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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

 

“They put my case forward perfectly, which resulted in me getting the best result possible”

I was very satisfied with the advice received; everything was made very clear. Carl was excellent in sharing information. He put my mind at ease by telling me I could call him about my case, and was available up to 11pm. I was very satisfied with Millars Solicitors. They put my case forward perfectly, w…

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John M

henny@pinkelephantmedia.com
Feb 19, 2018

“They put my case forward perfectly, which resulted in me getting the best result possible”

I was very satisfied with the advice received; everything was made very clear. Carl was excellent in sharing information. He put my mind at ease by telling me I could call him about my case, and was available up to 11pm. I was very satisfied with Millars Solicitors. They put my case forward perfectly, which resulted in me getting the best result possible. Thank you to Carl for his efforts and support with my case.

John M

henny@pinkelephantmedia.com
Feb 19, 2018

“They listened and believed me. They put the case together and got the result we wanted”

I can not thank Millars Scolicators enough Carl and Katy supported me throughout the whole thing . They listened and believed me. They put the case together and got the result we wanted. I would highly recommend Millars Scolicators to anyone there professional from start to finish.
Thank you so much for…

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Wee irish

Michelle7451@googlemail.com
Jun 8, 2019

“They listened and believed me. They put the case together and got the result we wanted”

I can not thank Millars Scolicators enough Carl and Katy supported me throughout the whole thing . They listened and believed me. They put the case together and got the result we wanted. I would highly recommend Millars Scolicators to anyone there professional from start to finish.
Thank you so much for all your help and support throughout my case.

Wee irish

Michelle7451@googlemail.com
Jun 8, 2019

“I had consulted other companies who advised that the only outcome would be that I lose my licence”

I am very satisfied with the advice received. I had consulted other companies who advised that the only outcome would be that I lose my licence. All possible outcomes were explained in detail and every step of the process was explained.I was made aware of all developments in my case throughout the process and …

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ANON

henny@pinkelephantmedia.com
Jul 25, 2019

“I had consulted other companies who advised that the only outcome would be that I lose my licence”

I am very satisfied with the advice received. I had consulted other companies who advised that the only outcome would be that I lose my licence. All possible outcomes were explained in detail and every step of the process was explained.I was made aware of all developments in my case throughout the process and the outcome of the case was the best available outcome possible.

I would absolutely recommend Millars Solicitors to anyone needing advice relating to driving offences.

ANON

henny@pinkelephantmedia.com
Jul 25, 2019

“I am glad I went to Carl as my mind was put at ease”

I am glad I went to Carl as my mind was put at ease. Talked me through everything and how court would be. The barrister was a great help, I pleaded guilty and was looking for the lowest sentence and got this.

CF

connorfreeman-x@live.co.uk
Aug 10, 2019

“I am glad I went to Carl as my mind was put at ease”

I am glad I went to Carl as my mind was put at ease. Talked me through everything and how court would be. The barrister was a great help, I pleaded guilty and was looking for the lowest sentence and got this.

CF

connorfreeman-x@live.co.uk
Aug 10, 2019

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?
This depends on your plea: Yes, if you are pleading not guilty. No, if you are to be sentenced for an offence that carries a mandatory disqualification.

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?
This can be true in a lot of cases, however, if it is your intention to plead guilty to an offence that carries a mandatory period of disqualification, then the Magistrates have no discretion not to impose a period of disqualification.

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?
No. All our cases are on a private paying fixed fee basis. We will tell you what your exact fees will be before you engage us. We cover Courts throughout England and Wales. Only general Criminal Defence Solicitors (not road traffic specialists) based in an area close to where your Court case is, will have a Legal Aid Contract. You may not be eligible for Legal Aid in any event. The two tests for whether you are eligible for Legal Aid are

  1. Whether you are financially eligible
  2. 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?
Once we are instructed by you, we will advise you of the precise Court procedure. If you are pleading guilty to an offence, then you will only have to confirm your name and enter your plea. We will present the mitigation on your behalf.

