DRINK DRIVING SENTENCES

Convicted Driver Insurance
Hello all,

In the early hours on Sunday morning, I stupidly attempted to drive home after a night out causing to crash I hit bollards and traffic lights damaged my vehicle got badly damaged. Lucky no one got injured or hurt at all .

Police turned up and arrested me I fully cooperated with the police- provided a breath sample and reading was 77 at the station I was put in the cell for few hours I was not interviewed at the station

I have been let out under investigation I'm really scared of what’s going to happen next also about not having a job I work in local government and have a Mortgage

I have no previous convictions or offences.
 
Hello all,

In the early hours on Sunday morning, I stupidly attempted to drive home after a night out causing to crash I hit bollards and traffic lights damaged my vehicle got badly damaged. Lucky no one got injured or hurt at all .

Police turned up and arrested me I fully cooperated with the police- provided a breath sample and reading was 77 at the station I was put in the cell for few hours I was not interviewed at the station

I have been let out under investigation I'm really scared of what’s going to happen next also about not having a job I work in local government and have a Mortgage

I have no previous convictions or offences.

Hi 90s,

Sorry to hear about your terrible night. I know exactly how you're feeling. Please do believe me, you will get through it.

I did a similar thing in March. Were you charged at the station then? I was charged the morning after arrest and given a court date on the spot.

Its going to take you time for things to fall into place. Try to be honest as soon as possible with your line manager at work.

My boss, and a couple of close colleagues were fully supportive which I count my blessings for.

I had no previous convictions. Gave a sincere apology in court when I represented myself. I was given 20months ban, but will so a driving rehab course next week for 3 consecutive saturdays to reduce the ban to 15months.


It's been testing to my marriage but 6 months on in a much better place and wife has managed to forgive me but this has taken time.

Good luck,
 
Hi regretfulbadger2021

Thank you for the response much appreciated honestly. I wasn’t charged at the station they couldn’t interview me so released me under investigation not sure if that’s a bad thing? The sergeant there couldn’t get hold of someone apparently.

Furthermore I dont know what to do it’s going to be a hard not driving as where I have moved to there’s hardly public transport.
 
Hi regretfulbadger2021

Thank you for the response much appreciated honestly. I wasn’t charged at the station they couldn’t interview me so released me under investigation not sure if that’s a bad thing? The sergeant there couldn’t get hold of someone apparently.

Furthermore I dont know what to do it’s going to be a hard not driving as where I have moved to there’s hardly public transport.
Thats a really tough one,especially with the cold winter months coming up. Could you get by on a decent road bike? I invested in a cheap one with the waterproofs and have just gotten used to it.
 
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First of all stop worrying (I know, easier said than done, but I've been here twice since 2017.)

You blew 77. You will be charged and you will be banned for between between 12 to 20 months plus a fine and possibly community service.

Let your employer know asap about what has happened and the likely outcome. I to worked for an LA when it happened to me and I fully expected to be sacked. But Drink Driving was not seen as an offence that would preclude me from doing the job and they also said that they could not discipline me for not having a licence as this could be seen as discriminatory towards non drivers. Something to raise with them

Re. the damage to your car and the traffic lights. Most insurance companies will not cover damage caused by drink driving, but it is worth checking your policy. The council may also come after you for repair costs to the bollard and the traffic lights.

All of this will happen after you have gone to court and have pled guilty. With a breath reading of 77, there is no point in pleading not guilty. Get a local lawyer (£300-£400) and make sure they ask the court to give you the opportunity to attend a Drink Driver Awareness course. This will knock 25% off your ban on completion. You shouldn't be an High Risk Offender (HRO) but I'd need to check the limits for that.

Also, if you are a member of a union get them involved. Hopefully they will be able to back up that this was out of character for you.

Sorry if this sounds matter of fact, but there is no way to sugar coat what will likely happen when you are convicted.

The thing is that it will pass and you will get through it.

Another thing to consider is that if you are professionally qualified you may need to inform your Professional body.

You will also find out quickly who your real friends are.

Good luck and don't worry too much. What's done is done, so just deal with the fallout.

Oh, and consider buying an eBike. I live in Scotland where the weather is MUCH worse that what the softies down south complain about and I use it practically every day.
 
