Drug Driving Solicitor – Penalties

One of the most common questions we receive regarding “Drug Driving” is “are there any Drug Driving Loopholes?”

The change in opinion towards Drug Driving Offences plus the introduction of Drug Driving Guidance from the Sentencing Council, (Publishers of Magistrates Sentencing Guidelines) means that you have a far higher chance of being arrested or charged if suspected of driving under the influence of drugs (prescription or otherwise) above the legal threshold.

So now, more than ever, it is critical that you understand what constitutes a drug driving offence, correct police procedure and the legal limits for prescription and non prescription drugs.

If you are unfortunate enough to be faced with a Drug Driving Charge? The penalties you will soon be facing could have life changing effects. From changes in your lifestyle, personal life and worst case loss of freedom.

At Hammond Trotter Solicitors, Drug Driving Specialist; We know just how difficult dealing with circumstances like these can be. So don’t face them alone, contact one of our legal team on 0161 839 5117 from the North or our Manchester office alternatively call 0207 903 5144 from the South for our London office.

What are the Penalties for Drug Drive Offences?

The consequences and severity of the penalty imposed on you will depend on several factors. These range from the type of drug or drugs in your system, mitigating circumstances surrounding the incident and the quality of your drug driving defence in court.

Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drugs DR80

Endorsement code: DR80
Maximum prison sentence: 6 months
Maximum fine: Unlimited
Driving ban: Mandatory
Driving licence penalty points: 3-11

Driving, or being in charge of a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs DR90

Endorsement code: DR90
Maximum prison sentence: 6 months
Maximum fine: unlimited
Driving ban: Mandatory
Driving licence penalty points: 3 -11

Causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink CD50

Endorsement code: CD40
Maximum prison sentence: 14 years
Maximum fine: Unlimited
Driving ban: Mandatory minimum 2 years
Driving licence penalty points: 3 – 11

Causing death by careless driving and then failing to provide a specimen for analysis CD70

Endorsement code: CD70
Maximum prison sentence: 14 years
Maximum fine: Unlimited
Driving ban: Mandatory minimum 2 years
Driving licence penalty points: 3 – 11

Failure to co operate with a preliminary test  DR70

Endorsement code: DR70
Maximum prison sentence: 3 months
Maximum fine: £2,500
Driving ban: Discretionary
Driving licence penalty points: 4

Failing to supply an evidential specimen for analysis when driving or attempting to drive -DR30

Endorsement code: DR30
Maximum prison sentence: 6 months
Maximum fine: Unlimited
Driving ban: Mandatory
Driving licence penalty points: 3 – 11

Failing to supply an evidential specimen for analysis when not driving or attempting to drive DR60

Endorsement code: DR60
Maximum prison sentence: 3 months
Maximum fine: £2,500
Driving ban: Discretionary
Driving licence penalty points: 10

For more information about drug driving loopholes, driving on drugs or help regarding any of the information above, or if you want help defending your licence, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Alternatively, if you wish to get in contact with a member of our team regarding a Drug Driving Solicitor, a possible Drug Driving Loophole or looking to acquire representation, call the numbers below.

Manchester Office: 0161 839 5117

London Office: 0207 903 5144