Is it worth getting a solicitor for drink driving?

If you get a court summons or are charged with a drink driving related offence by the police you should seek expert legal advice from a solicitor as soon as possible. Even if you think you do not have a defence and intend to plead guilty, your solicitor will advise you on many legal aspects.

Can you get a duty solicitor for a driving offence?

The court duty solicitor. The duty solicitor can only deal with imprisonable offences such as drink driving, failing to stop after an accident and dangerous driving. They will not take on most driving offences such as speeding, careless driving and failing to provide driver details.

How long does drink driving criminal record last?

11 years
A drink driving endorsement (DR10) will remain on your licence for a period of 11 years from the date of conviction. Endorsement codes DR40 – DR70 remain on your driving licence for 4 years from the date of offence OR 4 years from the date of conviction where a disqualification was imposed for the offence.

What happens in court for drink driving UK?

If a person is found guilty of drink driving they could be banned from driving, fined or even sent to prison. The sentence depends on the severity of the offence and is decided by a magistrates’ court. The maximum sentence for excess alcohol (drive/ attempt to drive) is an unlimited fine and/or six months’ custody.

Can you get off a drink driving ban?

It is possible to avoid a disqualification when convicted of drink driving if ‘special reasons’ not to endorse or disqualify can be successfully established. Any special reason put forward to the court asking them not to endorse or disqualify must relate directly to the commission of the drink driving offence.

Can I ask for a duty solicitor at court?

You can get your own solicitor or you can ask to speak to the duty solicitor at court who will be able to give you some advice and maybe represent you. You can apply for legal aid to pay for a solicitor at the Magistrates’ Court. For instance, if you are likely to go to prison if found guilty, you will get legal aid.

Do drink driving convictions show on DBS check?

For adults over age 18, the rehabilitation periods for drink driving offences are as follows: Custodial sentence over 48 months – never spent. This conviction will always show up on a DBS check. Fine – 1 year from the date of conviction.