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.

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