Drunk in Charge
We have years of experience of successfully defending drunk in charge of a motor vehicle cases. For free initial advice call 0800 999 5535
%
All Cases Success Rate*
*Based on results between Jan 2018 to date.
97% found not guilty or not disqualified
SPECIALIST DRUNK IN CHARGE SOLICITORS
Read About Our Court Victories
From Our Clients
Our specialist team of drunk in charge of a motor vehicle solicitors have years of experience successfully defending drunk in charge cases. Call our team today for free initial advice on 0800 999 5535 or submit your case and we will call you back
Being Drunk in Charge of a Motor Vehicle
In 1925, it became a driving offence to be in charge of a motor propelled vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. The definition of this offence is:
“a person in charge of any motor vehicle on a road or other public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit he is guilty of an offence”
A motorist can unintentionally end up in this position for a number of reasons
- They decide to sleep in their car after a night out
- Obtain belongings from their car
- Have the engine running in their car whilst under the influence of alcohol but with no intention to drive
To prosecute there must be a realistic reason to believe that the person who is under the influence of alcohol has an intention to take control of the vehicle.
Defending a drunk in charge chase
The burden of proof
It is recommended that you get legal advice, as unlike other driving offences, the burden of proof is on the defence to evidence you had no intention to take control of the vehicle.
We have the technical expertise to advise you on all aspects of your case. Areas we will look at include
- Breath/blood/ urine reading (unfitness)
- Rate at which you would have metabolised the alcohol
- That you would not have taken control of the vehicle whilst still unfit
- Accuracy of the reading
- Police technical and procedural errors
- Factual circumstances relating to the offence
- Mitigating circumstances
- Expert evidence
It is important that we review all the evidence, so we can provide you with an honest assessment of your case and if a defence is available, so we can provide you with best possible options available to you.
Sentencing Guidelines
- Fine and/or imprisonment for a maximum of 6 months
- Endorsement of 10 points or disqualification from driving (usually up to 12 months)
FAQs
Should I drive to Court?
Our advice is that anyone who faces the possibility of a period of disqualification, no matter how small, should not drive to Court.
The Police Officer said that if I instruct a Solicitor I can avoid a disqualification, is this true?
I really need my car for my job, will the Court let me keep my licence?
If you are facing a disqualification for accumulating 12 penalty points or more (‘totting up’) or facing a sentence that carries a discretionary disqualification, then it is possible to persuade the Magistrates not to disqualify you. However, if you are to be sentenced for an offence that carries a mandatory disqualification, like driving with excess alcohol for example, then these types of offences carry a mandatory disqualification and the Magistrates have no discretion. In those circumstances you will only avoid a ban if your case is successfully defended after a not guilty plea.
Do you cover cases on Legal Aid?
- Whether you are financially eligible
- Whether it is in the interest of Justice for you to receive Legal Aid for the offence that you are due to appear before the Court for. For almost all road traffic matters you will not be eligible for Legal Aid as for a lot of cases the Sentence is a financial penalty and either penalty points or a disqualification.
Will I have to say anything in Court?
If you are pleading not guilty, you may have to give evidence at your Trial, but you will be guided by Millars Solicitors.
What are my chances, can you give me a percentage?
Will the Police or witnesses be in Court?
If your matter is listed for a Trial, then the witnesses will be in Court as the Court will want to hear what the witnesses have to say.
RELY ON YOUR LICENCE?
DON’T RISK LOSING IT
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About Keep My Driving Licence
Keep My Driving Licence is part of Millars Solicitors who are a specialist firm of road traffic and drink driving solicitors who represent motorists all over the country.
Formed by Carl Millar, Millars Solicitors has adopted his dogged tenacity and exacting technical understanding of motoring law. Before starting Millars Solicitors, Carl has been employed as the Head of Department at some of the most high profile Motoring Law Firms in the country. He is a member of the Society of Motoring Lawyers and has an enviable nationwide reputation for the results he gets for his clients.
Through representing a wide range of people you will find Carl and his team very approachable and never judgemental. Their advice is straightforward and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing all available defences in presenting your case.
If you have been caught drink driving you can contact Carl today on 0800 999 5535 or your can send a confidential email by clicking here. If you need to speak to a drink driving solicitor out of office hours than please call the 24 hour emergency line on 07855 806 119