of the licence, and possible criminal charges. You should consult a lawyer immediately if you are considering refusal or have already refused.
Immediate measures may include provisional licence suspension at the roadside, an official charge or notice, and orders to attend a police station or magistrate. Administrative fines and a formal criminal complaint may follow. The exact immediate steps depend on the test result and the officer's findings.
Prison is possible in more serious cases, especially when drink driving causes bodily harm or death, when there are aggravating circumstances, or when the offender has prior convictions. Minor or first-time cases with low BAC levels are more likely to result in fines and licence suspension rather than imprisonment, but only a lawyer can assess the risk given your precise circumstances.
A lawyer can review whether procedures were followed correctly - for example calibration and maintenance of equipment, the chain of custody for blood samples, whether proper warnings were given, and whether medical conditions or interfering substances could have affected results. Identifying procedural errors or scientific issues can be key to challenging test evidence.
Timelines vary. Administrative penalties or licence suspension can be immediate, while administrative appeals and criminal proceedings can take weeks to months, and sometimes longer if the case is complex or proceeds to trial. Your lawyer can provide a more accurate timeline based on your case details.
Bring any documents you received from the police, the driving licence, vehicle registration, the breathalyzer or blood-test results if available, contact details of witnesses, any medical reports from treatment after the incident, and a clear written account of what happened. This helps the lawyer assess the case quickly and identify next steps.
Legal aid availability depends on financial eligibility and the nature of the charges. Serious criminal matters often qualify for court-appointed defence counsel if you cannot afford a private lawyer. Ask your local Bar Association or the court about public defence and legal aid options.
Licence reinstatement depends on the reason for suspension and the terms set by authorities or the court. You may need to wait a mandated period, pay fines, complete administrative procedures, and in some cases provide medical or rehabilitation certificates. A lawyer can advise on the specific steps and help file any necessary appeals or applications for reinstatement.
When seeking help in Karditsa consider contacting the following types of organizations and bodies for information and assistance - local traffic police station of the Hellenic Police for procedural questions, the Karditsa Bar Association for lists of local lawyers and information on legal aid, the local court clerk for case procedures, national road safety organizations for education and prevention programs, and addiction support services or treatment centers if alcohol dependency is an issue. Also consider hospitals or forensic departments that handled any testing and their records.
If you are facing a drunk driving allegation in Karditsa follow these practical steps:
- Stay calm and comply with lawful police instructions at the scene while protecting your right to legal counsel.
- Ask for and preserve copies of any police paperwork, test results, and officer identification.
- Do not make detailed admissions without first consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a qualified local lawyer as soon as possible for an initial consultation - ask about their experience with drunk driving cases and likely strategies.
- Collect and keep evidence that supports your account - witness details, photos, medical records, and any documentation of vehicle condition or road conditions.
- Follow legal and health recommendations - attend required hearings, meet administrative requirements, and if appropriate enroll in alcohol education or treatment programs to show mitigation.
A local lawyer can assess your situation, outline likely outcomes, and guide you through both administrative and criminal processes. Acting quickly and with professional advice gives you the best chance to manage the consequences effectively.
