Driving Offences
Cheltenham drink driving solicitors
At Pembridge Solicitors, we provide clear and practical legal advice to individuals facing drink driving allegations. We regularly advise clients in Cheltenham, as well as those in Tewkesbury, Gloucester, and across England and Wales who are dealing with police investigations or court proceedings relating to drink driving offences.
Being accused of drink driving can be worrying, particularly if you are unsure what the process involves or how it may affect your licence, employment, or personal circumstances. Our role is to explain the situation clearly, advise you on your options, and guide you through the process calmly and professionally.
Early legal advice is important in drink driving cases, as decisions made at the outset can have a lasting impact on the outcome.
Understanding drink driving offences
Drink driving offences arise when a person is alleged to have driven, attempted to drive, or been in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit. These cases often involve breath, blood, or urine tests carried out by the police.
While drink driving offences are treated seriously by the courts, each case depends on its own facts. Legal advice helps ensure the circumstances of the stop, the testing procedure, and the evidence relied upon are properly considered before any decisions are made.
When you may need drink driving advice
People seek advice at different stages of a drink driving case. This may be after being stopped by the police, following a positive breath test, after being charged, or when preparing for a court hearing.
Even if the evidence appears straightforward, there may still be important issues to consider. Advice can help you understand the likely consequences, whether there are any issues with the procedure followed, and how best to approach your case.
The drink driving process explained
Drink driving cases usually begin with a police stop and roadside breath test. If the test indicates alcohol above the legal limit, further testing is carried out at the police station.
If the police decide to charge you, the case will normally be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court. Your solicitor will explain what the charge means, what evidence the court will consider, and what the next steps are. Understanding the process clearly helps you prepare and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Possible penalties and outcomes
Drink driving penalties can include a driving disqualification, a fine, community penalties, or in some cases a custodial sentence. The length of a disqualification and the level of penalty depend on factors such as alcohol level and previous convictions.
Understanding the possible outcomes early on is important. Your solicitor will explain what penalties may apply in your case and help ensure that any mitigation is presented clearly to the court.
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Clear, confidential advice on drink driving. Speak to an experienced solicitor to understand your options and next steps.
Common questions about drink driving
Will I automatically lose my licence if I am convicted of drink driving?
In most cases, a drink driving conviction results in a driving disqualification. The length of the ban depends on the circumstances of the offence, including the alcohol level recorded.
Legal advice can help you understand what disqualification is likely and whether there are any options available to reduce the impact.
Can drink driving charges be challenged?
In some cases, yes. Issues can arise around how the police stop was carried out, how testing was conducted, or how evidence is recorded.
A solicitor can review the circumstances of your case and advise whether there are any matters that should be challenged or explored further.
What happens if I plead guilty?
If you plead guilty, the court will move on to sentencing. This may happen on the same day or at a later hearing. The court will consider the offence itself, your personal circumstances, and any relevant information before deciding on a penalty.
Legal advice helps ensure that your circumstances are explained clearly and that any mitigation is properly presented.
Can drink driving affect my job or insurance?
Yes. A drink driving conviction can affect employment, particularly where driving is required, and may increase insurance premiums.
Advice can help you understand the wider impact of a conviction and how best to manage the situation.
Where we serve
We advise clients facing drink driving allegations in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Gloucester, as well as across the wider England and Wales court system. Advice and representation can be provided in person or remotely, depending on the circumstances.
Speak to specialist drink driving solicitors
If you are facing a drink driving allegation and need clear advice, our solicitors are here to help. We provide practical guidance and representation focused on protecting your position and helping you understand your options.
To speak to one of our solicitors, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
How to Find Us
Pembridge Solicitors
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA