Blood Test Drink Driving Solicitors | Expert Legal Defence Nationwide

Expert blood test drink driving solicitors. 98% success rate defending blood sample cases nationwide. Free consultation. Call 0161 660 6050 today.

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Blood Test Drink Driving Solicitors: Expert Legal Defence Nationwide

Being charged with drink driving based on a blood test can feel overwhelming and final. However, at Scarsdale Solicitors, we are specialist blood test drink driving solicitors who have achieved a 98% success rate in motoring offence cases across England and Wales. Moreover, our expert legal team, led by Shazia Ali with over 20 years of specialist experience, has successfully defended hundreds of blood sample drink driving cases.

Importantly, many drivers assume that a blood test result over the legal limit means automatic conviction. However, this is far from the truth. Consequently, numerous technical, procedural, and evidential defences exist that can result in cases being discontinued or clients being found not guilty.

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Why Blood Sample Cases Are Different

Blood test drink driving cases differ significantly from breath test cases. Specifically, blood samples involve complex forensic analysis, strict procedural requirements, and multiple opportunities for legal challenge. Furthermore, blood samples are typically taken in specific circumstances such as medical reasons, equipment failure, or hospital scenarios.

Therefore, defending a blood test drink driving charge requires specialist knowledge of forensic toxicology, blood sample handling procedures, chain of custody requirements, and the technical analysis process. Consequently, our blood test drink driving solicitors possess this expertise and use it to achieve outstanding results.

Our Proven Track Record

Our results speak for themselves. Moreover, we have successfully defended blood sample cases involving readings significantly over the legal limit, achieving not guilty verdicts where others believed conviction was inevitable. Specifically, our comprehensive defence strategies have resulted in:

  • Cases discontinued before trial
  • Charges withdrawn on the day of court
  • Not guilty verdicts after trial
  • Successful appeals against conviction

Importantly, by success we mean no disqualification, no fine, no criminal record. Therefore, your licence, livelihood, and future remain protected.

What is the UK Blood Alcohol Limit?

The legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (80mg/100ml). This limit is set under Section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Moreover, this represents one of the highest blood alcohol limits in Europe.

Specifically, Scotland reduced its limit to 50mg/100ml in 2014, bringing it in line with most European countries. However, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have maintained the 80mg limit. Consequently, what may be legal in England could result in prosecution in Scotland.

Importantly, even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability. Furthermore, factors such as metabolism, food intake, body weight, and individual tolerance levels significantly influence how alcohol affects you. Therefore, many safety experts recommend avoiding alcohol entirely before driving, as being below the legal limit does not guarantee fitness to drive.

When Are Blood Samples Required in Drink Driving Cases?

Blood samples are required or offered in specific scenarios under Section 7 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Specifically, these circumstances include:

  1. Medical Reasons Prevent Breath Sample

Under Section 7(3)(a), if a police officer has reasonable cause to believe that for medical reasons a specimen of breath cannot or should not be provided, a blood or urine sample must be required instead. Moreover, medical conditions might include:

  • Respiratory problems (asthma, COPD, emphysema)
  • Recent chest surgery or injuries
  • Lung capacity issues
  • Physical disabilities affecting breath provision
  1. No Breath Testing Device Available

Under Section 7(3)(b), if a breath testing device is unavailable at the police station, blood or urine must be requested. Furthermore, this might occur due to:

  • Equipment being out of service
  • Technical failures
  • Maintenance issues
  • Device not approved by the Secretary of State
  1. Breath Test Device Malfunction

Under Section 7(3)(bb), if the breath testing device fails to produce a reliable indication of alcohol level, blood or urine must be required. Specifically, this includes:

  • Equipment malfunction during testing
  • Unreliable or inconsistent readings
  • Calibration failures
  • Technical errors in analysis
  1. Hospital Scenarios

Under Section 7(3)(c) and Section 9, if you were taken to hospital following an accident, blood samples may be requested by police. Moreover, strict procedures govern hospital blood samples, including requirements for medical practitioner consent and patient capacity to consent.

Importantly, our blood test drink driving solicitors thoroughly examine which scenario applies to your case and whether police followed correct procedures in each circumstance.

