If you are prosecuted for driving whilst over the prescribed limit (drink driving) this can have serious consequences for you and your family.
Drink Driving
If this is your first offence you will be banned from driving for a minimum of 12 months up rising to three years in more serious cases. You will also receive a fine rising to a community order or even a prison sentence in certain circumstances.
Expert Motoring Offences Solicitors
At GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, we understand that being charged with a motoring offence can be stressful, disruptive, and carry serious consequences. From speeding and driving without insurance to more serious allegations such as dangerous driving or driving under the influence, our specialist motoring offences team provides expert advice and representation at every stage of the process.
We guide our clients through police investigations, court proceedings, and potential licence or penalty issues, ensuring that all legal options are carefully considered. Our approach combines practical solutions with a strategic focus on protecting your driving record, liberty, and future.
Whether you are facing a single motoring charge or complex, multiple allegations, our solicitors act quickly to provide clear advice, robust representation, and support tailored to your circumstances.
Experienced Motoring Offences Lawyers
Our specialist motoring offences team has extensive experience representing clients facing a wide range of road traffic matters, from speeding, careless or dangerous driving, to more serious allegations such as driving under the influence or driving without insurance. We provide clear advice and representation at every stage, including police investigations, court proceedings, and licence-related matters.
We can help dramatically improve your chances of being found not guilty or avoiding disqualification. Email GT Stewart at roadtraffic@gtstewart.co.uk to speak with a member of our specialist motoring law team, or use our online enquiry form. We will respond at a time and date convenient to you, ensuring that you receive prompt, personalised advice tailored to your case.
Drink Driving
Sentencing in more detail
The court has guidelines available to them when sentencing offences. If you are a first-time offender, and enter a guilty plea at the Magistrates’ Court the offence will fall under one of four categories. Sentencing can range from a Band C fine and 12 months of disqualification at the lower end, to 26 weeks in custody and 36 months of disqualification at the higher end.
However, if you have a previous ‘relevant conviction’ in the preceding 10 years to the current incident, the starting point for a ban is 3 years and can rise to 5 years in more serious instances.
Do you have a defence?
- You were not the driver
- The driving did not take place on a road or public place
- The procedure in taking the sample was not carried out correctly
- The testing equipment was not operating correctly or accurately
- If you were under the limit at the time you were driving (you drank alcohol at home which put you over the limit). This is known as the ‘hip flask’ defence
- Special Reasons (if established, court has discretion not to disqualify you).
Reducing your driving ban
- Your driving ban can be reduced by up to 25% if you agree to attend a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course. You must pay for this course and you must agree to advise the court at the time of your sentence hearing that you want to attend such a course.
Our team of expert motoring solicitors can be contacted at GT Stewart by completing our online enquiry form or by email at roadtraffic@gtstewart.co.uk.
Our Services
At GT Stewart Solicitors, our specialist motoring offences team provides clear, practical advice across the full range of road traffic matters. Whether you are facing a speeding allegation, a drink or drug driving charge, or a more serious offence such as dangerous driving, early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.
We understand that for many clients, their driving licence is essential for work, family responsibilities, and day-to-day life. Allegations can carry penalty points, fines, disqualification, or even imprisonment. Our experienced lawyers will assess the evidence, advise you on your options, and build a strong defence where appropriate.
Below you will find guidance on the most common motoring offences we deal with, together with practical information about the legal process and how we can help protect your licence and your livelihood.
Click below to read detailed advice on each motoring offence.
Parking Fines and Offences
Why Choose GT Stewart?
“We will do all the law permits to keep you on the road”
GT Stewart have a proven track record of success with defending driving offences and know exactly how to prepare an effective defence in order to give you the best chance of winning your case.
Our Expert Lawyers are ready to Help
GT Stewart has established itself as a leading firm in the UK, specialising in both private cases and also Legal Aid work.
Meet some of our Motoring Offences team
Speak to one of our Motoring Offences Solicitors
Our Tenacity Results in Success
GT Stewart Solicitors has secured the dismissal of a Crown Court theft prosecution following a successful application to dismiss based on detailed written legal submissions and oral advocacy challenging whether the prosecution could prove dishonesty and an intention permanently to deprive. Our client, JS, faced a single allegation of theft arising from an unusual incident involving a Traffic Enforcement Officer. The prosecution alleged that JS had committed a theft after taking a mobile phone from the officer during a heated exchange relating to the issue of a parking ticket. The entirety of the incident was captured on body-worn video footage.
By | Oct 28, 2026
We represented a client who appeared before Canterbury Crown Court for his role in the cross-border importation of more than 20 kilograms of high-purity cocaine. Despite the prosecution seeking a substantial increase on the sentencing guideline starting point, the court ultimately imposed a sentence of 6 years and 8 months' imprisonment, significantly below the sentence sought by the prosecution.
By | Oct 22, 2026
Our client was accused of breaching a non molestation order on two separate occasions and using threatening words of behaviour.
By | Oct 02, 2026
Client Testimonials
"I cannot thank Phoebe and Katherine enough for the support, professionalism and understanding they have shown me. They have both been incredibly approachable, helpful and reassuring throughout what has been a difficult and stressful time.I have truly appreciated the time, care and attention they have given me. They have always made me feel listened to, understood and supported. Their kindness, compassion and professionalism have made a real difference, and I am extremely grateful for everything they have done for me.I would wholeheartedly recommend Phoebe and Katherine to anyone looking for a solicitor or barrister who genuinely cares about the people they represent.Thank you both, Phoebe and Katherine, for all your hard work, dedication and support. It has meant more than you know!"
"A special thanks to Mr. Edward Caute, who stepped in as my defense lawyer at the eleventh hour. His ability to quickly understand the matter, provide honest and realistic advice, and clearly explain the likely outcomes ahead of time was exceptional.Mr. Caute is a seasoned, highly skilled, and excellent lawyer whose expertise and professionalism were evident from our first interaction. His calm approach, sound judgment, and unwavering support made a significant difference during a stressful period.Thank you all once again for your outstanding assistance and support"
"Absolutely brilliant solicitor. Handled my case with 100% professionalism, was in contact with me prior to and throughout the case right to the end. Completely made me feel at ease throughout the whole traumatic ordeal. Thank you so very much Myrna."
"Fiona is an amazing calming person with so much empathy understanding and kindness"
"Ruta & Alex - Discontinued my case before it went to court.They have both been so efficient from the start, taking the time to understand the situation and the case. Together they got everything they needed to together to get the CPS to drop the case before court. Great criminal defence solicitors.Thank you both so much for getting my life back again!"