Drink Driving: Keep safe this Christmas

It’s that time of year, the Christmas party season is underway which coincides with the national Christmas drink drive campaign. That means there will be more stops and more prosecutions due to an increase in police patrols dedicated to seeking out drink drivers.

If you must drive, the safest advice is to avoid alcohol completely. And remember, on the morning after consuming alcohol, there could still be enough alcohol in your system for you to be over the limit.

Here at Johnson Astills we can provide you with specialist legal advice should you find yourself suspected of drink driving.

What is the legal limit for drink driving?

In England, the level of alcohol is as follows:

• 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (the ‘blood limit’)
• 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath (the ‘breath limit’)
• 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine (the ‘urine limit’)

There are strict penalties if you are caught driving over the legal limit.

What sentence can I get for drink driving?

If you are found guilty of drink driving with a very high reading, the maximum sentence is 6 months imprisonment. There are also financial penalties and Community Orders available to the Court. The biggest impact drivers find is the disqualification that the Court must impose for a minimum term of at least 12 months.

How can we help?

If you find yourself facing a drink driving allegation or any other motoring offence it is vital to contact a solicitor as soon as possible to obtain expert legal advice.

Johnson Astills are experts in criminal law and motoring offences, and are able to assist 24 hours of the day at the police station. Our specialist advocates in the Criminal Defence Team are highly experienced in dealing with driving offences at both the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. Representation at the police station is free, and legal aid may be available for your case at the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. For offences which do not qualify for legal aid, we offer fixed fees for appointments and representation.

To discuss any motoring offences please contact our Criminal Defence Team at Johnson Astills at our Leicester office on 0116 255 4855 or our Loughborough office on 01509 610 312, or fill in our free online enquiry form and one of our friendly team will be in touch.