Five Things Your Drink Driving Solicitor Thinks You Should Know

It’s a sad but true fact: the worst time to be looking for professional help with a drink driving charge – or any other criminal charge, for that matter – is after you’ve been charged. Of course, few people go looking for a solicitor who specializes in drink driving cases before they’re facing a drink driving charge, and no one expects that anyone should. If you did happen to consult such a professional, though, here are five bits of knowledge and advice he’d likely give you.

Don’t Ever Assume That You’re “Fine to Drive”

Many people make the mistake of thinking that enough time has lapsed since their last drink or that only two pints isn’t enough to affect they’re driving. The facts are this: there are many different factors that affect your body’s ability to metabolize alcohol. They include your size, your weight, your genetics, how much you’ve eaten, the amount of time elapsed since your last drink, the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed – even the temperature and your physical condition can play a part. In general, if you are planning to have a drink – or have been drinking – during the evening, hand the driving duties to another who is not drinking.

Do Not Refuse a Breath Test

If you are pulled over by the police and asked to submit to a drink test, do not ever refuse on the assumption that the prosecution will have a weak case without physical evidence. A refusal to take a breath test is practically an invitation to prosecution. If the police believe you were drink driving and you refuse to provide a breath sample, the likelihood that you will be charged with the offence. The court does not look kindly on those who refuse breath tests. Most will assume that a refusal is a tacit admission of guilt.

Contact a Drink Driving Solicitor at the Earliest Opportunity

The longer you wait to contact a solicitor to advise you and handle your defence, the more difficult it may be to mount an effective defence against the charges. Bringing a drink driving specialist into the picture early can prevent you from making admissions or agreements that can damage your case later in court.

Do Not Plead Guilty to a Drink Driving Charge

The police or prosecuting solicitors will frequently attempt to convince you to plead guilty to a drink driving charge in the hope of a reduced sentence. Do not do it. A guilty plea carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 months disqualification – but that’s just the least of the penalties that may be levied on you. Beyond the legal penalties, a drunk driving conviction on your record can affect you in many ways for years.

There Is Always a Defence

Even if you believe that you are guilty – that there is no question you were driving with an excess of alcohol in your system, there are many defences that can nullify the charges against you and save your driving licence. That’s why it’s essential that you consult a drink driving solicitor to advise you and prepare your defence if you are facing charges of driving with an excess of alcohol.