When Should You Call a Drink Driving Solicitor?

The laws of the United Kingdom provide everyone with the right to be represented and aided by a criminal solicitor or a drink driving solicitor when they are facing legal charges or in peril of losing their liberty. Depending on your situation, the law may even provide free criminal legal aid, either in person or over the telephone. In fact, if you are called into the police station, detained by the police or arrested, you have a right to be assisted by a solicitor at no charge to yourself, but there are things you should know about that representation.

Drink Driving Charges

If you are suspected of driving while intoxicated, you have a right to legal advice from the duty solicitor or from your own solicitor. The Legal Service Commission will only pay the fee for a telephone consultation under this circumstance. It is important to bring in a drink driving solicitor to advise you as soon as possible because the police must abide by specific regulations when collecting evidence or attempting to make a case. A drink driving solicitor can also help you make a case for early restoration of your driving licence, or mount a defence against a drink driving charge.

Criminal Legal Aid at the Police Station

At the police station, you are entitled to free legal advice from the duty solicitor or from your own solicitor. If the charges against you don’t carry a danger of imprisonment, or as noted above, if they concern drink driving, criminal legal aid will only pay for a telephone consultation. If you are being charged with an imprisonable offence, such as fraud or assault, you may ask for a criminal solicitor to advise you in person.

Criminal Legal Aid Before the Courts

You are entitled to legal advice and representation from a criminal solicitor whenever you are brought before the court, but the circumstances for payment of the legal fees vary depending on the section of the court, the charges against you and your financial means. When you stand before the Magistrate’s Court, you must meet specific tests before legal aid will be granted. The case against you must carry a significant chance of depriving you of your liberty or your living, and you must meet income guidelines to qualify for reduced or free criminal legal aid.

If your case will be heard before the Crown Court, you will automatically qualify for legal aid from a criminal solicitor.

Choosing a drink driving solicitor or criminal solicitor to advise and represent you is a significant decision. Don’t take chances with your freedom or your rights. Ask about your right to speak to solicitors whenever you are involved with the police.