If you are accused of drink driving in Manchester, it can have serious and long-lasting consequences. A conviction can result in the loss of your driving licence, a criminal record, increased insurance premiums, and, in some cases, imprisonment. At Scarsdale Solicitors, we bring decades of experience in successfully defending drink driving cases across Manchester and Greater Manchester. With a 98% success rate, transparent pricing, and a tailored approach, we aim to protect your rights and minimise the impact on your life.
Understanding Drink Driving Offences in Manchester
Drink driving is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It applies when someone drives, attempts to drive, or is in charge of a motor vehicle while:
- Exceeding the prescribed alcohol limits, or
- Being unfit to drive due to alcohol consumption.
In Manchester, Greater Manchester Police conduct frequent roadside checks and random breath tests, particularly in high-risk zones and during public holidays. Even being in a stationary vehicle with the keys nearby can result in a charge if officers believe you intended to drive.
Scarsdale Solicitors: Full-Service Motoring Defence in Manchester
Our legal team, led by Shazia Ali, specialises in all aspects of road traffic law. Whether you are a first-time offender or have prior convictions, we build a strong legal strategy tailored to your circumstances. We represent clients in:
- Drink Driving and Drug Driving Offences
- Speeding, Red Light, and Mobile Phone Offences
- Driving Without Insurance or While Disqualified
- Dangerous and Careless Driving
- Failing to Stop or Report an Accident
- Totting Up Bans and Exceptional Hardship Applications
- Road Traffic Accident Defence
- Taxi Licensing Issues and Appeals
- Appeals Against Conviction or Sentence
Each case is assessed meticulously to identify procedural errors, technical defences, or mitigating factors that could alter the outcome in your favour.
Drink Driving Penalties in Manchester: What You Risk
The legal consequences of drink driving in Manchester are severe and depend on the nature and seriousness of the offence:
- Being in charge of a vehicle while over the speed limit:
- Up to 3 months imprisonment
- Fine up to £2,500
- Discretionary driving disqualification
- Driving or attempting to drive while over the limit:
- Up to 6 months imprisonment
- Unlimited fine
- Minimum 12-month ban (increased to 3 years if convicted again within 10 years)
- Refusing to provide a breath, blood, or urine specimen:
- Up to 6 months imprisonment
- Unlimited fine
- Minimum 12-month driving ban
- Causing death by careless driving under the influence of alcohol:
- Up to life imprisonment
- Unlimited fine
- Minimum 5-year disqualification
- Extended re-test requirement
These penalties may also be accompanied by community service, probation, or compulsory rehabilitation programmes, depending on the circumstances.
Factors That Can Make Sentencing Worse in Manchester
Aggravating factors that influence sentencing include:
- A high blood alcohol level, far above the legal threshold
- Previous convictions for drink or drug driving
- Speeding or dangerous driving, especially in pedestrian-heavy or residential areas
- Having passengers, particularly children or vulnerable individuals
- Causing property damage, injury, or loss of life
- Driving without a valid licence or insurance
- Failing to cooperate with police, such as refusing to provide a specimen
- Attempting to evade police pursuit or flee the scene
The presence of one or more of these factors can significantly increase the severity of your sentence.
Proven Defences for Manchester Drink Driving Charges
Each case is unique, and at Scarsdale Solicitors, we explore every potential line of defence. Common legal arguments include:
- Faulty or misused breathalyser devices: Calibration or user error can lead to inaccurate results
- Procedural errors by police: Failure to follow PACE or breath-testing protocols
- Post-driving consumption: Alcohol was consumed after the vehicle was parked
- No control or intention to drive: Being in the vehicle does not prove intent
- Spiked drinks: You unknowingly consumed alcohol
- Duress or coercion: You were forced to drive under threat or due to an emergency
We also explore medical defences and issues such as ketosis in diabetic clients that may lead to false readings.
Legal Alcohol Limits for Manchester Drivers
The limits are uniform across England and apply to all drivers in Manchester:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood
- 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of urine
For professional drivers and those operating heavy goods vehicles, courts may apply stricter standards in practice, especially during sentencing.
How Long Will a Driving Conviction Stay on My Record in Manchester?
- A drink driving conviction will remain on your driving record for 11 years, affecting insurance premiums and future penalties
- For most criminal record checks (such as employment DBS checks), the offence becomes “spent” after 5 years for adults (or 2.5 years for individuals under 18), following the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Can You Shorten a Drink Driving Ban in Manchester?