Drink Driving Blood Test Penalties

The penalties for drink driving based on blood test evidence are severe and comparable to breath test convictions. According to the Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines, penalties depend on the blood alcohol level. Specifically, our blood test drink driving solicitors can help you understand these penalties:

Blood Alcohol Level 81-137mg (Low Range)

  • Starting point: 12-month disqualification
  • Fine: Band C (150% of weekly income)
  • Sentencing range: 10-16 months disqualification
  • Possibility of drink drive rehabilitation course reducing ban by up to 25%

Blood Alcohol Level 138-206mg (Medium Range)

  • Starting point: 24-month disqualification
  • Fine: Band C (150% of weekly income) or community order
  • Sentencing range: 17-28 months disqualification
  • Possible community order with unpaid work requirement

Blood Alcohol Level 207-275mg (High Range)

  • Starting point: 36-month disqualification
  • Community order or custody threshold consideration
  • Sentencing range: 29-40 months disqualification
  • Possible 12-week custody sentence (suspended or immediate)

Blood Alcohol Level 276mg and Above (Very High Range)

  • Starting point: 36-month disqualification minimum
  • Custody threshold likely crossed
  • Sentencing range: 36-60 months disqualification
  • Prison sentence between 12-26 weeks likely

Additionally, all convictions result in:

  • Criminal record affecting employment and travel
  • Significantly increased car insurance premiums (200-500% increases typical)
  • Potential job loss if driving required for employment
  • Professional licence impacts for certain careers
  • Enhanced DBS disclosure affecting roles involving trust

Importantly, these penalties demonstrate why fighting the charge with expert blood test drink driving solicitors is crucial. Moreover, avoiding conviction altogether means avoiding all these life-changing consequences.

View Sentencing Council Guidelines – Drink Driving Penalties

Why Choose Scarsdale Solicitors for Blood Test Drink Driving Defence?

High Success Rate in Motoring Cases

Our proven track record speaks for itself. Specifically, we have achieved a 98% success rate defending motoring offence cases across England and Wales. Moreover, this includes numerous blood sample drink driving cases where clients faced high readings but were ultimately found not guilty.

Importantly, by success we mean complete acquittals resulting in:

  • No disqualification from driving
  • No fines or criminal penalties
  • No criminal record
  • Licence and livelihood protected

Therefore, our results demonstrate that defending blood test cases is not futile – it is highly effective when conducted by specialist solicitors.

We Understand the Technical Complexities

Blood test drink driving cases involve complex scientific evidence. Therefore, our blood test drink driving solicitors possess:

  • In-depth knowledge of blood sample handling procedures and requirements
  • Understanding of gas chromatography analysis and forensic toxicology
  • Expertise in chain of custody challenges
  • Relationships with leading independent forensic experts
  • Mastery of PACE procedures and Code C requirements
  • Detailed understanding of Section 7 Road Traffic Act 1988 requirements

Consequently, we identify technical and procedural defences that other solicitors miss. Moreover, we present these defences compellingly to achieve case dismissals and not guilty verdicts.

Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs

We believe everyone deserves expert legal representation. Therefore, we offer:

  • Fixed fees for straightforward cases
  • Clear hourly rates for complex matters
  • Free initial consultation for all clients
  • Flexible payment plans to make representation affordable
  • No hidden costs or surprise fees

Moreover, we recognize that the cost of conviction – including driving bans, insurance premium increases, potential job loss, and criminal records – far exceeds legal fees. Therefore, investing in expert defence represents excellent value.

Personalised, Compassionate Service

We understand this may be your first encounter with criminal proceedings. Consequently, our blood test drink drinking solicitors provide:

  • Clear, jargon-free explanations of your case
  • Regular updates on case progress
  • Evening and weekend appointments available
  • Multilingual support (English, Urdu, Punjabi)
  • Direct access to your solicitor
  • Responsive communication within 30 minutes during office hours

Importantly, we treat every client with respect, understanding, and professionalism. Moreover, we recognize the stress and anxiety criminal charges create and provide reassurance throughout the process.

Rapid Response Times

  • Guaranteed call back within 30 minutes during office hours

  • 24/7 availability for urgent matters

  • Immediate case assessment

Nationwide Representation

While based in Rochdale, we represent clients across England and Wales in all magistrates’ courts and Crown Courts. Specifically, we regularly appear in courts nationwide, defending blood test drink driving charges with consistent success.

Therefore, regardless of where in England or Wales you face charges, our expert team can represent you.

Outstanding Client Reviews

With over 244 verified five-star reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, our clients consistently praise our:

  • Professional expertise

  • Clear communication

  • Successful outcomes

  • Supportive approach

Other Practice & Services Areas

We also provide expert legal representation across multiple practice areas throughout England and Wales. Moreover, our experienced team delivers specialist advice with a proven 98% success rate in motoring cases. Therefore, whatever legal challenge you face, we have the expertise to help.

Motoring Offences

Our motoring law specialists defend all driving-related charges with exceptional results. Specifically, we handle:

 

Drink Driving Services

Furthermore, our drink driving defence includes specialist support for:

 

Drug Driving Services

Additionally, our drug driving expertise covers:

 

Failing To Offences

Moreover, we defend all “failing to” offences including:

 

Other Motoring Services

Consequently, our comprehensive motoring defence also includes:

 

Criminal Defence

Our Criminal Defence Solicitors provide expert representation for all criminal charges. Therefore, from police station interviews to Crown Court trials, we protect your rights and freedom.

