If you’re searching for drink driving solicitors near me, you need expert legal representation fast. Being charged with drink driving is frightening, and the consequences are severe. At Scarsdale Solicitors, we provide specialist drink driving defence across England and Wales, representing clients in all Magistrates’ Courts nationwide with a high success rate in motoring offence cases.
Whether you’re in Manchester, London, Birmingham, Leeds, or anywhere across England and Wales, our expert drink driving solicitors can help. We offer 24/7 emergency advice, free initial consultations, and nationwide court representation. Don’t face these serious charges alone.
What is Drink Driving?
Section 5 RTA 1988 sets out this offence and provides a defence. A person who drives or attempts to drive a motor vehicle on a road or other public place or is in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in their breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit, is guilty of an offence.
The Legal Alcohol Limits
Here are the current legal limits in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Blood: 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Breath: 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Urine: 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.
Drink Driving Penalties
Drink driving is normally prosecuted by Section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and is punished by a minimum 12 month driving ban, a potential 6 month prison sentence and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
Second Offence Penalties
A first offence for drink driving is punishable with a minimum 12 month driving ban however if you have a subsequent conviction within 10 years the minimum period would be 3 years.
Being In Charge of a Vehicle
Section 5(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act is an offence of being in charge of a vehicle while over the prescribed limit that carries a minimum of 10 penalty points or discretionary disqualification, a potential 3 month prison sentence and/or a fine of up to £2,500.
Why Search for Drink Driving Solicitors Near Me?
When facing drink driving charges, you need solicitors who understand the technical complexities of these cases. Many people search for drink driving solicitors near me, hoping to find local expertise. However, what matters most is specialist knowledge, not just proximity.
Nationwide Representation
While based in Rochdale, Scarsdale Solicitors represent clients across England and Wales in all Magistrates’ Courts. Distance is never a barrier to receiving expert representation. We regularly appear at courts throughout the country defending drink driving cases with consistently successful results.
What We Offer
When you search for drink driving solicitors near me, you deserve solicitors who provide:
- Free initial consultation to assess your case
- 24/7 emergency advice for urgent matters
- Rapid response within 30 minutes during office hours
- Expert knowledge of breath test procedures and defences
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Defences for Drink Driving
Many people assume a breath test over the limit means automatic conviction. However, several defences may apply.
Procedural Defences
Police must follow strict procedures when conducting breath tests. Our drink driving solicitors examine whether the breath testing device was properly calibrated, the 20-minute observation period was correctly followed, and statutory warnings were properly given.
Special Reasons
Even if convicted, special reasons arguments can prevent disqualification. These include emergency situations requiring driving, drinks being spiked without your knowledge, or driving an extremely short distance.
Exceptional Hardship
If disqualification would cause exceptional hardship exceeding normal inconvenience, such as inevitable job loss or inability to care for dependents, our solicitors can present compelling arguments to reduce or avoid your ban.
The Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course
It is also open to the Court to reduce the length of disqualification below the minimum period by granting a referral to a Drink Driver Rehabilitation Scheme.
If offered by the court, completing this course can reduce your ban by up to 25%. Our solicitors can request this course be offered during sentencing.
Why Choose Scarsdale Solicitors?
High Success Rate in Motoring Cases
Our proven track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients searching for drink driving solicitors near me.
Led by Shazia Ali
With over 20 years of specialist experience in road traffic law, Shazia Ali brings unparalleled expertise to every drink driving case.
We Understand the Technical Complexities
Drink driving cases involve intricate legal and technical details including breath testing procedures, evidential requirements, and sentencing guidelines. We identify defences other solicitors might miss.
Transparent Pricing
We offer fixed fees for straightforward cases, free initial consultations, and payment plans to suit your circumstances.
Personalised, Compassionate Service
We understand this is likely your first encounter with the criminal justice system. Our solicitors provide clear, jargon-free explanations and regular updates throughout your case.
Contact Scarsdale Solicitors Today
Stop searching for drink driving solicitors near me and contact the experts. Our specialist solicitors can assess your case and advise on the best course of action, wherever you are in England and Wales.
Contact our 24/7 emergency service now:
📞 24/7 Emergency Line: 0161 660 6050
📍 Office Address: Reed House, 3–4 Hunters Lane, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1YL
🌐 Website: www.scarsdalesolicitors.com Or complete our online contact form for a callback within hours.
Scarsdale Solicitors: Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future
