Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in United Kingdom

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National Legal Service Solicitors
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Founded in 2018
200 people in their team
English
Solicitors London & NationwideOur mission is to make a positive impact in peopleโ€™s livesLike many great stories, ours begins in London. When we first opened our doors, the National Legal Service was comprised of a team of 20 professionals in an Aldgate office, from there, we grew to be...
Letchers Solicitors
Ringwood, United Kingdom

Founded in 1825
English
Letchers Solicitors is a long established law firm in the New Forest with a founding history dating back to 1825. The firm provides specialist services across family, civil disputes, private client and property matters, with offices in Ringwood, Verwood and Yeovil and serving clients across...
Leonard Solicitors LLP
Southampton, United Kingdom

Founded in 1990
English
Leonard Solicitors LLP is a multi-accredited law firm based in Southampton and Bournemouth, delivering expert legal services across family, immigration, real estate and criminal defence matters. Established in 1990, the firm has built a reputation for accessible, cost-conscious legal support...
MH Solicitors LLP (Stoke On Trent)
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

English
MH Solicitors LLP is a Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton based law firm delivering expert legal services across criminal defence, family law, immigration, employment law and real estate matters. The firm operates a partner-led team that provides practical guidance, strategic representation and...
Clarke Willmott Solicitors Bristol
Bristol, United Kingdom

Founded in 1888
50 people in their team
English
Our solicitors in BristolWelcome to Clarke Willmott, BristolWith views of Bristol Bridge and Castle Park, Bristol is our largest office and weโ€™ve been at home here since 1986. Weโ€™re an established part of the community and our central location helps us keep our ear to the ground. Over the...
Mary Monson Solicitors
London, 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...
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...
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Founded in 2020
4 people in their team
English
Joseph G Boyd & Co Court Lawyers is a mixed court practice based in Edinburgh that provides criminal defence, civil litigation and Childrenโ€™s Hearings representation across Scotland. The firm is approved by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to provide legal aid funding where clients qualify, and it...
Derby, United Kingdom

English
Stephen Oldham Solicitors is a distinguished legal practice in the United Kingdom, specializing in motoring offences and criminal defence. The firm offers comprehensive representation for clients facing charges such as speeding, drink driving, and other road traffic violations. With a deep...
Elliot Mather Solicitors LLP
Chesterfield, United Kingdom

169 people in their team
English
Elliot Mather LLP provides a broad spectrum of legal services across six offices in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, anchored by a team of 59 legally qualified specialists and around 169 staff. The firm is known for practical, commercially minded advice delivered with a personal touch, and for...
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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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