First of all stop worrying (I know, easier said than done, but I've been here twice since 2017.)

You blew 77. You will be charged and you will be banned for between between 12 to 20 months plus a fine and possibly community service.

Let your employer know asap about what has happened and the likely outcome. I to worked for an LA when it happened to me and I fully expected to be sacked. But Drink Driving was not seen as an offence that would preclude me from doing the job and they also said that they could not discipline me for not having a licence as this could be seen as discriminatory towards non drivers. Something to raise with them

Re. the damage to your car and the traffic lights. Most insurance companies will not cover damage caused by drink driving, but it is worth checking your policy. The council may also come after you for repair costs to the bollard and the traffic lights.

All of this will happen after you have gone to court and have pled guilty. With a breath reading of 77, there is no point in pleading not guilty. Get a local lawyer (£300-£400) and make sure they ask the court to give you the opportunity to attend a Drink Driver Awareness course. This will knock 25% off your ban on completion. You shouldn't be an High Risk Offender (HRO) but I'd need to check the limits for that.

Also, if you are a member of a union get them involved. Hopefully they will be able to back up that this was out of character for you.

Sorry if this sounds matter of fact, but there is no way to sugar coat what will likely happen when you are convicted.

The thing is that it will pass and you will get through it.

Another thing to consider is that if you are professionally qualified you may need to inform your Professional body.

You will also find out quickly who your real friends are.

Good luck and don't worry too much. What's done is done, so just deal with the fallout.

Oh, and consider buying an eBike. I live in Scotland where the weather is MUCH worse that what the softies down south complain about and I use it practically every day.
I'm pure southern softy and completely agree, ebikes are relaxing and fun when u want them to be and a pretty good workout when u don't. Highly recommend them, I've been back on road nearly 6 months now and still use it a lot.
 
First of all stop worrying (I know, easier said than done, but I've been here twice since 2017.)

You blew 77. You will be charged and you will be banned for between between 12 to 20 months plus a fine and possibly community service.

Let your employer know asap about what has happened and the likely outcome. I to worked for an LA when it happened to me and I fully expected to be sacked. But Drink Driving was not seen as an offence that would preclude me from doing the job and they also said that they could not discipline me for not having a licence as this could be seen as discriminatory towards non drivers. Something to raise with them

Re. the damage to your car and the traffic lights. Most insurance companies will not cover damage caused by drink driving, but it is worth checking your policy. The council may also come after you for repair costs to the bollard and the traffic lights.

All of this will happen after you have gone to court and have pled guilty. With a breath reading of 77, there is no point in pleading not guilty. Get a local lawyer (£300-£400) and make sure they ask the court to give you the opportunity to attend a Drink Driver Awareness course. This will knock 25% off your ban on completion. You shouldn't be an High Risk Offender (HRO) but I'd need to check the limits for that.

Also, if you are a member of a union get them involved. Hopefully they will be able to back up that this was out of character for you.

Sorry if this sounds matter of fact, but there is no way to sugar coat what will likely happen when you are convicted.

The thing is that it will pass and you will get through it.

Another thing to consider is that if you are professionally qualified you may need to inform your Professional body.

You will also find out quickly who your real friends are.

Good luck and don't worry too much. What's done is done, so just deal with the fallout.

Oh, and consider buying an eBike. I live in Scotland where the weather is MUCH worse that what the softies down south complain about and I use it practically every day.
Hi Luna,

Thanks for your message apologies for the late response it’s been a long stressful day dealing with my vehicle as it’s a brand new Mercedes on finance so been trying to see if someone can fix it otherwise I’m going to be in real debt on top of this.

In regards to your message I appreciate the honestly it’s going to be a long stressful time if I get a 20 month ban on top of that not able to get around where I live I might have to invest in one of those EBIKES I will look into that thanks for the recommendation.

I did call one solicitor yesterday and they quoted me £1200 for the support I thought that was kind of a rip off if I’m honest won’t pay that il rather represent myself. I am not sure if you have any recommendations to call for a solicitor if I decide to go down that route.

It’s true what’s done is done now I have to deal with the consequences I just feel right now I’m putting my family through it forking out a lot of money but I will get thorough this I’m glad I found this forum it’s pretty good.
 
