As the party season approaches, those who value their driving licenses need to be ever mindful not to drink and drive, says Ruth Edwards, Head of the Criminal Litigation team at Thursfields.
What most people fail to realise is that, while you are being perfectly responsible in not drinking and driving on the actual night of the office Christmas party, or that lovely dinner party with your best customers, if you have over-indulged the night before, you could still be over the limit the next morning.
There are no hard and fast rules as to what you can safely drink and what you cannot - we are all different and all have unique dispersal rates for alcohol from our bodies.
If you are found to be “over the limit” then you will be charged with an offence and have to attend the Magistrates’ Court. There are very few defences available in relation to this type of offence.
If convicted of driving with excess alcohol the Court has no choice but to disqualify you for a minimum period of twelve months. There are some ways to avoid a disqualification but these are complicated legal arguments before the Court and rely heavily on previously decided case law but it can be done.
For details and advice on these and related matters, contact Ruth Edwards on 01905 730450.