Yes. If you are convicted, the court may offer you the chance to attend a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course (DDRC). Upon successful completion:
- Your disqualification period can be reduced by up to 25%
- You must agree to this at the time of sentencing
- The course must be approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
Will My Insurance Go Up After a Drink Driving Conviction in Manchester?
Yes. A drink-driving conviction will drastically increase your car insurance premiums. Most insurers will:
- Classify you as high-risk, regardless of the specifics of your case
- Either raise premiums significantly or refuse to provide cover altogether
- Maintain this classification for at least 5 years, sometimes longer
You may need to seek out specialist insurers who deal with convicted drivers.
What If I Refuse a Breath, Blood, or Urine Test in Manchester?
Refusing to provide a specimen is a criminal offence under section 7(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. If you refuse without a reasonable excuse:
- You face up to 6 months’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A mandatory disqualification of at least 12 months
- The court may treat your refusal as an admission of guilt, worsening your position
Can a Drink Driving Solicitor Help Me Avoid a Ban in Manchester?
In many cases, yes. Our team can:
- Challenge the admissibility of evidence gathered by police
- Argue “special reasons” (e.g., emergency medical situations, shortness of distance driven)
- Highlight mitigating circumstances that justify a lighter sentence
- Apply for exceptional hardship relief if you risk losing your livelihood
Success depends heavily on early legal intervention and the specific facts of your case.
Can a Solicitor Challenge a Breathalyser or Blood Test Result in Manchester?
Yes. We examine:
- Whether the device used was properly maintained and calibrated
- If the sample was taken within the legal time limit
- Whether officers followed proper procedure under PACE and Code C
- Whether there was any breach of your legal rights
If any part of the chain of evidence is compromised, the results can be challenged or excluded.
Why You Need a Solicitor for a Manchester Drink Driving Case
Attempting to represent yourself in a drink driving case may seem tempting, but the legal complexities and high stakes make it risky. A solicitor can:
- Identify procedural mistakes by the police
- Protect you from unnecessarily harsh penalties
- Ensure you are properly represented in court
- Handle your defence, negotiation, and appeals
Early legal advice can often change the course of your case—and your future.
What Does a Drink Driving Solicitor Do?
At Scarsdale Solicitors, we provide comprehensive legal support:
- Initial consultation and case evaluation
- Analysis of police reports, breath test data, and officer conduct
- Development of a tailored legal defence
- Court representation, including witness cross-examination
- Negotiation with the CPS for reduced charges
- Support with appeals and post-conviction options
- Assistance in enrolling in rehabilitation courses
Drink Driving Solicitor Fees in Manchester
We believe in clarity and fairness:
- Fixed fees available for straightforward matters
- Hourly rates for more complex legal work
- No hidden charges or unexpected costs
- Free initial consultation for all Manchester-based clients
Our pricing ensures that quality legal representation remains accessible.
Why Choose Scarsdale Solicitors for Manchester Drink Driving Defence?
At Scarsdale Solicitors, we not only take care of commercial property, family law and divorce, and immigration, but we also specialize in motoring offenses, and here are the reasons you should let us handle your drink driving defence:
- 98% Success Rate in motoring cases
- Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- Dedicated client support and open communication
- Multilingual service (English, Urdu, Punjabi)
- Fast response time: call back within 30 minutes
- Evening and weekend consultations available
- Representation in Manchester Magistrates’ Court and beyond
- 4.8/5 rating from over 244 verified reviews
Client Reviews & Testimonials
“Honestly, Shazia helped me so much with my case; she took something that stressed me out and made it so simple for me. I honestly can’t thank her enough.”
“I’d just like to thank Shazia and the team for delivering a fantastic outcome today. Around 3 months ago, I was looking at potentially losing my licence…”
“Had a motoring offense, I contacted them, they were very helpful and straightforward and honest, and told me what would happen, walked me through it. Would recommend.”
Contact Scarsdale Solicitors – Manchester Drink Driving Defence Experts
Phone: 0 161 660 6050
Email: info@scarsdalesolicitors.com
Address: Reed House, Unit 1 & Unit 3, 3–4 Hunters Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1YL
Website: www.scarsdalesolicitors.com
Book a Consultation: Book Online
Don’t risk your licence, your livelihood, or your future. Contact Scarsdale Solicitors today for expert drink driving defence in Manchester.
