What is drink driving?
Drink driving involves being in charge of a motor vehicle while having an excess of alcohol in your system. In the United Kingdom, this constitutes a criminal offence, with legal thresholds set at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, or 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine.
You don’t have to be actually driving the vehicle in order to commit a drink driving offence. Being in charge of the vehicle whilst being over the limit is also a crime.
What are drink driving offences
A drink driving offence is a criminal act committed when an individual is in charge of a motor vehicle while surpassing the legal alcohol limits in the UK. Alcohol can impair one's ability to drive safely and poses a significant risk to public safety. Notably, the criteria for a 'drink driving' or 'driving with excess alcohol' offence do not necessitate proving impairment. Instead, the prosecution must establish that the accused was in charge of a motor vehicle, on a road or in a public place, with an alcohol level exceeding the prescribed limit. Potential penalties may encompass fines, disqualification from driving, and even imprisonment.
Our team of drink driving lawyers is readily available to provide you with sound legal advice and to represent your interests in a drink driving case.
Mounting a defence against drink driving charges
To mount a successful defence against a drink driving charge, it is advisable to seek counsel from an experienced solicitor in these types of cases. Possible defences may include challenging the accuracy of breathalyser or blood tests, highlighting procedural errors, or invoking the "hip flask" defence (asserting alcohol consumption occurred after driving but before testing). A legal expert can help determine the most suitable defence strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
The value of legal representation in drink driving cases
Engaging a solicitor in drink driving cases is undoubtedly worthwhile. An experienced drink driving solicitor can help you to navigate intricate legal procedures, identify potential defences, and work towards mitigating the severity of penalties. Their expertise substantially enhances the prospects of achieving a favourable outcome, such as reduced penalties upon conviction, alternative charges, or even dismissal of the case.
The possibility of dropping drink driving charges
Drink driving charges can potentially be dropped if there are identifiable procedural errors, insufficient evidence, or a valid defence. A seasoned solicitor can meticulously assess the circumstances, challenge the prosecution's case, and strive to secure a reduction or complete dismissal of charges, depending on the specific circumstances involved.
Why choose Stephensons in Manchester for your defence?
At Stephensons, we are dedicated to delivering top-tier defence and mitigation services to motorists in Manchester. Our drink driving solicitors have a strong track record of helping clients in Manchester avoid disqualification and convictions, whenever possible. We pride ourselves on providing clear, honest advice, and we are committed to working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome from the situation.
Our solicitors in Manchester will thoroughly examine the unique circumstances surrounding your arrest, including a careful review of whether the police followed proper procedures. We will meticulously assess and scrutinise the evidence against you, leaving no stone unturned in your defence.
Stephensons has a team of drink driving solicitors with unparalleled expertise in handling drink driving offences in Manchester.
For affordable and cost-effective legal guidance in Manchester, don't hesitate to get in touch with the driving offence solicitors at Stephensons. We're here to help.
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