I'm pure southern softy and completely agree, ebikes are relaxing and fun when u want them to be and a pretty good workout when u don't. Highly recommend them, I've been back on road nearly 6 months now and still use it a lot.
Do you have any reasonable prices ones you can recommend me? How often do you have to charge it ?
 
I went for a Chinese Fiido M1 (not pro) £750 for a 250w motor, does the job well and will do around 75kms on a charge. There were no issues with importing it, arrived in a few days from their European hub.
 
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Hi Luna,

Thanks for your message apologies for the late response it’s been a long stressful day dealing with my vehicle as it’s a brand new Mercedes on finance so been trying to see if someone can fix it otherwise I’m going to be in real debt on top of this.

In regards to your message I appreciate the honestly it’s going to be a long stressful time if I get a 20 month ban on top of that not able to get around where I live I might have to invest in one of those EBIKES I will look into that thanks for the recommendation.

I did call one solicitor yesterday and they quoted me £1200 for the support I thought that was kind of a rip off if I’m honest won’t pay that il rather represent myself. I am not sure if you have any recommendations to call for a solicitor if I decide to go down that route.

It’s true what’s done is done now I have to deal with the consequences I just feel right now I’m putting my family through it forking out a lot of money but I will get thorough this I’m glad I found this forum it’s pretty good.
Keep your chin up, one day at a time. I found this forum really helped. In my experience, using a duty solicitor at court was helpful and paying for a solicitor would have still resulted in the same outcome. Something to think about but
Obviously each circumstance is different.

I really hope you can sort out your vehicle as easily as possible. The financial fallout can be quite overwhelming.
 
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Thanks a lot I hope it does work out I have just got to get one with it now and wait and see. First thing is try sort out this vehicle
 
Do you have any reasonable prices ones you can recommend me? How often do you have to charge it ?
I live in Scotland and was able to get an interest free loan through Transport for Scotland paid back over 4 years. If you live elsewhere it might be worth exploring that option. My eBike cost about £1300 and after the deposit, costs me about £20 a month.

Re lawyers, stay clear of anyone charging north of £400. You could try the duty solicitor but you might not be able to access them on the day. A solicitor local to the court would also be an option. They are basically pleading on your behalf to try and minimise your sentence and ensure you are given the Awareness course. Even at £400, it sometimes seems money for old rope, but it should give you some peace of mind.
 
In terms of legal support for a well articulated argument and likely the best outcome id go for a direct access barrister who specialises in this sort of thing. I can recommend https://crightonchambers.co.uk. The lady is a lovely "pit bull". She got me the best legal outcome I could get. It was a flat fee no hidden charges and the woman knows what she's doing, check out her website and give her an email. She won't charge you for a conversation https://crightonchambers.co.uk/drink-drug-driving/.

You'll get a ban and have to deal with that im afraid. But getting someone decent on your side to represent you will take away the questions afterwards of "I should have said " I shouldn't have said" etc etc.

Good luck

and if curious I had 2 offences within a matter of weeks . was having a full blown mental break down. Was over 100 on one and 93 on the other. Got 2 year ban, reduced with the course and no community service. Ban ended in August, now just playing the DVLA waiting game.
 
In terms of legal support for a well articulated argument and likely the best outcome id go for a direct access barrister who specialises in this sort of thing. I can recommend https://crightonchambers.co.uk. The lady is a lovely "pit bull". She got me the best legal outcome I could get. It was a flat fee no hidden charges and the woman knows what she's doing, check out her website and give her an email. She won't charge you for a conversation https://crightonchambers.co.uk/drink-drug-driving/.

You'll get a ban and have to deal with that im afraid. But getting someone decent on your side to represent you will take away the questions afterwards of "I should have said " I shouldn't have said" etc etc.

