If you’re searching for drunk driving attorneys near me after being charged with drink driving, you need specialist legal representation immediately. In the UK, drink driving is a serious criminal offence carrying a mandatory minimum 12-month driving ban, unlimited fines, and potential imprisonment. At Scarsdale Solicitors, we provide expert drink driving defence with a high success rate in motoring cases across England and Wales.
Whether you call them drunk driving attorneys, drink driving solicitors, or motoring lawyers, what matters is finding specialists who understand the complexities of drink driving law. Our team, led by Shazia Ali with over 20 years of specialist experience, has successfully defended hundreds of clients facing drink driving charges.
Understanding Drink Driving Offences in the UK
When searching for drunk driving attorneys near me, you need solicitors who understand the full scope of drink driving law under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The Legal Alcohol Limits
In England and Wales, the legal alcohol limits for motorists are: A maximum of 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. A maximum of 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100ml of blood. A maximum of 107 milligrams of alcohol in 100ml of urine.
Types of Drink Driving Offences
Our drunk driving attorneys near me service covers all drink driving offences including:
Driving or Attempting to Drive with Excess Alcohol (Section 5(1)(a)) – The most common charge, carrying mandatory disqualification.
Being in Charge of a Vehicle While Over the Limit (Section 5(1)(b)) – If the offence is being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit, the maximum penalty is a fine of up to £2,500 and/or up to three months in custody. The court may impose a disqualification or endorse the driver’s licence with 10 penalty points.
Failing to Provide a Specimen – Failure to provide a specimen is a separate offence under Section 7(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. You can be convicted for refusing to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample without needing to prove you were over the alcohol limit.
Penalties for Drink Driving
Understanding the potential consequences helps explain why finding experienced drunk driving attorneys near me is so important.
Maximum Penalties
For driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol, the maximum sentence is an unlimited fine and/or up to six months in prison. A driving disqualification of at least 12 months is mandatory.
Under UK driving offences penalties 2025, drink driving convictions can result in up to 6 months imprisonment, unlimited fines, and mandatory disqualification for at least 12 months.
Repeat Offenders
Repeat offenders face minimum 3-year bans, and courts may impose enhanced penalties for aggravating factors such as high alcohol readings or accident involvement.
Additional Consequences
Along with a driving ban, first-time offenders may also receive 10 penalty points on their driving licence. A drink driving conviction will result in a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences and can affect your job and travel plans.
Defences Our Drunk Driving Attorneys Near Me Explore
Many people assume that a positive breath test means automatic conviction. However, experienced drunk driving attorneys near me know that numerous defences may apply.
Procedural Defences
Every person charged with a criminal offence has the right to check the evidence against them. If the police procedure was not conducted correctly you cannot, by law, be guilty of drink driving.
Our solicitors scrutinise every aspect of how your case was handled, from the initial stop to the breath testing procedure.
Technical Defences
Arguments can be made that the device used to obtain an evidential specimen of breath was malfunctioning in some way. However, this is a complicated area where expert evidence would need to be produced regarding the reliability of the evidential breath machine.
The Hip Flask Defence
This is a defence raised when you have consumed the alcohol after driving the vehicle. This usually occurs when you are not arrested at the time of driving and some time passes during which alcohol is consumed.
We have acted in cases where clients have consumed the alcohol post incident or accident. For example, they have had an accident and drank afterwards whilst waiting for the police. In these cases, we gather expert alcohol back track reports.
Special Reasons Arguments
A ‘special reasons’ argument is something which does not amount to a defence to the charge but if successful can lead to a disqualification being avoided. Examples include spiked drinks, only driving a very short distance, and duress.
The Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course
The ban may be reduced if the driver completes a Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) course.
If offered by the court, completing this course can reduce your disqualification period by up to 25%. Our drunk driving attorneys near me will advise whether you’re likely to be offered this option and how to maximise your chances.
Why Search for Drunk Driving Attorneys Near Me?
When facing drink driving charges, many people search for drunk driving attorneys near me hoping to find local expertise. However, specialist knowledge matters more than proximity.
Nationwide Representation
While based in Rochdale, Scarsdale Solicitors represent clients in all Magistrates’ Courts across England and Wales. Wherever you are, our expert drink driving defence is available.
What Sets Us Apart
When searching for drunk driving attorneys near me, you deserve solicitors who provide:
- Free initial consultation to assess your case honestly
- 24/7 emergency advice for urgent drink driving matters
- High success rate in motoring offence cases
- Over 20 years specialist experience in road traffic law
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Payment plans to suit your circumstances
Yes, it’s worth getting a solicitor for drink driving cases. An experienced drink driving solicitor can help navigate complex legal procedures, identify potential defences, and mitigate the severity of penalties.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged
If you’ve been arrested or charged with drink driving, taking the right steps immediately can make a significant difference to your case outcome.
Seek Legal Advice Immediately
Facing a drink driving charge without expert legal advice is risky. Specialist solicitors bring deep knowledge of drink driving laws and court procedures, helping you understand your rights and options.
Don’t Assume You Must Plead Guilty
In our experience, many people charged with drink driving assume they have to plead guilty. We’re often asked – “How can you plead not guilty if you were over the limit?” It’s quite simple. Every person charged with a criminal offence has the right to check the evidence against them.
Gather Information
Note down everything you remember about the circumstances of your arrest, including times, what you drank, and how the police conducted the breath test procedure.
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 drunk driving attorneys near me.
Led by Shazia Ali – With over 20 years of specialist experience in road traffic law, Shazia brings unparalleled expertise to drink driving cases.
Comprehensive Defence – We examine every detail of your case, from the initial police stop to the breath testing procedure, identifying any grounds for challenge.
Exceptional Hardship Applications – If conviction is unavoidable, we present compelling arguments to minimise your disqualification period.
Transparent Pricing – Fixed fees for straightforward cases, free initial consultations, and flexible payment plans.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Attorneys Near Me Today
Stop searching for drunk driving attorneys near me and contact the specialists. Our expert drink driving solicitors can assess your case and advise on the best course of action, wherever you are in England and Wales.
📞 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.
Don’t face drink driving charges alone. Contact Scarsdale Solicitors today for a free, confidential consultation.
Scarsdale Solicitors: Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future