Immigration & Sponsorship

Furthermore, our Immigration Solicitors guide individuals and businesses through complex visa applications, sponsorship licences, and settlement matters. Consequently, we ensure compliance and maximize approval chances.

 

Family Law & Divorce

Additionally, our Family Law & Divorce Solicitors provide compassionate support through divorce, child custody disputes, and financial settlements. Therefore, we protect your interests during difficult times.

 

Get Expert Legal Help Today

Don’t face legal charges alone. Contact Scarsdale Solicitors today for expert advice and representation.

Call: +44 (0) 161 660 6050

Email: info@scarsdalesolicitors.com

Serving Clients Across 170+ UK Locations

Expert legal services in major cities, towns, and boroughs throughout England and Wales.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Test Drink Driving

Understanding offences and process helps you make informed decisions about your future.

Yes. Drink driving is a strict liability offence under Section 5 Road Traffic Act 1988. Therefore, if your blood alcohol exceeds 80mg/100ml, you can be convicted regardless of whether you felt impaired or drunk. Consequently, this is why defending the technical and procedural aspects is so important.

Everyone metabolizes alcohol differently based on body weight, metabolism, food intake, and other factors. Moreover, even small amounts can result in readings over 80mg. However, our blood test drink driving solicitors can challenge whether you were actually over the limit at the time of driving, particularly if there was a significant delay between driving and blood sample provision.

Yes. You are entitled to the second blood sample portion taken. Moreover, you can instruct an independent forensic toxicologist to analyze it. Furthermore, our solicitors regularly instruct leading experts who frequently identify flaws in prosecution analysis or obtain different results.

Typically 4-6 weeks, though delays can occur. Moreover, during this time you may be under investigation or on police bail. Importantly, we recommend instructing our blood test drink driving solicitors during this waiting period so we can prepare your defence immediately.

Hospital blood samples are governed by Section 9 Road Traffic Act 1988 and involve additional procedural requirements. Specifically, strict rules apply regarding medical practitioner consent, patient capacity to consent, and sample handling. Consequently, hospital cases frequently involve procedural defences that our solicitors exploit successfully.

Not if you are found not guilty. Moreover, our 98% success rate demonstrates that defending blood test cases frequently results in complete acquittals. Therefore, with expert legal representation, you have excellent chances of keeping your licence.

Generally yes, unless you were charged with excess alcohol when driving (not just in charge) and the court imposed an interim disqualification. However, most clients remain free to drive until trial. Nevertheless, we recommend confirming your specific bail conditions.

Refusing or failing to provide a specimen without reasonable excuse is a separate offence under Section 7(6) Road Traffic Act 1988. Moreover, penalties are equivalent to high-level drink driving charges. Therefore, refusal rarely benefits defendants. However, if you have medical reasons preventing provision (such as needle phobia), reasonable excuse defences may apply.

We offer competitive fixed fees for straightforward cases and clear hourly rates for complex matters. Moreover, we provide free initial consultations and flexible payment plans. Importantly, legal fees are significantly less than the costs of conviction including driving bans, insurance premium increases, and potential job loss.

Yes. While based in Rochdale, our blood test drink driving solicitors represent clients across England and Wales in all magistrates' courts. Therefore, regardless of where you face charges, we can defend you.

Immediately. The sooner we are instructed, the stronger your defence will be. Moreover, early instruction allows us to preserve evidence, identify procedural failures while memories are fresh, and potentially prevent charges being brought.

Don't Face This Alone. Contact Scarsdale Solicitors Today

A conviction for failing to provide can have life-changing consequences. You could lose your licence, your job, face imprisonment, and carry a criminal record. But with expert legal defence, many cases result in complete acquittals.
At Scarsdale Solicitors, we’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully defend failing to provide charges across England and Wales. Our 98% success rate in motoring cases, combined with over 20 years of specialist experience, means you’re in the safest possible hands.
Don’t assume you have no choice but to plead guilty. Never risk representing yourself. You do not wait until it’s too late.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.

Testimonials
Real stories from clients who trusted us with their most important cases. Your peace of mind is our greatest testimonial. Read what our clients share about their journey with us.
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I would like to thank Shazia and the Scarsdale team. Super efficient, fast responding and knew exactly what to do in the situation I was in. Highly recommend for any immigration needs

I would like to thank Shazia and the Scarsdale team. Super efficient, fast responding and knew exactly what to do in the situation I was in. Highly recommend for any immigration needs

Sherri Cronin

Dynamic Program Designer