We win the vast majority of the trials we take on.

However, we pride ourselves on giving realistic advice in drink driving cases. There are instances where no realistic defence exists, in which case the best course of action may be to plead guilty.

In such cases the quality of your representation can make a significant difference to the sentence imposed and we have consistently surpassed our client’s expectations. However, depending on the circumstances, there may also be instances where legal representation may not be cost effective.

Where a custodial sentence is a possibility due to a high reading the Court may enquire as to whether there is an underlying alcohol problem. It may therefore be useful to show that steps have been undertaken to address these issues.

Penalty Guidelines

Type of sampleReadingRange of Penalties
First offence in the last 10 yearsNot First offence in the last 10 years
Breath36-59Band C fine, disqualification of 12-16 monthsSame but with Disqualification of between 36-40 months
60-89Band C fine, disqualification of 17-22 monthsSame but with Disqualification of between 36-46 months
90-119Low to medium level community order, disqualification of 23-28 monthsSame but with disqualification of 36-52 months
120-150Potential custodial sentence of up to 26 weeks, disq of 29-36 monthsSame but with disqualification of 36-60 months
Blood81-137Band C fine, disqualification of 12-16 monthsSame but with Disqualification of between 36-40 months
138-206Band C fine, disqualification of 17-22 monthsSame but Disqualification of between 36-46 months
207-275Low to medium level community order, disqualification of 23-28 monthsSame but with disqualification of 36-52 months
276-345Potential custodial sentence of up to 26 weeks, disq of 29-36 monthsSame but with disqualification of 36-60 months
Urine108-183Band C fine, disqualification of 12-16 monthsSame but with Disqualification of between 36-40 months
184-274Band C fine, disqualification of 17-22 monthsSame but Disqualification of between 36-46 months
275-366Low to medium level community order, disqualification of 23-28 monthsSame but with disqualification of 36-52 months
367-459Potential custodial sentence of up to 26 weeks, disq of 29-36 monthsSame but with disqualification of 36-60 months