- Home
- Learn About The Law
- Crime and Justice
- Drink Driving
- Will I go to jail for drink driving?
Will I go to jail for drink driving?
While drink driving does not carry a mandatory jail sentence, it can result in imprisonment when the offender has a very high breath test result or if they cause death by careless driving.
Drink driving has vast consequences, not least for the families of those that are killed as a result. Therefore the courts, understandably, are not lenient with offenders and handing out prison sentences.
The punishments
It is important that if you have been caught drink driving you contact a solicitor to ensure you are aware of the legal position and have your legal rights protected.
The punishments handed out by the courts will usually include a minimum 12-month ban from driving alongside a hefty fine, which can be up to £5000.
In addition, an individual can be sentenced to six months in prison if they are a first-time offender, and severely longer for subsequent offences.
Speak to a solicitor
Given the potential penalties for the individual offender and the consequences they could have on their family and job prospects, the individual will want to know the full extent of their rights and options.
Legal advice is therefore essential and a solicitor will be able to assist in advising as to the likely punishment and in making efforts to reduce that punishment by looking at potential mitigating circumstances.
An offender should know that drink driving is a strict liability offence meaning that there is no defence to it. A solicitor will only be able to try to reduce the punishment.
Drink driving is an offence, but that does not mean that if you drink drive you will be punished on these grounds only. You may well commit other offences whilst drink driving such as dangerous driving. This will, of course, increase any punishment you receive.
Anybody who has been caught drink driving and is unaware of their legal rights and options, or the likely result of a court hearing should contact a solicitor.
- Source:
- Tags:
Let the advisors at Contact Law, a service of FindLaw, guide you through the process of hiring a qualified solicitor to meet your specific needs:
- 5,000 solicitors objectively screened
- Secure and private service
- Expertise for your needs
- Contact Law is a service of FindLaw UK
Call 0800 1777 167
Related
Articles
Advice for repeat offenders
Can I appeal a drink driving conviction?
Tips to avoid drink driving
Seven common sense tips to avoid a drink driving conviction.
Drink driving rehabilitation and treatment
Drink driving : THINK!
Drink driving quiz
Drink driving test: overview of breath, blood & urine testing
Failure to provide a roadside breath test sample
What happens if you refuse to give a roadside breath sample.
Failure to provide a test sample
Help and advice for victims of drink driving
How will a drink driving conviction affect my career?
I don’t think I was over the limit - what should I do?
What is the drink driving limit?
Drink driving: limits and penalties
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs
Charged with drink driving - what should I do?
Defences to drink driving
Do I need a solicitor?
Drink driving FAQs
Overview of drink driving law
This article provides an overview of drink driving law in the UK.
Drink driving penalties
Community
-
Landlord is cutting Hot Water at night
16.06.13by P.Plaxine
-
does a full sibling abandoned by mother have legal right to see brother in her care
16.06.13by sarah.marshall
-
A case for vicarious liability
15.06.13by hammer6
-
Crown court procdure UK
14.06.13by needhelp1121
-
Third party debt order
14.06.13by Part18request
-
police assault me and lose hand cuff key.
13.06.13by qerpies
-
Shoplifting yesterday
12.06.13by nakarmara
-
Legal question relating to the sale of a vehicle which was exported
07.06.13by Fishovertime
-
Can my employer make me retire at 62 ?
07.06.13by ozterriers
-
Law on informing DVLA "write off" cat c.
06.06.13by Motorprobs
-
Can my boss find find out about my report?
04.06.13by oswinoswald
-
next of kin
03.06.13by dincky
-
Immigration and Employment Solicitors in UK
03.06.13by back.bencher
-
Article 8 Advise Please!!!
03.06.13by nethu7171
-
house fire
03.06.13by atsimkwe
Blog
- Phone hacking: Jolie stunt double first to sue in US
- Gambling: Paddy Power wins case against Newham Council
- Right to die: Moors murderer Brady in court for right to die
- Prism scandal: Apple follows others to reveal government info requests
- Sexual offences: Sweden joins list of countries to ban sex with animals
- Equality: Campaign launches legal action to keep women represented on money
- Criminal damage: Man in court charged with defacing portrait of the Queen
- NHS: Doctors given chance to legally opt out of league tables
- Abortion: Official reports cites Irish law as a 'key factor' in maternal death
- Divorce law: Ex-wife of oil tycoon wins landmark ruling in Supreme Court
- Criminal law: Rights group warn that UK is losing fight against trafficking
- Legal aid: Leading lawyer cites unfairness as banks claim millions in legal aid
- Legal aid: Family lawyers warn of implosion as system buckles under new rules
- Legal aid: Changes to the law will price out talented candidates
- Defence: UK Government backs legality of GCHQ embroiled in 'spying' row
What to expect when hiring a solicitor
Whether you are already involved in a lawsuit, or just considering getting help with a legal issue, you may have questions about working with a solicitor. Click through to find practical tips on choosing, meeting with, and hiring a solicitor - including information on fee agreements and expenses.