We are often asked whether it is possible to argue Exceptional Hardship if you are charged with drink driving.

 

Sadly, this is not the case.

 

If you are charged with drink driving, and plead guilty without any Special Reasons, the court will have to disqualify you for a minimum of 12 months.

 

This is the case even if such a ban means you will lose your job, lose your home, be unable to see your children, or suffer any other hardship.

 

The court may have great sympathy for your situation, but they do not have the power to waive the disqualification penalty or replace it with an alternative penalty.

 

When convicted for drink driving, you will be disqualified immediately.  You will not be able to drive home from court.

 

This is why it is so important to make sure that you discover any drink driving defences that may in fact protect your licence.

 

Do You Have A Drink Driving Defence?

 

Drink Driving Defences can include:

 

• Incorrect procedure followed by police officers
• Inadmissible evidence
• Post-driving alcohol consumption
• Medical conditions
• Incorrect storage and treatment of your evidential sample

 

When Can I Argue Exceptional Hardship?

 

Exceptional Hardship is available to avoid a ban in cases of totting up, where you will reach or exceed 12 penalty points and are at risk of a 6 month ban.  In these cases, successfully arguing Exceptional Hardship can allow you to avoid the ban.

 

If you are at risk of losing your licence, call us now on 01623 397200. 

 

Tags: drink driving defences