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Drink Driving

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Drink Driving Solicitors in Cheltenham

If you’re caught driving under the influence in Cheltenham or anywhere in the UK, it’s a serious matter with significant legal consequences. This could impact many areas of your life. The penalties for drink driving range from fines and losing your driving license to potential jail time, especially if it’s not your first offense.

At Pembridge Solicitors, we’re well-versed in the complexities of drink driving cases and the potential risks involved. Our team, with extensive experience in drink driving cases, offers knowledgeable legal advice and support to those facing these charges.

Facing a drink driving charge requires professional legal assistance to properly understand your situation. Our solicitors are dedicated to thoroughly reviewing the evidence, identifying any procedural errors, and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Drink Driving Laws and Legal Limits in UK

Drink driving laws in the UK are in place to ensure road safety and protect the lives of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The legal limits for alcohol consumption while operating a motor vehicle are strictly enforced across the country.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is:

  • 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (80mg/100ml)
  • 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath (35ug/100ml)
  • 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of urine (107mg/100ml)

In Scotland, the legal alcohol limits for drivers are lower:

  • 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (50mg/100ml)
  • 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath (22ug/100ml)
  • 67 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of urine (67mg/100ml)

It is important to note that these limits may vary for certain categories of drivers, such as novice drivers and professional drivers of buses, lorries, and other commercial vehicles.

Possible Sentences for Drink Driving Offenses

Drink driving offenses in the UK carry a range of potential sentences, depending on the severity of the offense, any previous convictions, and other aggravating factors. The courts consider various factors when determining the appropriate sentence, including the level of alcohol in the driver’s system, the circumstances of the offense, and the potential harm caused.

Disqualification from Driving:

  • For less severe offenses, the court may impose a driving disqualification ranging from 12 months to 36 months. The duration of the disqualification can vary depending on factors such as the level of alcohol detected and any previous convictions.

Fines:

  • Drink driving offenses often incur fines, the amount of which depends on the severity of the offense. The fines can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds.

Community Orders:

  • In some cases, the court may issue community orders as an alternative to imprisonment. This may involve community service, participation in alcohol rehabilitation programs, or other specified activities.

Custodial Sentences:

  • More serious drink driving offenses can result in imprisonment. The length of the custodial sentence varies depending on the circumstances, but it can range from several months to several years.

Rehabilitation Courses:

  • As an alternative to more severe penalties, the court may offer drink driving rehabilitation courses. Completion of such a course can sometimes lead to a reduction in the length of the driving disqualification.

It is important to note that the specific sentence imposed will depend on the individual circumstances of the case and the discretion of the court. Aggravating factors such as causing an accident, injury, or death while drink driving may lead to more severe penalties.

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