Getting caught drink driving in Dublin is a serious matter. It can result in criminal prosecution and disqualification from driving, but it can also have long-term implications in your personal and professional life. It might be your first offence or a re-offence, understanding the legal process and your rights is crucial.
And at this crucial moment, taking professional drink driving solicitors in Dublin on board can be of immense value to how your case is approached, and to the outcome.
The Legal Limit for Drink Driving in Ireland
In Ireland, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) varies by driver type:
Fully licensed drivers: 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
Learner permit holders and professional drivers: 20mg per 100ml of blood
If you are found guilty of exceeding the legal BAC limit, you may face on-the-spot fines, regardless of whether you feel you are safe to drive
What Happens When You’re Pulled Over?
If the Gardaí believe you are drink driving, they can invite you to participate in a roadside breath test. Refusal or inability to do the test is an arrestable offence. You’ll be taken to the Garda station for further testing, which could include:
- A more accurate breathalyser test
- Urine or blood samples, depending on the circumstances
Failure or refusal to provide a sample without lawful excuse is itself an offence and can lead to automatic disqualification and prosecution.
Drinking and Driving Penalties in Dublin
Drink driving penalties in Ireland depend on your level of alcohol, past offences, and whether there was a collision. Some usual penalties are:
1- Disqualification from driving (3 months to 6 years)
2- Fines up to €5,000
3- Imprisonment up to 6 months
4- Criminal record
In most instances, there may be repercussions beyond punishment by law. A conviction for drink driving can impact work (particularly for commercial drivers), insurance rates, travel visas, and personal reputation.
What If It’s Your First Offence?
If you have a first-time drink driving offense and your BAC is just slightly higher than the limit, you could be entitled to a fixed penalty notice—a reduced driving ban and penalty. But even in first offenses, talking to drink driving solicitors in Dublin is highly recommended to protect your rights.
How Can Criminal Solicitors in Dublin Assist?
The experience of being charged with drink driving can be intimidating, yet you do not need to face it alone. Qualified criminal defence lawyers in Dublin can:
- Examine the evidence against you
- Determine if Gardaí acted in accordance with proper procedures when stopping and arresting you
- Challenge the competency of breath, blood, or urine samples
- Advocate on your behalf in court and negotiate for minimum penalties where appropriate
Legal know-how can be particularly valuable if you have several charges, previous convictions, or if your licence is central to your line of work.
Why Fahy Bambury Should Be Your Driving Offence Solicitors?
At Fahy Bambury Solicitors, we can appreciate how daunting it is to be charged with drink driving. Our experienced team of Dublin driving offence solicitors provides professional legal advice, robust court representation, and a pragmatic approach to defend your rights and reputation.
No matter whether you’ve received a summons, been arrested at the roadside, or been contacted by the Gardaí, our criminal law solicitors are prepared to accompany you through each phase of the legal procedure with assurance and concern.
Final Word
Drink driving in Dublin can result in severe penalties—but you don’t have to face them alone. As a client of experienced criminal lawyers in Dublin, you can educate yourself about your rights, reduce consequences, and emerge from the experience with your head held high.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a drink driving offence, call Fahy Bambury Solicitors today for a free consultation with one of our specialised drink driving solicitors.
Also Read: What to do when you receive a summon in Ireland?
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