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
We represented a a law student who was charged with two counts of assaulting emergency workers.
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We represented a client in a successful appeal against sentence, following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The Court of Appeal reduced our client’s sentence by 148 days, correcting a long-standing legal oversight. The CCRC referred the case, following our submissions that the lower Court erred in failing to deduct time in prison abroad pending extradition.
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We represented a teenage client who was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
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Client Testimonials
"Harry represented me throughout a lengthy and complex criminal case spanning approximately three years. The matter ultimately concluded with a Not Guilty verdict, and I appreciated the effort and commitment he showed in preparing the case over that period."
"We had serious issues with our local council running over several years. Sarah at GT Stewart was tireless in her effort to resolve our problems, which are now sorted. Until Sarah took up our case, we had hit a brick wall in our dealings with the council, and would recommend her and GT Stewart enormously to anyone who feels they need competent professional assistance."
"Harry Charalambous and his dedicated team, Louise and Harry Pell, provided exceptional representation throughout my case, in which I faced a multitude of serious allegations. From the outset, they meticulously explained my options and guided me through every stage of the process. Their expertise and strategic approach ultimately led to my case being dropped before it even reached trial. During such a challenging and uncertain period, it would have been easy to lose hope. However, their unwavering commitment, support, and determination to prove my innocence gave me the confidence to keep fighting and persevere through one of the most difficult times in my life. What truly sets this team apart is their prompt communication, extensive knowledge, and carefully considered legal strategy, all of which contributed to achieving the best possible outcome. Harry Charalambous is a leading figure in criminal law, and I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone in need of expert legal representation. I am sincerely grateful for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism shown throughout my case. Thank you to the entire team for always being available to address my concerns and answer any questions I had along the way."
“I’ve worked with GT Stewart since 2014 in relation to matters involving my brother. Over that time, I’ve dealt mainly with Rebecca Hill and, more recently, Tahmina Islam. Having that continuity has been invaluable. They know my brother, they know our family and they understand the history of the case, which means we haven’t had to start from scratch every few years. I’ve always found them professional, passionate and easy to deal with. When I’ve needed advice or had concerns, they’ve been available and have taken the time to understand what matters to us. Acting as my brother’s litigation friend comes with a huge responsibility and I have always felt that he has been well represented. The fact that I’ve continued to return to GT Stewart over the last 12 years probably says more than anything else I could write. I trust them to do right by my brother.”
"Ghazala Parveen was thoroughly professional and very supportive throughout the process of our parole application. Her experience meant that a lot of the stress was taken away from us."