Brief Description of Offence:
Had been drinking, decided to drive, stopped at the petrol station, fell asleep, staff called the police, police got into my car and was arrested.
Blood Alcohol Level and Reading Type:
Had 2 breathalyser readings at the station - 1st was 86, 2nd was 88.
Mitigating Factors:
Had no previous driving offences, clean driving licence, cooperated with the police, nobody was injured, had no passengers, didn't damage or crash into anything.
Aggravating Factors:
The fact that the police had been knocking on my window and I didn't hear them and unopened beers cans on the passenger side.
Legal Representation at Court?:
I requested a duty solicitor, which did help as it was quite daunting as I didn't know what to expect. Speaking to her made me at ease.
Sentence:
Got 22 months ban, fined approx £600 fine (Fine £371 - Costs £85 - Victim surcharge £148 - total £604). Luckily the judge took the 86 reading instead of 88, which means I'm not considered as a HRO, I'm thankful for that as from my research from this forum, there certain hoops you have to jump through to get your licence back.
Offered the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Course?:
Yes. I wrote an apology to the courts and mentioned I would take the course.
Sentence Comments:
After the court, I was a little numb for about 30 mins, still digesting what just happened. At first, I felt it was too harsh but under the circumstances, I'm lucky as looking back on the night of my arrest, I deserve it. The fact I pleaded guilty and wrote a letter of my remorse helped.