Good luck

and if curious I had 2 offences within a matter of weeks . was having a full blown mental break down. Was over 100 on one and 93 on the other. Got 2 year ban, reduced with the course and no community service. Ban ended in August, now just playing the DVLA waiting game.
Thanks for this advice I am going to contact
Crighton

I have an email today from my insurance stating - reported by Third Party
vehicle collided with our client's traffic lights. Any advice on this as I don’t want to say my car is badly damage as I want to take this to a body shop privately
 
Thanks for this advice I am going to contact
Crighton

I have an email today from my insurance stating - reported by Third Party
vehicle collided with our client's traffic lights. Any advice on this as I don’t want to say my car is badly damage as I want to take this to a body shop privately
There is no reason why you cannot take your car to a body shop ‘privately’….. because your insurance will not pay you out for your car anyway if the accident involved drink driving
 
There is no reason why you cannot take your car to a body shop ‘privately’….. because your insurance will not pay you out for your car anyway if the accident involved drink driving
Thanks

Questions is who contacted the insurance I’m assuming it would be the council not police about the damage to the traffic lights
 
The police will probably notified the council and also supplied them with your insurance details
 
Feel like sharing my story now 2 years has passed and I finally have my license back. It’s been hard for me to accept the depths of my offence and this thread’s layout really makes me be honest about what happened.

Brief Description of Offence:
Had a relapse after a few months abstinence. Had been drinking for a few days and woke up feeing rough so continued to drink whiskey in the morning. Was driving around drinking (cans of whiskey and coke) and stopped at a pub for 2 pints. After leaving the pub I pulled out of a junction (5pm November 2019) and hit the side of a passing car, we both drove off. But an of duty police officer saw the incident and was swiftly picked up by a police car.

Blood Alcohol Level and Reading Type:
Breath- 134 on the roadside
Refused at the station.

Mitigating Factors:
7 year clean driving record, no previous drink driving / criminal convictions. My duty solicitor focused on my sobriety since the event. I dressed smartly and was the only person who did so on the day.

Aggravating Factors:
Driving away from a road traffic accident. The police report said I led them on a chase (Not what they said on the day nor how I saw things, but I didn’t dispute it in court). Driving drunk around rush hour/ end of school pick. Failure to provide at the station.

Legal Representation at Court?:
Yes- Duty Solicitor

Sentence:
12 month disqualification
100 hour Community Order
£175 victim surcharge
Charged with DR30 and AC10

Offered the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Course?:
Yes- had no intention of taking it.

Sentence Comments:
When my punishment was announced someone stood up and said it should have been a minimum of 24 months but the judges said ‘we know but due to previous good character’ they had given a punishment out of the guidelines.
My duty solicitor was shocked and the first thing he said to me was ‘that was a very lucky outcome’. Was the punishment lenient ? Absolutely. But I don’t take it for granted and remain sober, definitely the wake up call I needed.
 
Considering the circumstances you outlined and the magistrates guidelines, The result was amazing. You should have bought a lottery ticket that week!
 
Feel like sharing my story now 2 years has passed and I finally have my license back. It’s been hard for me to accept the depths of my offence and this thread’s layout really makes me be honest about what happened.

Brief Description of Offence:
Had a relapse after a few months abstinence. Had been drinking for a few days and woke up feeing rough so continued to drink whiskey in the morning. Was driving around drinking (cans of whiskey and coke) and stopped at a pub for 2 pints. After leaving the pub I pulled out of a junction (5pm November 2019) and hit the side of a passing car, we both drove off. But an of duty police officer saw the incident and was swiftly picked up by a police car.

Blood Alcohol Level and Reading Type:
Breath- 134 on the roadside
Refused at the station.

Mitigating Factors:
7 year clean driving record, no previous drink driving / criminal convictions. My duty solicitor focused on my sobriety since the event. I dressed smartly and was the only person who did so on the day.

Aggravating Factors:
Driving away from a road traffic accident. The police report said I led them on a chase (Not what they said on the day nor how I saw things, but I didn’t dispute it in court). Driving drunk around rush hour/ end of school pick. Failure to provide at the station.

Legal Representation at Court?:
Yes- Duty Solicitor

Sentence:
12 month disqualification
100 hour Community Order
£175 victim surcharge
Charged with DR30 and AC10

Offered the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Course?:
Yes- had no intention of taking it.

Sentence Comments:
When my punishment was announced someone stood up and said it should have been a minimum of 24 months but the judges said ‘we know but due to previous good character’ they had given a punishment out of the guidelines.
My duty solicitor was shocked and the first thing he said to me was ‘that was a very lucky outcome’. Was the punishment lenient ? Absolutely. But I don’t take it for granted and remain sober, definitely the wake up call I needed.
Well done!!!! Very happy for you.
 
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