Drink Driving Charges in London: How a Solicitor Can Help
Navigating the Legal Consequences of a Momentary Mistake
Being stopped and charged with drink driving can be a frightening experience. In many cases, it’s a first-time offence—one that happens after a lapse in judgement, rather than a pattern of criminal behaviour. But the penalties are serious and immediate, ranging from driving bans to fines, and even imprisonment in more severe cases.
At Nelson Guest & Partners, we specialise in defending clients facing motoring offences, including drink driving charges across London and the South East. In this blog, we explain the legal process, your rights, and how a solicitor can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What Is Drink Driving Under UK Law?
Drink driving offences are governed by the Road Traffic Act 1988, which sets legal limits for alcohol in the bloodstream. You can be charged if:
- You are found to be over the legal limit while driving or attempting to drive.
- You refuse to provide a breath, blood or urine sample when lawfully requested.
- You are deemed to be “in charge” of a vehicle while over the limit.
The current legal limits in England and Wales are:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood
- 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of urine
Penalties vary depending on the specific offence and whether it’s your first, but can include:
- A minimum 12-month driving disqualification
- Up to 6 months’ imprisonment
- Unlimited fines
- Criminal record and increased insurance costs
What Happens After You’re Stopped for Drink Driving?
If you’re stopped by police and fail a roadside breathalyser test, you’ll typically be taken to a police station for a more accurate reading. You may then be charged and required to attend a Magistrates’ Court.
This is where early legal advice becomes vital. A specialist criminal defence solicitor can:
- Check whether police followed correct procedure
- Assess the reliability of breathalyser or blood test results
- Examine CCTV or bodycam footage for inconsistencies
- Represent you at your first court hearing and throughout the process
For individuals who require discreet and private legal handling—particularly if your role or career would be severely affected—you may wish to explore our Private Client Service.
Possible Defence Strategies
Not all drink driving charges are straightforward. At Nelson Guest & Partners, we explore every available option, including:
- Procedural error – e.g. the police did not explain your rights or mishandled the test
- Post-driving alcohol consumption – where alcohol was consumed after driving, not before
- Duress or medical conditions – in rare cases, special circumstances may justify your actions
- Contesting “being in charge” – if you weren’t driving, or had no intention to drive, the case may be challenged
We’ve successfully represented many clients in similar cases. For examples of outcomes we’ve secured, visit our case examples.
Why Legal Representation Makes a Difference
Even if you plan to plead guilty, having a solicitor can help significantly reduce the severity of your sentence. We can present strong mitigation to the court—including clean driving records, character references, and evidence of rehabilitation—to help protect your livelihood and licence.
Our team also supports individuals whose charges may result in career implications or press scrutiny, especially in regulated professions.
Explore our full range of services for criminal defence cases, from driving offences to more serious allegations.
Charged with Drink Driving in London? We’re Here to Help
A conviction for drink driving can change your life—but with the right legal support, you can minimise the damage and move forward. Contact Nelson Guest & Partners to speak with a solicitor who specialises in motoring offences and understands how to protect your best interests.