Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in United Kingdom

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Bobbetts Mackan
Bristol, United Kingdom

Founded in 1800
50 people in their team
English
ABOUT USThe law firm of Bobbetts Mackan has its origins in the 1800's. Its feet are firmly planted in the present and its eyes are focused on the delivery of specialist legal services to the people of Bristol, the South West and beyond.The Bobbetts Brothers established the firm in the mid 1800โ€™s....
Berkeley Square Solicitors
London, United Kingdom

Founded in 2016
10 people in their team
English
London solicitors Berkeley Square Solicitors are experts in Criminal Defence, Serious Fraud, Extradition, Serious Crime, Immigration, Corporate Law and International Criminal Law. Our solicitors can provide legal representation anywhere in the UK. Please call us on 0203 858 0851 or 07798 767 156...
Moore Motoring Law
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Founded in 2014
3 people in their team
English
Moore Motoring Law specialises in motoring law, providing focused representation for clients charged with motoring offences including speeding, driving under the influence, failure to produce driver details, and no insurance. The practice combines courtroom advocacy with police station work and...
ZMS Solicitors
Leicester, United Kingdom

Founded in 2003
50 people in their team
English
ZMS Solicitors is a modern and progressive law firm, with one aimโ€œAchieve the best possible result for our clientโ€.We recognise the fundamental importance of total commitment to each individual case. We provide a legal service of the highest quality. We pride ourselves in giving expert advice...
Norrie Waite & Slater Solicitors
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Founded in 1972
50 people in their team
English
Norrie Waite & Slater solicitorsWe have been established over 50 years and have grown substantially in those years with a succession of mergers with, Waite Turner Breislin, Slater Elliott, Peel and Co, in 2007 with Mundy Coutts-Wood, in 2011 with Peter Stubbs & Co. and in 2014 with Leviten...
Sills & Betteridge Solicitors
Lincoln, United Kingdom

English
Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, established in 1759, is a distinguished law firm with over 260 years of experience, offering comprehensive legal services to both private individuals and businesses across the UK. With a network of 17 offices located in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and the East Midlands,...
David Gray Solicitors LLP
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Founded in 1979
English
David Gray Solicitors LLP, established over 45 years ago, is a leading law firm in the North East of England, with offices in Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including family law, crime, property, mental health, immigration, Court of...
BCKM Solicitors
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Founded in 1992
50 people in their team
English
Criminal & family solicitors in EdinburghBCKM is a long-established firm of almost 30 years in central Edinburgh. Our solicitors have over 80 years of combined experience in representing clients at court in Scotland.Our legal expertiseCriminal LawAt BCKM Solicitors in Edinburgh, our...
Johnson Astills Solicitors - Leicester
Loughborough, United Kingdom

Founded in 1995
50 people in their team
English
About UsAt Johnson Astills, we aim to represent the modern face of legal firms. We are friendly and approachable, but efficient and successful in our work. This has been recognised by a series of awards and nominations to individual solicitors and the law firm as a whole; both locally and...
Mary Monson Solicitors
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Founded in 1979
50 people in their team
English
Our criminal defence team gets resultsOur criminal solicitors fight to win our clientsโ€™ cases and the proof is our results. Where a client doesnโ€™t admit the allegation we win at trial or get the case dropped beforehand in 72% of cases.Mary Monson Solicitors is a law firm representing people and...
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About Drunk Driving Law in United Kingdom

Drunk driving, officially referred to as "driving or being in charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol" in the United Kingdom, is a serious offense. It is measured by the amount of alcohol in your system, primarily in your breath, blood, or urine. The legal limits are 35 micrograms per 100 milliliters of breath, 80 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood, or 107 milligrams per 100 milliliters of urine. Exceeding these limits can lead to severe consequences, including fines, a driving ban, or even imprisonment.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging with a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving cases can be crucial for several reasons:

  • Understanding Legal Complexities: Navigating the legal system can be complicated, and a lawyer can help explain the charges against you, potential defenses, and the likely outcomes.
  • Building a Defense: A lawyer can help build a strong defense strategy, which might include questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer tests or the legality of your stop and arrest.
  • Negotiating Plea Deals: Experienced lawyers may be able to negotiate plea bargains, potentially reducing charges or sentences.
  • Representing You in Court: If your case goes to trial, you will need a lawyer to represent and advocate for you effectively before a judge.
  • Advising on Penalties: Legal counsel can provide advice on minimizing penalties, such as applying for a reduced driving ban or seeking alternatives to jail time.

Local Laws Overview

The United Kingdom has strict laws regarding drunk driving, which include:

  • Zero Tolerance for New Drivers: Drivers within their first two years of passing their test are subject to stringent penalties.
  • Drink-Driving Offenses and Penalties: Offenses include driving while over the legal limit, being in charge of a vehicle over the legal limit, and failing to provide a specimen for testing. Penalties can range from fines and driving bans to imprisonment, depending on the severity.
  • Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices: In some cases, convicted individuals may be required to install an ignition interlock device, which prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driverโ€™s breath.
  • Insurance and Employment Consequences: A drunk driving conviction may lead to higher insurance premiums and could affect job prospects, especially for roles requiring driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal alcohol limits for drivers in the UK?

The legal limits are 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, 80 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood, or 107 milligrams per 100 milliliters of urine.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test?

Refusing to provide a specimen for testing can lead to arrest and prosecution. Penalties may include similar consequences to those faced by someone convicted of drunk driving.

Can I drive the morning after drinking?

Even after a night's sleep, you might still be over the legal limit depending on the amount consumed. It's advisable to allow sufficient time for alcohol to leave your system.

Will I lose my license if I'm caught drink-driving?

A conviction generally results in a driving ban, the length of which depends on the severity of the offense and if it's a repeat offense.

Can I reduce my driving ban?

The rehabilitation course might reduce the driving ban by up to 25% if offered and successfully completed.

What will a drunk driving conviction do to my insurance?

Insurance premiums will likely increase, as insurance companies view convicted drink-drivers as high-risk.

How long does a conviction stay on my driving record?

Endorsements for drink-driving stay on your driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction.

Can I appeal a drunk driving conviction?

Yes, you can appeal a conviction or sentence, typically within 21 days of the trialโ€™s conclusion.

Is it possible to get legal aid for a drunk driving case?

Legal aid may be available depending on the severity of the case and the individual's financial circumstances.

What should I do if I feel I'm being wrongly accused of drunk driving?

Itโ€™s important to seek legal advice immediately to understand your rights and build a defense.

Additional Resources

  • Gov.uk: Offers guidelines and information on drink-driving laws, penalties, and processes.
  • Drinkaware: Provides information on alcohol consumption and its effects on driving.
  • The Road Traffic Act 1988: Legal document outlining UK laws relating to road traffic, including drink-driving.
  • CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau): Offers free advice on legal matters related to driving offenses.
  • The Law Society: Can help you find a solicitor with expertise in motoring offenses.

Next Steps

If you face a drunk driving charge, it's important to seek legal assistance promptly. Start by contacting a solicitor or law firm specializing in motoring law. Gather all relevant documents and details of the incident, such as breathalyzer results and arrest records, and be honest and detailed when discussing your case with your lawyer. This preparation can significantly impact the quality and effectiveness of your defense strategy.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in United Kingdom 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.

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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.

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