I was over the drink and drive limit, what will happen to me?

Oenter, or whether the prosecution has the evidence necessary to convict you, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. The court will impose a sentence based on the seriousness of the offence, including any factors such as a collision or damage caused, and the amount of alcohol in your breath sample. The maximum sentence for this offence is an unlimited fine and/or six months custody. The court must also impose a disqualification from driving, the length will depend on the facts of the case but the minimum period is 12 months. This can be reduced if you are able to persuade the court to offer you the Drink Drivers Rehabilitation Scheme – this is separate to any sentence, is not mandatory to complete and is paid for separately to any financial penalties imposed by the court. Following completion of the course your disqualification from driving can be reduced by 25%.

Whilst you are entitled to a reduction in your sentence for a guilty plea, this does not apply to any driving disqualification. In particular circumstances, the court may consider that there are special reasons not to disqualify you, for example that you drove in a genuine emergency. Not feeling drunk is not sufficient, nor is the hardship a disqualification would cause to you. If you wish to explore this further, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. You can contact a solicitor and confirm whether you are eligible for Legal Aid, or seek advice from the duty solicitor at court.