Mixing alcohol and driving creates a dangerous cocktail of legal and personal consequences. There are several offences with which intoxicated motorists may be charged. What are the most common drink driving charges?
A brief look at some of the most frequently committed drink driving offences:
Driving with Excess Alcohol: This is also known as ‘being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink.’ This offence is charged when an individual is in charge of a vehicle on a road or public place and has excess alcohol. This is proven through a certificate of analysis of breath, blood or urine.
Punishments can include 3 months imprisonment, fines of £2500, 10 penalty points and a possible driving ban.
Driving While Unfit Through Drugs or Alcohol: This charge is also known as “in charge while unfit” and indicates a driven is in charge of a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle’ while unfit due to drug or alcohol consumption.
This charge can result in 6 months imprisonment, fines of £5000 or more, 10 penalty points and a driving ban of at least 1 year. If convicted twice in the past 10 years, this ban may extend to 3 years.
Failing to Provide a Specimen: Authorities require a blood or urine analysis in drink driving cases. Failure to provide a specimen can lead to additional charges of failing to provide a specimen without reasonable excuse.
Refusal to provide a sample can result in 6 months imprisonment, unlimited fine and a driving ban of at least 1 year.
Causing Death by Careless Driving When Under the Influence of Drink: This most severe offense can result in 14 years imprisonment, unlimited fine, driving bans for at least 2 years and a driving test to regain license.
Whatever the charge, seek the advice of a drink driving legal expert immediately to ensure proper representation.
16/11/2015 11:42