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?
We would not give a client their chance of success in a percentage. It is a bit of a nonsense to give percentage chances of success. We provide all clients with a comprehensive assessment of their case and we are instructed by the clients with the client knowing that they have been advised whether there are strong grounds or a strong chance of success or a limited chance of succeeding with what their expectations are.

Will the Police or witnesses be in Court?
If you are pleading guilty or if it is your first hearing and you are pleaded not guilty then the witnesses will not 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

 

More From Our Clients

 

First class service

Carl, Paul and Marcus were absolutely excellent. I had a terrible bad-luck case with driving and all three guys were superb from start to finish. Thorough, compassionate and understanding, these guys are out of this world. I can’t thank them enough. Highly recommended.

Richard

Nov 22, 2023

First class service

Carl, Paul and Marcus were absolutely excellent. I had a terrible bad-luck case with driving and all three guys were superb from start to finish. Thorough, compassionate and understanding, these guys are out of this world. I can’t thank them enough. Highly recommended.

Richard

Nov 22, 2023

Driving ban

Very good and reliable service with a very positive outcome from court. would definitely recommend.

Andy

Nov 22, 2023

Driving ban

Very good and reliable service with a very positive outcome from court. would definitely recommend.

Andy

Nov 22, 2023

Supportive and Professional

The lawyers were extremely supportive and professional

ELIABETH AKINGBESOTA

Oct 8, 2023

Supportive and Professional

The lawyers were extremely supportive and professional

ELIABETH AKINGBESOTA

Oct 8, 2023

Speeding court appearance

Following a stressful period of my life and the collapse of my mental health I picked up two speeding tickets in quick succession, which could have lead to the loss of my licence for 6 months. I decided to engage a solicitor to represent me at court and to explain some exceptional circumstances. This fi…

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Rachel H

Oct 8, 2023

Speeding court appearance

Following a stressful period of my life and the collapse of my mental health I picked up two speeding tickets in quick succession, which could have lead to the loss of my licence for 6 months. I decided to engage a solicitor to represent me at court and to explain some exceptional circumstances. This firm were kind, understanding, quick to reply to e-mails or to ring me back and saved my driving licence and my business. Worth every penny. Thank you so much, especially for your kindness.

Rachel H

Oct 8, 2023

Outstanding support through a difficult process

I contacted Carl as I had decided not to try the “get you off” lawyers and wanted to plead guilty. I’m really glad I did as he was super professional and supportive throughout the process – would highly recommend.

Alistair

Oct 8, 2023

Outstanding support through a difficult process

I contacted Carl as I had decided not to try the “get you off” lawyers and wanted to plead guilty. I’m really glad I did as he was super professional and supportive throughout the process – would highly recommend.

Alistair

Oct 8, 2023

Great service!

Millars Solicitors provided an excellent service from start to finish! Paul was careful and extremely thorough when explaining each stage of the case.

Nic

Oct 8, 2023

Great service!

Millars Solicitors provided an excellent service from start to finish! Paul was careful and extremely thorough when explaining each stage of the case.

Nic

Oct 8, 2023

Accumulation of speeding points

I engaged Millars Solicitors when I received a notification of speeding and additionally received a summons for failing to identify the driver of a car who had exceeded the speed limit. Both offences would have given 6 points for each and I was set to receive a 6 month ban. Through Mr Turners advice and…

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Anonymous

Oct 8, 2023

Accumulation of speeding points

I engaged Millars Solicitors when I received a notification of speeding and additionally received a summons for failing to identify the driver of a car who had exceeded the speed limit. Both offences would have given 6 points for each and I was set to receive a 6 month ban. Through Mr Turners advice and strong support from my barrister, I received a 2 week ban and no points added to my license. I believe this was the best outcome available to me. Mr Turner was very knowledgeable in what options were available to me and I felt that the case was handled smoothly and efficiently by Millars.

Anonymous

Oct 8, 2023

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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

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